Ok so I am looking to get my first bike.

I am totally torn between a Softail Deluxe and Road King.

Everyone says the Softtail is easier to ride and the Road King is more comfortable.

What do you guys think, hopefully some of you have ridden both.

 

Oh no, here we go again. Let's choose up sides - those with the touring bikes on the left, the softails on the right.

Now we need a committee to make some rules.

Man, they are both wonderful bikes and they both have their fans. Neither is hard to ride unless you're pretty short and then the Deluxe has a shorter seat height.

The touring bikes (road king) are a touch less stable at very slow parking lot speeds but you get used to it, especially if you take a riding class.

One nice thing about the road king is that you get a windshield and saddle bags - things you may pay dearly for later if you buy a deluxe. That's your call. You might beat that by looking at the deluxe's cousin, the Heritage.

Me, I'd love to have one of each.

 

I have one of each although my Softail is a Heritage which is pretty much the same as a Deluxe. I like them both equally and they're very different. Assuming you can't afford both, sit on each, test ride each, look at each, and decide which one you like better. I will say this, I've been riding the Heritage for a month almost and I've already gotten 4 comments about how great it looks. I don't get any compliments on the RK. The RK has a slightly better ride, it corners better also because the Heritage is lower and the floor boards drag more easily on turns. The Heritage is a better cruiser. The RK is a better long ride bike.

 

Buy a Street Glide, you will love it. I ride it 3x as much as the Fatboy.

 

Pick the one that you are comfortable on.

 

Rent.....
Ride......
Then decide!!
Worth the price!!

 

How much comfort do you need? Is comfort a techical quality measured by an industry standard comfometer? I went for the softail after sitting on a few road kings, the seat, floorboards, and bars were all wrong for me.

 

Rent them over a couple of weekends and see which one is best for you, a little expense but can pay off for a long time.

 

If mother nature visits you once a month go with the Deluxe, otherwise RK

 

If you have never ridden and this is truely your first bike then I think you should start off with something smaller and less expensive. Maybe a used british bike would be a good starting place until you decide if riding is really for you. Anyway, that's my 2 cents for a newbi.