Hello everyone,
I haven’t been on a bike for 6 years. Prior to this break in riding, I have owned a Fat Boy and a Big Dog Mastiff.
I am now in the market for a new bike, not necessarily “new”. I am torn between a newer Delux or a newer touring bike like a Roadking. All my previous riding was bar hopping and short rides.
Looking to tour more on my next bike. My dilemma is I am very drawn to the classic look of a Delux but I know it’s probably not that great for long rides?
Also, I sat on a Roadking the other day and it seemed huge?
Many advice??? I imagine I would grow into a Roadking but then would I feel it is too big just for a short ride?
thanks in advance

 

The new softail frame is a great frame, and can give a great long ride. give it a shot with a good seat and suspension

 

You can make the Delux work with the right seat and accessories. You need to take a long test ride on a newer Delux and see about a seat upgrade to try on your demo ride. Perhaps more than a demo ride see if you can rent the Delux for a day so you can really get the feel for the bike.

 

You can do longer rides on the Deluxe if you add the proper accessories. Any bike you get that feels big will slowly become 2nd nature after riding for a while.

The best advice is to ride several test rides before making a decision.

 

Did you try the Heritage? Basically a Deluxe with more accessories, taller suspension and different bars. All set for touring...vet similar to a Road King but much lighter and leaner.

if the Deluxe is the only one that really grabs you, yes you can tour great on it adding some bags and optionally a detachable shield.

The King will be smoother overall...more like a Cadillac, but the Softails are great for distance too and much smaller/lighter.

 

AWESOME! That’s kinda what I was thinking. You guys confirmed it.
I’ll post some pics when I get one.
Looking at a black Delux right now.

Thanks for all all the comments.

 

I took my heritage deluxe to the 110th it was an 02 only had a 5 sp. it ran great and I had plenty of room in the saddle bags for a weeks worth of clothes. Bought a tour pack at one of the vendors and had extra room. It was a comfortable ride.

 

I tend to disagree with this. I have had touring bikes and the 2011 e glide was ok but the 2014 streetglide sucked for ride quality.
the roadking is not a lowered bike so might be ok.
But the Heritage will beat it hands down for ride.
solo or two up my heritage is the best riding bike i ever had.
if you want it all and can put up with the heritage small saddle bags just do it. No regrets
if you like the deluxe and might put saddlebags and a windshield on, that's the way to go.
if the ride on the deluxe is not quite there a take off shock from a heritage shouldn't be a big deal. It is a little longer, more travel.
i have never met a touring bike that didn't wobble in the corners. The heritage is steady all around.
i pack momma most of the time and we do 500 mile days every weekend.
the only thing the king has over a softail is the full size saddlebags.
just my opinion. Your real life experience may result in a different opinion.

 

I replaced my 2015 Rushmore Street Glide Special with a 2019 Deluxe. With a screen and bags the Deluxe would do everything the glide did with ease. I added cruise to the Deluxe and couldn’t be happier.

 

I replaced my 2015 Road King with a 2018 Heritage and never looked back. Love the Heritage.