Going back
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 778
Likes: 4
From: Opposite Side of the Planet
After decades of riding I ended up with a new 2007 Ultra Glide Classic. I figured it was the top of the line for Harleys. Enjoyed it, but found I was actually riding less as I did not ride it unless I went somewhere over 100 miles or more.
Decided to sell the Ultra but didn't know what I wanted. I had owned iron heads, shovels, and EVOs. I had a Fatboy prior to the Ultra. I ran across a 2007 XL1200R (roadster) and decided to try it out. You know?...it was a lot of fun riding it. So, I bought it. No regrets. I traded it in this year for the 2014 48 I have now. Another fun bike to ride around on.
The Sportster takes me back to my youth and what riding was like. I love my Sportster and ride it almost every day. However, if I was to get a bigger bike, I would have to say a Road King would be it. Just for its all around diversity.
Decided to sell the Ultra but didn't know what I wanted. I had owned iron heads, shovels, and EVOs. I had a Fatboy prior to the Ultra. I ran across a 2007 XL1200R (roadster) and decided to try it out. You know?...it was a lot of fun riding it. So, I bought it. No regrets. I traded it in this year for the 2014 48 I have now. Another fun bike to ride around on.
The Sportster takes me back to my youth and what riding was like. I love my Sportster and ride it almost every day. However, if I was to get a bigger bike, I would have to say a Road King would be it. Just for its all around diversity.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 7,855
Likes: 11
From: Oroville,Washington.
Another Touring guy has to slam a Softail, lol. I've owned 2 Tourers, a FXR, a Dyna and 3 Softails. Never bought one because it handled so well in the curves. I do 200 mile/day rides on the weekend & 1 or 2 long trips a year. Anywhere fom 3000 to 5000 miles each. My current FB works for me. Brings me back to the 50s & 60s. I like the stripped down look and though it might seem strange, I like the wind & don't need a radio, GPS, or an ugly fairing. An RK is a nice bike. I've owned one. Just never bonded with it, but I have seen some nice bare bone ones.
Thanks! Since riding my first Harley back in Sept (a new Low Rider), I've been learning the families, models, etc., as I am considering an H-D now (used to ride sportbikes so this is a whole new world), but missed this one.
To the OP's question-
I see a lot of suggestions for a Road King, but isn't that still a fairly large, heavy bike? Doesn't seem like he would be 'going back'. But what about the Switchback? 100 pounds lighter, has detachable screen and bags if he wants to ride around stripped down, but still has the option of adding them for highway or a longer ride. Seems like sort of a "Road King lite" to me (in a good way).
To the OP's question-
I see a lot of suggestions for a Road King, but isn't that still a fairly large, heavy bike? Doesn't seem like he would be 'going back'. But what about the Switchback? 100 pounds lighter, has detachable screen and bags if he wants to ride around stripped down, but still has the option of adding them for highway or a longer ride. Seems like sort of a "Road King lite" to me (in a good way).
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,561
Likes: 187
From: Florida
OP, I hope whatever model you decide to go with that you're happy with it. At least we learned if you want to be a "serious road runner", you'll have to go with a RK. That's not an opnion, its "simply a fact". Ride that 800+lb RK with its high center of gravity because its easy to handle in town. "Simply a fact", not an opinon. To paraphrase a famous bike builder "Riding a Touring Model is like riding a woman with a fat azz. It might be comfortable, but I wouldn't want anyone to see me doing it."
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 727
Likes: 31
From: Fenton, MO
OP, I hope whatever model you decide to go with that you're happy with it. At least we learned if you want to be a "serious road runner", you'll have to go with a RK. That's not an opnion, its "simply a fact". Ride that 800+lb RK with its high center of gravity because its easy to handle in town. "Simply a fact", not an opinon. To paraphrase a famous bike builder "Riding a Touring Model is like riding a woman with a fat azz. It might be comfortable, but I wouldn't want anyone to see me doing it."
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,863
Likes: 55
From: Sedalia,Missouri
Before my Harley's I had a Honda Valkyrie Tourer for 10 years. I had wanted a Wide Glide really bad because I loved the look. After trading the Valk for a new Wide Glide I discovered several things. I guess I'm getting old, first thing was I must have bags.Other than no bags I'm enjoying the bike around town and on country blacktop roads. The second big negative and what caused me to trade the bike after 7,000 miles. I took a 2,000 mile road trip and just didn't care for the ride. So now I'm thinking I'll go all out and trade for an Ultra Classic. After getting the Ultra and riding it for a while I decide it's really more bike than I need as a solo rider. I decided I wasn't going to take another beating trading so I start taking things off of it. After making some changes the bike felt pretty good to me. After riding since 1974 this is my first and only bike with a fairing. I'm still on the fence when it comes to a fairing. Looking back I probably would have saved myself a lot of money if I would have just traded my Valk for a Road King. I've got 32,000 miles on the Ultra and will probably keep it at least a couple more years. I think a King could be in my future.
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 22,861
Likes: 17,917
From: Lafayette, Louisiana
Not slamming a softail. Pointing out the obvious. They are street bikes. Not up to the kind of performance serious road runners want in a motor. My Deluxe was a beautiful scoot,set up for street fighting,or solo,or touring,it was just adequate. Not capable of running hard in the mountain roads up here,and lacking the comfort of a touring chassis,with 2 up,and a load of gear. I didn't make the observations on a whim,they are simply the facts,based on actually owning the model............................................a A Road King's size belies it's nimble low speed handling,and it's downright superior performance on the open road.Not to mention,everything is quick detachable. This guy is talking about a bad back,and going back to a back breaker (softail) in answer to a "nostalgic" calling. Not going to work out well for him. He can get all the wind he wants,sans shield and a ride like a caddy,all in one. The King is called that for a reason.............................
OP
Nobody has mentioned it, but give a Heritage Softail Classic a test ride. It just may surprise you.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Janesville, WI
Road King, 'nuff said. See previous posts. Best of most worlds...not the fastest bike around, but a great all around bike.
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 575
Likes: 4
From: SouthWestern Ontario
An FLHP is as barebones a RoadKing you can get. Add some performance upgrades and you will have a stripped down hotrod that can be transformed into a long range cruiser in minutes with all quick detach gear. Best of both worlds. 
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,983
Likes: 2,144
From: Ohio
Well, I've owned Sportsters, a Road King, two Electraglides, and two Superglides. One an FXD, and the other an FXDC, which I currently own. The absolute best, most comfortable, most fun, do-it-all motorcycle is definitely the Superglide. Hands down.
After owning three baggers, I traded my Road King for a new Super Glide Custom. RK felt like I was sitting on top of something. I hated that. And the riding position was just uncomfortable for me. I absolutely love the FXDC. With forward controls it's the most comfortable bike I've ever owned. At 63 years of age, and a bad back, I can still ride for hours on end in complete comfort. My baggers were never that roomy for me. Been riding since 1968, and lost the joy of riding with the baggers. Now the fun is back with the Super Glide. No windshield for me though, had enough of that, and don't even notice it's gone really.
After owning three baggers, I traded my Road King for a new Super Glide Custom. RK felt like I was sitting on top of something. I hated that. And the riding position was just uncomfortable for me. I absolutely love the FXDC. With forward controls it's the most comfortable bike I've ever owned. At 63 years of age, and a bad back, I can still ride for hours on end in complete comfort. My baggers were never that roomy for me. Been riding since 1968, and lost the joy of riding with the baggers. Now the fun is back with the Super Glide. No windshield for me though, had enough of that, and don't even notice it's gone really.
Last edited by hd4evr2008; Dec 10, 2014 at 02:21 PM.