Future HD owner with comparison question
Road Master
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 91
From: Harrisburg, PA
I find it odd there are not rentals. What about Demo bikes? I know when I have taken Demo rides they have let me take the bike for about an hour every time. Maybe go in and explain to them where you are with it. You want to purchase, but don't want to make the wrong choice. That dealer doesn't want to work with you? Find one that will.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 2,726
Likes: 717
From: Pennsyleffinvania
I bought a 2001 Softail Deuce that had less than 10K miles on it last year. I put new tires on it, and had it serviced/inspected by the local HD dealer. Other than a low seat height, nice for me at 28" inseam, I thought the ride quality was poor. It's been replaced by a 2016 Road King. The seat height of the RK was solved by a Mustang RunAround seat, and the ride quality of the RK is far superior to the STail. Just my experience.
I would say that out of the box the RK will give you a more comfortable ride although the Heritage is no slouch. You have to remember that you can do a lot to either bike to change the ride quality of both such as seats, handlebars, foot pegs/foot boards that will put you in different riding positions that may give you more comfort. I have never owned a RK or Heritage but I would think there are more suspension options available for the RK that may allow you to better dial in more comfort.
The other consideration is what type riding do you plan to do. If it is short rides 100 miles or less or all day rides on trips. Not sure of the back injury that you have but I would think that on short rides the discomfort may not come into play as much while on longer rides you may want to pay more attention to the bike set up to accommodate for your injury
The other consideration is what type riding do you plan to do. If it is short rides 100 miles or less or all day rides on trips. Not sure of the back injury that you have but I would think that on short rides the discomfort may not come into play as much while on longer rides you may want to pay more attention to the bike set up to accommodate for your injury
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 362
Likes: 158
From: Tn
As crazy as this sounds, I have 4 discs messed up in my back that causes leg pain to say the least and I found I can ride for longer lengths of time than I can ride in a car. It's about finding the right position on your bike. Oh, and I ride a sporty with mini apes. Good luck.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 1,966
From: Great State of Canada
Thoughts from a fellow "observer".
I'll never part with my Breakout but have been lusting for a RK as a second bike. My considered reason for wanting a RK is,,,, its a RK.
My idea would be to leave the king essentially stock but would budget about $2000.00 in addition to its purchase price to custom tweak (personalize) ride position, suspension, seating and an anti-wobble contraption.
Seriously bro, one of the biggest plus's in owning a HD is the endless ability to customize it. Choose your model based on aesthetics, tradition, personal bias, whatever frivolity you choose. Making it "fit" is just part of the process IMHO and when you're done, you'll be amazed with yourself at the ultimate wizeness of your choice.
I'll never part with my Breakout but have been lusting for a RK as a second bike. My considered reason for wanting a RK is,,,, its a RK.
My idea would be to leave the king essentially stock but would budget about $2000.00 in addition to its purchase price to custom tweak (personalize) ride position, suspension, seating and an anti-wobble contraption.
Seriously bro, one of the biggest plus's in owning a HD is the endless ability to customize it. Choose your model based on aesthetics, tradition, personal bias, whatever frivolity you choose. Making it "fit" is just part of the process IMHO and when you're done, you'll be amazed with yourself at the ultimate wizeness of your choice.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3,427
Likes: 164
From: Home
First thing you need to do is take care of your back pains before doing anything else.
Riding a motorcycle requires 100% of your attention at 100% of the time if you like coming home the same way you left. If you are in chronic pain, then sooner than later you will not see an unmovable object that is in your path.
Here is something else to keep in mind: A touring bike will be heavier than a Softail.
When, not if but when, you get that sudden stabbing pain in your back while waiting at a stoplight, which bike do you want to be lifted off of you?
Riding a motorcycle requires 100% of your attention at 100% of the time if you like coming home the same way you left. If you are in chronic pain, then sooner than later you will not see an unmovable object that is in your path.
Here is something else to keep in mind: A touring bike will be heavier than a Softail.
When, not if but when, you get that sudden stabbing pain in your back while waiting at a stoplight, which bike do you want to be lifted off of you?
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Joe Kucinski
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,565
Likes: 2,015
From: Missouri
I would say that out of the box the RK will give you a more comfortable ride although the Heritage is no slouch. I have never owned a RK or Heritage but I would think there are more suspension options available for the RK that may allow you to better dial in more comfort.
The other consideration is what type riding do you plan to do. If it is short rides 100 miles or less or all day rides on trips. Not sure of the back injury that you have but I would think that on short rides the discomfort may not come into play as much while on longer rides you may want to pay more attention to the bike set up to accommodate for your injury
You have to remember that you can do a lot to either bike to change the ride quality of both such as seats, handlebars, foot pegs/foot boards that will put you in different riding positions that may give you more comfort.
The other consideration is what type riding do you plan to do. If it is short rides 100 miles or less or all day rides on trips. Not sure of the back injury that you have but I would think that on short rides the discomfort may not come into play as much while on longer rides you may want to pay more attention to the bike set up to accommodate for your injury
This right here. Whatever bike you go with, spend the time and money to make it comfortable. It'll be well worth it. Ergonomically correct riding position will make a huge difference. Also, since you're retired, take a day or two and travel to another city with a dealership that does rent bikes
