Future HD owner with comparison question
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 22,868
Likes: 17,934
From: Lafayette, Louisiana
The most popular place to rent a bike is Eagle Rider, not the dealer.
http://www.eaglerider.com/
Anything else is a matter of opinion and preferences. You might as well be asking what color underwear to wear tomorrow.
Now if you were asking which bike had more power or something else that has a definite answer and measurement, then a truthful answer could be provided.
The Road King vs Heritage debate has been going on for decades. If one was vastly superior to the other, they would not build and sell both.
For 2017, the Road King has the more powerful M8 engine and improved suspension while the Heritage still used the twin cam engine. In 2018, all of the big twin bikes will likely be powered by the M8 engine including the Heritage.
http://www.eaglerider.com/
Anything else is a matter of opinion and preferences. You might as well be asking what color underwear to wear tomorrow.
Now if you were asking which bike had more power or something else that has a definite answer and measurement, then a truthful answer could be provided.
The Road King vs Heritage debate has been going on for decades. If one was vastly superior to the other, they would not build and sell both.
For 2017, the Road King has the more powerful M8 engine and improved suspension while the Heritage still used the twin cam engine. In 2018, all of the big twin bikes will likely be powered by the M8 engine including the Heritage.
Last edited by Prot; Dec 5, 2016 at 07:28 AM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,686
Likes: 4,294
From: Northeast, NJ
I recently test rode a 2017 RK and was really impressed by it. I ride a 2013 Switchback with upgraded suspension, and as far as ride quality, the RK was notably better. I found the RK to be a very easy bike to ride. I think the Softails in general have some of the most restrictive cornering clearance of any of the HD's, while the RK has some of the most generous.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 10,297
Likes: 7,773
From: West Central FL
I'm sure the ride is just fine but personally I don't think the RK offers much in the way of styling and looks. I have a Heritage Classic and even though it's a '93 I'm very pleased with the ride and it looks a lot classier than the RK. Of course that's just my opinion.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,986
Likes: 715
From: NE Philly
I would like to see a Road King Special. Return the leather-clad saddlebags (RKC), plus add a few things like the Daymaker lights, sissybar with luggage rack and make all the optional stuff standard like the Street Glide Special does.
Just a thought.
Just a thought.
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 22,868
Likes: 17,934
From: Lafayette, Louisiana
Originally Posted by baka1969
I would like to see a Road King Special. Return the leather-clad saddlebags (RKC), plus add a few things like the Daymaker lights, sissybar with luggage rack and make all the optional stuff standard like the Street Glide Special does.
Just a thought.
Just a thought.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 87
From: Dallas,Tx
Having owned a Heritage I would still vote for the Road King. I believe the Heritage would feel like your sitting lower in the bike though. Good luck and repost once you decide. Oh and don't forget the pic
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,158
Likes: 788
From: Louisiana
Well I went to eagle riders yesterday just to see what they had. They do have both the bikes I'm interested in. The weather here has been nasty, but hopefully next week it will clear up. I plan on renting both of them, and I will go from there.
Thanks again for the help. I'm sure I will have many more questions in the future.
Thanks again for the help. I'm sure I will have many more questions in the future.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 554
Likes: 23
From: Crawford Co, AR
My 
, I had a "Softail" a few years ago. I had to have it; it was beautiful!
I rode it for most of one season and got rid of it. A few short trips of about 200 miles or more I was shedding tears and pissing blood.
My cousin loved the looks of the ST and thought he had to have one a couple years later. I tried to talk him out of it to no avail. He keep it three months and traded it in on a Touring bike.
Ride them both if at all possible and decide. As someone has said it may be worth finding a dealer near by that will let you test ride them both or rent them for a day.
, I had a "Softail" a few years ago. I had to have it; it was beautiful!I rode it for most of one season and got rid of it. A few short trips of about 200 miles or more I was shedding tears and pissing blood.
My cousin loved the looks of the ST and thought he had to have one a couple years later. I tried to talk him out of it to no avail. He keep it three months and traded it in on a Touring bike.
Ride them both if at all possible and decide. As someone has said it may be worth finding a dealer near by that will let you test ride them both or rent them for a day.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 16,021
Likes: 7,147
From: Sandy Eggo's North County
The "back surgery" horror stoies of old, are just that. With new techniques and tools (cyber knife et al.) the effectiveness in success is far greater. This may be something for your back.
I would choose the RK as it's easy to get a rider backrest combo. That keeps your back straight, allowing longer, more comfortable rides. At least it did for me.
I would choose the RK as it's easy to get a rider backrest combo. That keeps your back straight, allowing longer, more comfortable rides. At least it did for me.