Future HD owner with comparison question
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,177
Likes: 62
From: Michigan
I don't think there is much of a debate between the heritage and road king since Harley got rid of the shake and break engines in the tourers and replaced them with a modern, higher performing, effiecent, cooler (much less heat coming from the engine/exhaust), more reliable, counterbalanced and rubber mounted Milwaukee 8 engine.
I love the softails because there classic, smooth, and you ride in them not on them but with all the updates to the tourering line and the possible rumored new frames I don't think theres any debate which one is better. I'm in the buying process so I know how crazy it is. Good luck and enjoy the rentals
I love the softails because there classic, smooth, and you ride in them not on them but with all the updates to the tourering line and the possible rumored new frames I don't think theres any debate which one is better. I'm in the buying process so I know how crazy it is. Good luck and enjoy the rentals
Last edited by Tailsfrommycrib; Dec 8, 2016 at 07:55 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,123
Likes: 56
From: California
I had a softball deluxe for about a year. Loved the way it looked and how I sat "in" it rather than on it. But, scraped foot boards and bottomed out all the time, could not take curves well compared to a touring bike. I road with a passenger a lot, but all of this still happened solo. If I had to do it again, I'd have gone with the road king.
I've had 2 touring bikes since the softy and they are way better for me.
I've had 2 touring bikes since the softy and they are way better for me.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,986
Likes: 715
From: NE Philly
Of course they are. So are all of the things that are added to the Street Glide Special. Yet it's offered as a stand-alone model.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 424
Likes: 36
From: El Paso, TX
I had a similar debate when I first bought my RK last year. After trying both out, the RK felt better for me. I did not regret it one bit. Now I have an Ultra Limited and it is a cushy ride. But I still yearn for my RK, kinda like the yearning for the girl back in high school. Only way to find the one that is right for you is as you plan, ride them both extensively. Good luck.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 6,090
Likes: 6,451
From: East TN
My wife's favorite bike is her Heritage, an 09. That said she puts way more miles a year on her Road glide's. The reason is for a long trip the touring frame is more comfortable. The touring frame will also let you take curves at a much higher rate of speed, as it has more lean angle and more stable suspension.
The 17 suspension is a big improvement over the 16 and earlier on the touring bikes. Enough of an improvement that my wife traded her 15 Road Glide for a 17, and I traded for a 17 CVO touring bike.
I also have a 13 CVO road king. A very versatile bike. Rides better and corners better than my wife's heritage. I can set it up for trips with a big windshield, and a luggage rack on the back. Or I strip it down for local rides, a minimal shield or none at all, a solo seat and its a cool looking bike for local stuff.
The 17 suspension is a big improvement over the 16 and earlier on the touring bikes. Enough of an improvement that my wife traded her 15 Road Glide for a 17, and I traded for a 17 CVO touring bike.
I also have a 13 CVO road king. A very versatile bike. Rides better and corners better than my wife's heritage. I can set it up for trips with a big windshield, and a luggage rack on the back. Or I strip it down for local rides, a minimal shield or none at all, a solo seat and its a cool looking bike for local stuff.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 174
Likes: 9
From: Norman, OK
I am not as knowledgable about this so I have to ask what is your intended use for the bike? If you just want something to get you around town then either will serve you fine. Though if you plan on taking it on long rides, then you might consider the RK. Being an owner of a 16 RK, I can tell you it is a very nimble bike, but it is also a heavy SOB.
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