Road King or Heritage ?
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 276
Likes: 147
From: Alabama
Matt Laidlaw answers some of your questions.
This review is for a 2017 model, but I don't know what year/years your looking at.
I've ridden both. I own a 2017 Heritage Softail Classic that I love.
However, if I were going to do a lot of interstate riding I'd go with a Road King.
A flat on the Road King's tubeless tires are easy to fix on the side of the road while a flat on my Heritage with its tube tires requires a tow to the dealership.
I have a pretty short inseam so the Heritage fits me a little better.
I don't know how tall/big you are, but anyone over 5'5" with a little leg strength should be able to handle a Road King with the stock seat and suspension.
This review is for a 2017 model, but I don't know what year/years your looking at.
I've ridden both. I own a 2017 Heritage Softail Classic that I love.
However, if I were going to do a lot of interstate riding I'd go with a Road King.
A flat on the Road King's tubeless tires are easy to fix on the side of the road while a flat on my Heritage with its tube tires requires a tow to the dealership.
I have a pretty short inseam so the Heritage fits me a little better.
I don't know how tall/big you are, but anyone over 5'5" with a little leg strength should be able to handle a Road King with the stock seat and suspension.
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 22,848
Likes: 17,894
From: Lafayette, Louisiana
Every person that rides a Road King will claim it is the best. Every person that rides a Heritage will claim it's the best.
The 2018 Heritage redesign is a game changer.
Rent one for the weekend and rent the other for the next weekend.
There is a comparison tool on HD's website to compare specs side by side.
The 2018 Heritage redesign is a game changer.
Rent one for the weekend and rent the other for the next weekend.
There is a comparison tool on HD's website to compare specs side by side.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,292
Likes: 2,427
From: Eastern NE
As long as you match your purse, boots and belt...you're good. 
JK, seriously - go drive them & decide. Who are we to size-up a bike for "your" riding enjoyment.
JK, seriously - go drive them & decide. Who are we to size-up a bike for "your" riding enjoyment.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 2,008
Likes: 788
From: Great State of Texas
I like them both, giving up 7" of lean angle on the Heritage is a deal breaker for me. As far as price, the Heritage is the same price as the King, however, Factory Security and ABS are included. To add both on the King is another $1200.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 619
From: North Dakota & Minnesota
OP couple questions to narrow the focus of your request:
You buying new or used?
Like a lot of people have mentioned, the new Softtails are a different animal from the 2000-2017 variety. 1999 and back are an entirely different animal as well.
Road Kings have changed as well
What kind of riding do you do?
Riding solo or two up?
Your size.
Answers to these questions will help you get better answers.
You buying new or used?
Like a lot of people have mentioned, the new Softtails are a different animal from the 2000-2017 variety. 1999 and back are an entirely different animal as well.
Road Kings have changed as well
What kind of riding do you do?
Riding solo or two up?
Your size.
Answers to these questions will help you get better answers.
Last edited by ieatchickens; Apr 21, 2018 at 08:07 AM.