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Of course the suspension isn't the same. The Heritage is a Softail with a single hidden shock, the Road King has the dual touring bike shocks.
They don't list it on the HD web site, but I think the Heritage has more suspension travel than the RK. Longer suspension travel doesn't always mean a better ride, depends upon the shocks and springs used. But the RK does have 4 degrees more lean angle in the corners. The RK also has more luggage capacity, and an extra gallon of fuel (although slightly worse mileage). The RK has about 100 lbs more capacity.
So the RK is a slight upgrade from the Heritage. Harley is now considering the Heritage a touring bike.
That's my point. You can call a Heritage whatever you like and place it into any model category you like but it is still a Softail.
If you plan on doing a lot of two-up riding and want to make a change then imo do it right and go with an Ultra Limited or Road Glide Ultra (in 2020 called Road Glide Limited). You will both appreciate the larger seat, the luggage capacity, and softer rear suspension.
I've a completely different perspective as you've quite a bit of time and money in your '17 Heritage. Would lose a bundle if you sold or traded it in for another expensive model. I personally think your Heritage is a keeper.
Would suggest looking into an older 2000-2006 TC88 Road King, Road King Classic or Road King Custom as 2nd bike for touring and 2-up rides. Depending on where you live, could find good ones for around $5,000 plus.
If your issue is when two up the passenger (wife) is too close to you? well....the roadking is not gonna fix that - the rider / passenger distances are really not that different amongst the big twins. Honestly you can make the Heritage a very capable bike & like anything it just takes money - personally I think the Heritage is the nicest looking bike HD has, the newer models suspension is a step in the right direction but it has the saddle bag capacity & seat issues.
I personally like the new saddle bags function but hate the volume & cheapness of them, the rider seat/passenger seat seem to be no better than years before actually the passenger seat on the new heritage I think is worse. The Heritage will tour & don't let anyone tell you different - its all in how you outfit the bike, a group of us did a ride to Gatlinburg TN. last year rode the entire area - the tail, foothills parkway, devils triangle, moonshiner...ah you get the idea, My wife & I were on our 15 Heritage, mustang seat with rider backrest, tourpack, progressive RAP422`s, reckless fairing & a few other creature comforts and let me tell ya - we did as many miles as the couples on the E glide, limited, road king & Goldwing & were just as comfortable. Now my wife has a throne for a passenger seat - but so did the others.
the only thing noticeable about the Heritage is when in the twisties the boards would touch down - not all the time but here n there. All I can say is if you gotta make a change then ya gotta make a change but what you have will do just as good a job at whatever you want to do with a little effort put into it, one of the couples rode down with us on an Evo dyna wide glide outfitted decently & they did just fine as well. others were on Vstar 1100, Suzuki boulevard and a few other makes in the mix - all out fitted with upgrades for touring - we all did a week long trip...….. I don't know, I only get so much time to take off from work 1 week or 2 weeks Id still be fine on my Heritage.
The new Softails are night and day better than the old ones. I toured all over the US on 2009 Night Train and currently own an 07 CVO Springer. Other than lack of storage never had an issue taking them on trips. Only went to the RGS when I got married and found out the wife has a definite lack of spatial awareness...LOL If you have the Heritage and your used to it and like it, why change now. As stated your going to add about 2 grand to get the same setup on the SG as you have on the Heritage. Good luck on your decision.
The new Softails are night and day better than the old ones. I toured all over the US on 2009 Night Train and currently own an 07 CVO Springer. Other than lack of storage never had an issue taking them on trips. Only went to the RGS when I got married and found out the wife has a definite lack of spatial awareness...LOL If you have the Heritage and your used to it and like it, why change now. As stated your going to add about 2 grand to get the same setup on the SG as you have on the Heritage. Good luck on your decision.
The last post in this thread was 02/04/2020. I suspect the original poster has long since made his decision.
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