Softail Deluxe or Road King Classic
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 15,664
Likes: 22
From: st.louis MO
RE: Softail Deluxe or Road King Classic
I had not been on a bike for 25 yrs and was looking at a rkc and heritage classic. I liked the feel of the heritage more than the rkc. only my opinion. have you looked at a heritage. Btw I took the msf and was worth every dollar to me.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,611
Likes: 104
From: Southern Colorado
RE: Softail Deluxe or Road King Classic
You won't go wrong with a Road King Classic! Buy either (or both) a Sundowner Solo Touring and a Sundowner Solo (or Mustang, Corbin..) and new handlebars. Those are the switches most RK owners doto their bikes more often. If you're committed to either one of these bikes don't sweat cleaning the spoked wheels or white walls...once you become familiar with doing itit really isn't that difficultor take up too much time. The Deluxe and RKC are, IMO, the best looking bikes HD makes.
Good Luck.
Good Luck.
Banned
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,532
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
RE: Softail Deluxe or Road King Classic
I ride a RKC now, but had a Heritage Softail for 7 years before that. I rode two up cross country a few times and had no problems. The King is a much better ride, and if you are going to do a lot of long trips it would be better. If it were me, and my wife is only expressing interest right now? I would go with the Softail. You can always do as I did and get another bike later on down the road.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,573
Likes: 0
From: NH
RE: Softail Deluxe or Road King Classic
I loved the Deluxe when it first came out and still do. I was torn between it and RKC. I ended up choosing the classic because for the sameprice as the Deluxe it came with bags, windshield, etc. that I would end up adding onto the Deluxe anyway. I love my ride and have no regrets in buying it.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 267
Likes: 1
From: Delano, TN
RE: Softail Deluxe or Road King Classic
at 44 years of age the road king classic was the first bike that i had ever owned. the best decision i could have made in my opinion. i was debating between the delux also. love the road king classic.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,201
Likes: 1,189
From: Anywhere we stop
RE: Softail Deluxe or Road King Classic
Both are great rides and the Deluxe is a looker, but if your going to do any distance 2-up I would go with the RK. Like others have said; I've seen people trade up to a tourer, but not down.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,823
Likes: 2
From: THE MARITIMES Canada
RE: Softail Deluxe or Road King Classic
The Road King is better for two-up riding....as everyone said. As for the reach on the handlebars, that's an easy fix, just check out www.wild1inc.com
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,958
Likes: 1
From: West Tennessee
RE: Softail Deluxe or Road King Classic
The Deluxe is a gorgeous bike and I definitely wouldn't turn my nose up at a free one but the Road King will be a much better ride.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,728
Likes: 1
From: Olympia, Washington
RE: Softail Deluxe or Road King Classic
Fitting the bike to you isn't that tough. I had a Soft tail, now ride the RKC. One guy's comment about RK Standard is also very logical and another alternative. I would say it all boils down to how much riding you're going to do together vs. solo. If you're two-up all the time (or a lot), then the Ultra Classic might eventually be a better value. If you're going to ride about 50/50 with bride, RKC would work. It's built for Touring.
Can you ride two up on a deluxe--or any soft tail? Yes. I'd say test ride all three and see what feels comfortable. I'd even suggest maybe renting for a day or a weekend and put some miles on them and then make a decision. So much depends on what kind of riding you're going to do and how much of it actually winds up being with both of you.
Can you ride two up on a deluxe--or any soft tail? Yes. I'd say test ride all three and see what feels comfortable. I'd even suggest maybe renting for a day or a weekend and put some miles on them and then make a decision. So much depends on what kind of riding you're going to do and how much of it actually winds up being with both of you.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
RE: Softail Deluxe or Road King Classic
Thanks for all the opinions. Out of the box the Deluxe feels the most comfortable. I'm going to guess that 100% of the riding will be solo until I get my comfort level for 2up; then it will still be 70/30 solo. I would like to be able to take some longer trips myself and the air suspension seems like it would be more comfortable for my older bones.