Decisions...decisions
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 14,865
Likes: 4
From: Mn.on a lake,well nxt to a lake.
RE: Decisions...decisions
Buy a Softail and a Glide then you will have the best of both worlds,the tail for town/city,short trips and the Glide for long all weather two up riding....
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,583
Likes: 96
From: Eastern North Carolina
RE: Decisions...decisions
Went through this same thing myself. I just sat on both, and the Deluxe won hands-down. Fit like a glove right off the rack. This seemed too easy. So, to complicate my life, I began to doubt myself. [:@] I went down to the dealer and took a Road King Classic out for a nice long test drive. Admittedly, the King had a smoother ride and a self-centering front end. Turned on a dime. But . . . the engine shook like a wet dog at idle - evens out as soon as you begin to ride though. I am no delicate flower fursur, but it gave me a headache.[sm=lol.gif][sm=outcold.gif][sm=lol.gif]I prefer the counterbalanced engine. Also, I wasn't comfortable with the riding position. I would have to lower the suspension (dealer said this would affect the ride), change out the handlebars and probably get a new seat. All this, so the bike would feel more like my . . . Deluxe.
For me, the Deluxefits my body type perfect, has a comfortable ride (maybe I'am not as picky as some), handles well, and I am very confident on it. As it turns out, I did make the right choice for me. Ride them both and see watcha think. And remember, individual results may vary . . .
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 584
Likes: 2
From: Woodstock, GA
RE: Decisions...decisions
ORIGINAL: deker9
Ok so I am looking to get my first bike.
I am totally torn between a Softail Deluxe and Road King.
Everyone says the Softtail is easier to ride and the Road King is more comfortable.
What do you guys think, hopefully some of you have ridden both.
Ok so I am looking to get my first bike.
I am totally torn between a Softail Deluxe and Road King.
Everyone says the Softtail is easier to ride and the Road King is more comfortable.
What do you guys think, hopefully some of you have ridden both.
1) "Everyone says" is total BS. Everyone has an opinion.
2) "Easier to ride?" 5 MPH? 85MPH? Solo? Two up? 500 miles in a day? Too many variables to make such a sweeping statement.
3) It's fine to get input here and many other places but there's no substitute for putting your butt on each bike for an extended period and then buy the one that you fall in love with and that most fits your needs/style.
Good Luck! Ride Safe!
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,787
Likes: 2
From: Just north of Philly!
RE: Decisions...decisions
NO!Don't hop on the bagger bandwagon.In all seriousness,if this is your first bike,I would start on something smaller and ride the **** out of it.Then you can move up to a bigger,nicer bike.There's my 2cents.
In all seriousness,if this is your first bike,I would start on something smaller and ride the **** out of it.Then you can move up to a bigger,nicer bike.There's my 2cents.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,578
Likes: 4
From: Northern California
RE: Decisions...decisions
Excellent analysis here, hope it helps you: https://www.hdforums.com/m_5276/mpag...y_/tm.htm#5304
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,611
Likes: 104
From: Southern Colorado
RE: Decisions...decisions
I found this forum because I had the same question you do...and Irecieved a lot of good advise. Here are a couple of counter-points to some of the comments made here and in other threads.
1. Though it is a 'touring' bikethe Road King is still a bike a newbie can ride and feel safe on. I started this way (asking questions and settling on the RK) and I have not ever regretted by decision.
2. Take a look at some of the pictures and I think you'll find that regardless of type (Dyna, Softie, Tourer) you'll see that a lot of riders change out theirbars, seats, grips, etc....all to make the bike 'fit' the rider and their riding style. This isjust not something unique toowners ofRoad Kings.
3. The RK does shake at idle...part of the reason some people like them...but they do smooth out during acceleration. I just love watching kids in cages gawking at the 'shakin' bike.
IMO, I bet I've seen aheck of a lot more posts here of owners trading intheir Softailsfor Road Kings than the other way.Nothing wrong withany of them...just saying.
Good luck with your search.
1. Though it is a 'touring' bikethe Road King is still a bike a newbie can ride and feel safe on. I started this way (asking questions and settling on the RK) and I have not ever regretted by decision.
2. Take a look at some of the pictures and I think you'll find that regardless of type (Dyna, Softie, Tourer) you'll see that a lot of riders change out theirbars, seats, grips, etc....all to make the bike 'fit' the rider and their riding style. This isjust not something unique toowners ofRoad Kings.
3. The RK does shake at idle...part of the reason some people like them...but they do smooth out during acceleration. I just love watching kids in cages gawking at the 'shakin' bike.
IMO, I bet I've seen aheck of a lot more posts here of owners trading intheir Softailsfor Road Kings than the other way.Nothing wrong withany of them...just saying.
Good luck with your search.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,876
Likes: 3
From: Washington State
RE: Decisions...decisions
Here's my $.02;
I have owned both. I just sold my 06 Deluxe in Dec. after 2 yrs., and bought my 08 RKC in Jan.
In my opinion, and this is just MY opinion, the Deluxe was a great bike and great for the height challenged (like me 5'7"). It was comfortable on short tours and nice around town. I did have to spend $$ on bags, a windshield and a wider seat for the Mrs. I also had to buy pass. boards for her as it comes with pegs. Other things I can't think of, as well.
But one thing a softail can't match, without spending big money on new suspension, is the ride. But it will never match the comfort.I ran out of options, for my wallet, and made the change to the King. I loved my Deluxe, but.......
Since I've bought the King, the wife is happy, and in my opinion is the closest thing to the look of the Deluxe I could find. When stripped down the King is a Blvd. cruiser; when dressed up can be ridden for hours and miles.
Now you can decide what your main objective is;
Are you going to tour, or will you ride it for leisure in the city with an occasional trip?
As for handling, I actually think the RK is as good or better in tight turns and is easier for me at stop lights and slow maneuvers.
Moneywise, buy the one you really want, not the one you think is best for now. Bikes are like boats; you get a 16 ft, then you want an 18 ft. You get the 18 ft, then you want a 20 ft. And so on and so forth.
I bought a Sportster, then the Deluxe, and now on the RKC. All within a 3 yr. span.
The question you have to ask yourself is, "am I going to buy the Deluxe and then trade up later"? For a grand more you get a bike set up and ready to tour, and also easily stripped.Make a few mods to bars or a seat and it's perfect.
Good luck and know whatever your choice is, it's a Harley and you will love it! I know I do
I have owned both. I just sold my 06 Deluxe in Dec. after 2 yrs., and bought my 08 RKC in Jan.
In my opinion, and this is just MY opinion, the Deluxe was a great bike and great for the height challenged (like me 5'7"). It was comfortable on short tours and nice around town. I did have to spend $$ on bags, a windshield and a wider seat for the Mrs. I also had to buy pass. boards for her as it comes with pegs. Other things I can't think of, as well.
But one thing a softail can't match, without spending big money on new suspension, is the ride. But it will never match the comfort.I ran out of options, for my wallet, and made the change to the King. I loved my Deluxe, but.......
Since I've bought the King, the wife is happy, and in my opinion is the closest thing to the look of the Deluxe I could find. When stripped down the King is a Blvd. cruiser; when dressed up can be ridden for hours and miles.
Now you can decide what your main objective is;
Are you going to tour, or will you ride it for leisure in the city with an occasional trip?
As for handling, I actually think the RK is as good or better in tight turns and is easier for me at stop lights and slow maneuvers.
Moneywise, buy the one you really want, not the one you think is best for now. Bikes are like boats; you get a 16 ft, then you want an 18 ft. You get the 18 ft, then you want a 20 ft. And so on and so forth.
I bought a Sportster, then the Deluxe, and now on the RKC. All within a 3 yr. span.
The question you have to ask yourself is, "am I going to buy the Deluxe and then trade up later"? For a grand more you get a bike set up and ready to tour, and also easily stripped.Make a few mods to bars or a seat and it's perfect.
Good luck and know whatever your choice is, it's a Harley and you will love it! I know I do
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 608
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
RE: Decisions...decisions
Personally if I were to buy another bike it'd be a Street Glide or RKC for sure. Plus, you can take the windshield off the RKC and it looks sweet as hell IMO...totally diffrent look. I ride around town with it off. If I'm gonna be on the highway, no way I'd be without a windshied...