Heritage vs. Road King
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 1
From: St. Johns, Fl
Heritage vs. Road King
I am looking to trade my Sporty in on either a Heritage Classic or Road King. Just wanted to get some thoughts from everyone as to the Pro's and Con's of both bikes.
Most of my riding is less than 100 hundred miles, but am looking to start making some longer trips. I will be riding with the wife on some of the trips. Price seems to be about the same for either bike. I sit flat footed on the Heritage, but on the King I am on my tips. I do feel more stable on the Heritage. I am going to try and ride both bikes over the next week or so. Would like to know everyone thoughts? Thanks
Most of my riding is less than 100 hundred miles, but am looking to start making some longer trips. I will be riding with the wife on some of the trips. Price seems to be about the same for either bike. I sit flat footed on the Heritage, but on the King I am on my tips. I do feel more stable on the Heritage. I am going to try and ride both bikes over the next week or so. Would like to know everyone thoughts? Thanks
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 934
Likes: 3
From: Northern California
Where I live you can rent either model for a day or a weekend. If you are planning on spending the bucks to buy one, I suggest you try each one for a day with your wife on the back and see what's the best for the both of you. It may seem expensive, but it will be a lot less expensive than trading in the new bike at a loss after finding out it wasn't what you really wanted.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,181
Likes: 0
From: Fort Worth, TX
I rode several of each prior to choosing the Road King. I cannot tell you why I chose it over the Heritage, other than when I rode the Road King Classic it just felt right. The prior message is good advice, rent both and try them out prior to buying.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
The best suggestion is to go rent both and decide what works best for you. I started with a Fat Boy and eventually traded it in for my Road King. Both are excellent rides and I could easily recommend either. My preference is for the Road King, it is more comfortable and much better for longer rides. My wife also enjoys the Road King better as well. Just a note don't worry too much about being on your tip toes, the fuel tank on the touring models is bigger and subsequently wider to straddle. You can easily lower the bike to fit you properly. I have the same problem on the standard Road King with mine being lowered by 3/4 of an inch and I can stand just fine.
Good luck and enjoy...
Good luck and enjoy...
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,096
Likes: 1
From: Sycamore, Illinois
You'll have to try them both and compare, but I prefer rideing IN my Heritage vs. rideing ON any of the touring models. I had the opportunity to ride a brand new 08 Ultra for part of a day and granted I was starting to get used to it after a while but I still couldn't wait to get back IN my Heritage. I have the detachable tour pack and passenger boards so momma can ride all day with me.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,918
Likes: 4,688
From: West Texas Sandhills
You'll have to try them both and compare, but I prefer rideing IN my Heritage vs. rideing ON any of the touring models. I had the opportunity to ride a brand new 08 Ultra for part of a day and granted I was starting to get used to it after a while but I still couldn't wait to get back IN my Heritage. I have the detachable tour pack and passenger boards so momma can ride all day with me.
This is why I bought my Heritage over a Road King. I do, however, agree with the above posts as to try to ride both bikes before you buy.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 393
Likes: 0
From: Gaylord Michigan
I have a 2006 heritage. if i were to do it over again , i would have went with a touring bike. but when i got it i didnt think the wife would like riding as much as she does.
you can get alot more comfortable seat for a touring bike than you can a softail
you can get alot more comfortable seat for a touring bike than you can a softail
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,946
Likes: 822
From: Nevada
I'd go for the Road King. Passengers sit high on the Heritage, placing them in the wind blast over the top of the shield. Also, the saddle bag lids on the Heritage sag the moment you leave the showroom. The aftermarket offers a reinforcement kit. (Harley really should fix this problem.)
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,096
Likes: 1
From: Sycamore, Illinois
My wife prefers rideing passenger on the Heritage over the Ultra, don't know about the Road King... she can sit closer to me and snuggle more. True, she does sit higher though. This could be an issue for some and the 09's have a redesigned bag, I don't know if they were improved or not. True the saggy bags system is a must for the Heritage.