Decisions, decisions
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Gaithersburg, MD
Decisions, decisions
I hope to buy a 2009 or 2010 Harley-Davidson (assuming I can swing it financially). Does anyone have an opinion as to which of the following would be best?
- Softail Custom
- Road King
- Road King Classic
- Softail Custom
- Road King
- Road King Classic
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,946
Likes: 822
From: Nevada
The word "Best" is a subjective call. It's hard to suggest a bike without knowing more about your riding habits.
If you like to tour or ride two-up, the Road King is the way to go. It has a more comfortable ride than the Softail. It also has saddlebags and a detachable windshield. I prefer the standard Road King oiver the Classic because it has hard locking bags which are also waterproof.
The Softail Custom has a styling advantage in my opinion. You'll have to take a test ride to decide if you like the Softail frame.
If you like to tour or ride two-up, the Road King is the way to go. It has a more comfortable ride than the Softail. It also has saddlebags and a detachable windshield. I prefer the standard Road King oiver the Classic because it has hard locking bags which are also waterproof.
The Softail Custom has a styling advantage in my opinion. You'll have to take a test ride to decide if you like the Softail frame.
Club Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,095
Likes: 4
From: Ponchatoula Louisiana
I rented a Road King this weekend while my Super Glide is in the shop. It is a sweet ride. For long trips or daily commute it is comfortable and amazingly nimble for its size. I prefer the looks of the Classic though.
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Gaithersburg, MD
Thanks for the comments -- keep 'em coming! I attended the York Open House a few years ago and the Softail Custom was the test ride I took. Felt great, and I really like the look of the motorcycle. IMHO, the advantage to the Road King(s) is the extra gallon of fuel and the availability of cruise control. For styling, I like the whitewall tires and leather saddlebags of the Road King Classic, but the locking/waterproof saddlebags on the Road King have made me seriously look at that model as well. Need a test ride, especially since sitting on it feels like I'm leaning forward more than on the Softail.
Riding habits? To date, I've only ridden alone. My wife could be a passenger at some point, and if my current motorcycle hadn't died earlier this year, we'd have probably already taken a few trips. Who knows.
Once I decide, all I have to do is answer the age-old question: how does one buy a $20,000 Harley-Davidson without having to file for divorce?
Riding habits? To date, I've only ridden alone. My wife could be a passenger at some point, and if my current motorcycle hadn't died earlier this year, we'd have probably already taken a few trips. Who knows.
Once I decide, all I have to do is answer the age-old question: how does one buy a $20,000 Harley-Davidson without having to file for divorce?
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,916
Likes: 19
From: Sunshine State
If at all possible rent one once you narrow it down, riding it at your leisure for a day or two will give a better answer than riding around the pond once ..
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Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 30
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From: Phoenix, Arizona
Been riding my 09 RK for a year now and can testify about the excellent ride and handling characteristics. You will not be disappointed if you go RK. But having owned a Dyna, a Streetglide and now the RK, I can also tell you that each bike has qualities that make them appealing. I imagine if money were no object we would all get one of each! Good luck and enjoy the anticipation, then the ride!
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