View Poll Results: Which one would you buy?
Voters: 233. You may not vote on this poll
Lets start a war . . .
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
I hear you. I got 99,000 miles on my FXST but its still not a touring bike. Yes you can put bags on it and air ride but it still has a softail frame.
Last edited by soft 02; Dec 14, 2011 at 12:04 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 710
Likes: 7
From: Colorado
My new bike selection this past year came down to the same two models. I ended up going with the RKC because it was just so much more bike for slightly more expense. Here are the good points for each model from my perspective:
Road King Classic:
+ Brembo triple disc brakes
+ overall look; less chopper looking than Heritage w/ mini apes
+ more upright riding position
+ exceptional value for what you get standard
+ air-adjustable rear shocks
+ 50 amp instead of 38 amp electrical system
+ wider rear tire
+ hard leather-wrapped saddlebags won’t sag
+ good at high-speed riding
+ superior 2-up riding
+ cruise control standard
+ better lean angle
+ engine guards standard
+ saddlebag guards standard with integrated design
+ everyone who has ridden both always recommends the Road King
Heritage Softtail Classic:
+ seat that fit me better than the RKC
+ seat is convertible to solo without additional expense
+ 50+lbs lighter
+ counter-balanced engine; less vibration at idle
They are both great bikes. Good luck with your decision.
By the way, my comparison assumes you'll put the security package on the Heritage which will get you the ABS and keyless ignition which comes standard with the RKC.
Road King Classic:
+ Brembo triple disc brakes
+ overall look; less chopper looking than Heritage w/ mini apes
+ more upright riding position
+ exceptional value for what you get standard
+ air-adjustable rear shocks
+ 50 amp instead of 38 amp electrical system
+ wider rear tire
+ hard leather-wrapped saddlebags won’t sag
+ good at high-speed riding
+ superior 2-up riding
+ cruise control standard
+ better lean angle
+ engine guards standard
+ saddlebag guards standard with integrated design
+ everyone who has ridden both always recommends the Road King
Heritage Softtail Classic:
+ seat that fit me better than the RKC
+ seat is convertible to solo without additional expense
+ 50+lbs lighter
+ counter-balanced engine; less vibration at idle
They are both great bikes. Good luck with your decision.
By the way, my comparison assumes you'll put the security package on the Heritage which will get you the ABS and keyless ignition which comes standard with the RKC.
Last edited by Nirvana; Dec 14, 2011 at 12:00 AM.
You already have a softail. The Heritage would not be any different than what you have now. Think about why you want to trade in the first place and you will have your answer. Road King forever!
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: Nova Scotia
I was torn between the two as well. I always love the looks of the heritage. It felt "right" when i sat on one too. But when i found out a Road King standard was basicaly the same price, it was a no brainer! To me, and this is just my opinion, the Road King is way more bang for the buck. Depending on how tall you are you may want to consider the seat height between the two. I don't mind that its heavy but the fact that the ***** of my feet are just touching the ground can make for some un-nerving situations. I found that the Road King Classic is a hair taller then my standard.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: new york
which one
i traded a 2010 heritage for a 2012 road king. dont get me wrong i loved the heritage,but i wanted cruise control and daul exhuast. nothing compares to the comfort of the heritage. they are both very nice bikes. i would have both if i could. beleave me its a hard choice when you sit on the heritage,you sit in the heritage and on the road king. i decided i was going to do more longer rides and wanted to move into the touring family. it depends on what kind of rideing you are going to do.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,482
Likes: 631
From: NorCal Rocklin
If you want to question your sexuality then get the softail. Conchos, studs, booby tassles, and frills sure make you look like a man.
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Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,583
Likes: 96
From: Eastern North Carolina
As you can tell from my pic I'm a gurly kinda guy and ride a Deluxe so that's a non issue. There's nothing wrong with my ***** but thanks for the inspiration. LoL. 
Last edited by Sleeko; Dec 14, 2011 at 06:58 AM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,508
Likes: 169
From: WPB, FL
Made The Same Choice
I had EXACTLY the same choice to make a couple of years ago! I was torn between a Road King and a Heritage Softail Classic, both in vivid black. For me the biggest difference was the immediate comfort of the Heritage (seat, handlebars) or the "going all the way" with the King knowing that I would need to screw around with seating and bars. I chose the King and have never regretted it!
I have since put on the Heritage style bars, Sundowner seat, adjustable backrest, tourpak with wrap around backrest and passenger grabrails for the wife. She loves the floor boards and comfort of the seating. While I still LOVE the sportiness of the Heritage the Road King has exceeded ALL of my expectations! It's a tough choice to make.
I have since put on the Heritage style bars, Sundowner seat, adjustable backrest, tourpak with wrap around backrest and passenger grabrails for the wife. She loves the floor boards and comfort of the seating. While I still LOVE the sportiness of the Heritage the Road King has exceeded ALL of my expectations! It's a tough choice to make.