Tourer vs Softail
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 711
Likes: 0
From: Bothell, WA
RE: Tourer vs Softail
Sounds like this is the answer to my question. If the Road King has a superior suspension then why would you want a softail??? The answer: to feel the road. Like the difference between a sports car and a cadilac....... I mean I have seen saddle bag mounts for the Road King that at least claim to make it look good with the bags off. The windsheild is easy to take off and then you have a very impressive looking crusier..... So it is road feel vs Cadiliac ride???? But what about handling?? Are there significant differences??
I can convert my Road King from touring to street bike in less than 1 minute, same as the Heritage. I guarantee after a 500 mile day, you'd be better off on a Road King.
I have ridden my Heritageon many long trips, two up and solo, with no complaints from either me or my passanger. I ride with brothers who ride both RK's and Softails and both bikes click right along with no issues.
Best bet is to test ride both and determine which is right for you, but in MHO, the Heritage is the most versitle HD out there, and one of the best looking!
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 1
From: USA
RE: Tourer vs Softail
If you're serious about touring, you're going to want hard, lockable waterproof bags and a suspension that can be easily adjusted to compensate for passenger and baggage weight. For less $$$ than either the Road King, Fat Boy or Heritage, you can pick up an Electra Glide Standard which not only includes a real suspension system, it includes more instrumentation (speedo, tach, voltmeter), significantly better lean angle, better lighting and cast wheels (tubeless tires). And contrary to what some may say, baggers are very competent every day commuter bikes.
Other than the lack of engine vibration at idle, I don't see a compelling reason to buy a softail.
Other than the lack of engine vibration at idle, I don't see a compelling reason to buy a softail.
Novice
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Tourer vs Softail
I own an '06 Heritage Softail Classic. The bike is great for all the reasons stated above.
Prior to purchasing the bike, I had it narrowed down to the Road King and the Heritage. I made my decision after riding them both.
While on vacation I rented the Heritage. During a later trip to Americade, I signed up to ride the Road King.
At low speeds the vibration is signifigantly different, due to the rigid mount/counter balanced engine(Heritage) vs. the rubber mounted engine(Road King).
The only way to make an informed choice is to ride them.
Prior to purchasing the bike, I had it narrowed down to the Road King and the Heritage. I made my decision after riding them both.
While on vacation I rented the Heritage. During a later trip to Americade, I signed up to ride the Road King.
At low speeds the vibration is signifigantly different, due to the rigid mount/counter balanced engine(Heritage) vs. the rubber mounted engine(Road King).
The only way to make an informed choice is to ride them.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,718
Likes: 11
From: Punta Gorda,FL
RE: Tourer vs Softail
My choice was a Fat Boy, for in town and short trips, if I was looking for a bike for in town and long tripsit would be the Road Glide. My last bike was a touring bike, a Yamaha Venture Royal. It did everything real well. The only thing it lacked was soul. When I bought my Fat Boy I was looking for a bike that was more enjoyable to ride and didn't feel likeI wason an overstuffed convertible.
Tom
Tom
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 512
Likes: 1
From: Arlington, MA
RE: Tourer vs Softail
PlanoRider, I had the same problem. I wanted a fatboy in the worst way. Went to the dealer several times and kept sitting on all the bikes. Got more confused at first but soon found that the Heritage softail classic fit me the best. Couldn't get past the studded saddlebags - eeekkkkk! Then kept looking at the roadking. Got it down to the heritage and the Roadking. Heritage fit me better and doesn't vibrate as much. Since I'm in traffic alot and ride the backroads I finally bought the Heritage. Took a few months to get used to the studded saddlebags but now I couldn't image the bike without them. Enjoy the hunt!
Banned
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 346
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
RE: Tourer vs Softail
I do not like the look of saddlebags on a Fatboy. Especially studded saddlebags. Like someone above said, test drive em both and make a decision. To me, if your gonna be doing any day trips or more, I'd personally go with the RKC. If your gonna be just cruising around town, I'd get the Fatboy. Just don't get the saddlebags....eww...good luck!
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 1
From: USA
RE: Tourer vs Softail
ORIGINAL: tmitchellof PG
...if I was looking for a bike for in town and long tripsit would be the Road Glide.
...if I was looking for a bike for in town and long tripsit would be the Road Glide.
As an added bonus, the radio can be very helpful in heavy traffic - it's amazing how cagers (and other bikers) keep their distance when you have Clay Aiken blasting through a pair of HogTunes.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
RE: Tourer vs Softail
ORIGINAL: TowJam
+1
As an added bonus, the radio can be very helpful in heavy traffic - it's amazing how cagers (and other bikers) keep their distance when you have Clay Aiken blasting through a pair of HogTunes.
ORIGINAL: tmitchellof PG
...if I was looking for a bike for in town and long tripsit would be the Road Glide.
...if I was looking for a bike for in town and long tripsit would be the Road Glide.
As an added bonus, the radio can be very helpful in heavy traffic - it's amazing how cagers (and other bikers) keep their distance when you have Clay Aiken blasting through a pair of HogTunes.
Regards,
Bill