heritage classic vs RK vs RK classic
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 9
From: la grange, il (near chicago)
heritage classic vs RK vs RK classic
thinking of maybe swapping my ultra for one of these
couple reasons
- lower seat
- lighter bike
- retro look
- i enjoy riding my daughters sportster a lot buzzing around so i thought these might be a good purchase, like best of both worlds
- cause i can
got an 09 with 50k on it. great on the rode but a bit high and heavy for gravel which in my meanderings i sometimes hit.
but then on the rode, it can't be beat
so just thinking
but wondering the differences, etc., looking for comments
i do know about the better suspension on the RKs. and that they are basiclly the ultra without some of the bling
might be interested in a used bike
couple reasons
- lower seat
- lighter bike
- retro look
- i enjoy riding my daughters sportster a lot buzzing around so i thought these might be a good purchase, like best of both worlds
- cause i can
got an 09 with 50k on it. great on the rode but a bit high and heavy for gravel which in my meanderings i sometimes hit.
but then on the rode, it can't be beat
so just thinking
but wondering the differences, etc., looking for comments
i do know about the better suspension on the RKs. and that they are basiclly the ultra without some of the bling
might be interested in a used bike
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,229
Likes: 10
From: Oklahoma
The RK is a great bike. I bought a used 2009 that was a previous rental with 35,000 miles and put another 20,000 with no problems. I traded it in on a new 2012 and rode it a lot. I started having problems with my shoulder so I traded it in on a softie, big mistake. I rode the Softail for about 18 months but never warmed up to it. Last week I decided it was time to get back on a bagger. I considered the Road King, Street Glide, and the Heritage. I only considered the Heritage because of the .99% financing that was being offered. Anyhow, last Saturday I took a bit of a gamble and bought a 2014 Road King. My gamble was a home run, the 2014 is identical to the 2015. I am really happy to be back on a Road King. Going from a softie to a RK, the first thing I noticed (remembered) is that the RK shakes at idle, as a Harley should. Next was throttle by wire, but it takes about 10 minutes to get used to. It was a good decision for me. Good Luck!
Last edited by mmcbeat; Aug 29, 2014 at 04:47 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 831
Likes: 10
From: Kentucky
After a dealer visit the other day I like the heritage softail over the RK. Just feels better to me with the down in the bike position. I feel like I'm sitting on top of a horse on the RK. I like to sit in a bike not on it. But that's just me and completely irrelevant to how you may feel about it. With my bad back, seating position is a number 1 priority for me. It either works for me or it don't. No knock against the king at all, they are nice rides.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 166
Likes: 31
From: FL
I've ridden all 3 and like all 3. The Heritage is the easiest to ride and looks great. The RK however is more comfortable (with the right bars and seat). Plus if you need or want cruise control, which was a big factor for me, you won't find it on the Heritage. I went with the RKC and except for the locking bags I have no complaints. I like the nostalgic look.
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
HAVE YOU SEEn the New 15'ssss
they now have a Ultra """LOW""" lower seat than the SG or RG (Less than 26'') and has the new HighOutPut motor,, Lights, Lighting frong and rear and other MR mods...
It has me thinking......
they now have a Ultra """LOW""" lower seat than the SG or RG (Less than 26'') and has the new HighOutPut motor,, Lights, Lighting frong and rear and other MR mods...
It has me thinking......
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,016
Likes: 277
From: East Tn Foot of The Dragon
Say it isn't so. You can take care of your thinking, they look great, but the 15's will put a large dent in your pocket book. 15 Heritage or RKC with ABS, 2 tone and security, $21K++ My 11 Heritage looks better to me when I get the itch and go and price a new one.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,832
Likes: 127
From: Coastal Carolina
The RK/RKC is a great bike. It is a touring bike, handles great, but looks like a classic cruiser.
I personally love the look of the Heritage but would never buy one. To get the low-slung softail look, the MoCo had to sacrifice lean angles. They have 8-9 degrees less lean than the Road Kings. (Don't take my word for it. The MoCo puts lean angles on the website.) That's alot. The result is that they do not handle through the twisties very well at all. That does not work with the way I like to ride. If you ride more conservatively through curves, or ride mostly around town, I'm sure the Heritage is fine.
I personally love the look of the Heritage but would never buy one. To get the low-slung softail look, the MoCo had to sacrifice lean angles. They have 8-9 degrees less lean than the Road Kings. (Don't take my word for it. The MoCo puts lean angles on the website.) That's alot. The result is that they do not handle through the twisties very well at all. That does not work with the way I like to ride. If you ride more conservatively through curves, or ride mostly around town, I'm sure the Heritage is fine.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,177
Likes: 62
From: Michigan
I suggest sticking with what you know. You are already accustomed to the tourers so if you want something a little easier to handle I think the Road King would be a great choice for you. I owned a 2009 RKC and it was a great bike and much easier to handle than the ultra Limited that I once owned. I love my softails but the tourers I owned were great bikes too. Good luck with your decision
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 859
Likes: 43
From: Upstate NY
After a dealer visit the other day I like the heritage softail over the RK. Just feels better to me with the down in the bike position. I feel like I'm sitting on top of a horse on the RK. I like to sit in a bike not on it. But that's just me and completely irrelevant to how you may feel about it. With my bad back, seating position is a number 1 priority for me. It either works for me or it don't. No knock against the king at all, they are nice rides.