New 18 Road King vs Heritage Classic
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,878
Likes: 164
From: Northern California
New 18 Road King vs Heritage Classic
2018 MY is the first time you could really compare these two bikes.
The Heritage offers the 114 M8 option, Road King does not.
The Heritage has a all new frame with better suspension than the Road King in my opinion.
The Heritage is roughly 100 LBS lighter than the Road King. A huge deal to me.
The Road King provides a little more storage space
The Heritage includes ABS standard, it's optional on the Road King.
Overall; for the first time ever the Heritage is competitive with the Road King as a basic touring motorcycle. In my opinion, the Heritage wins on the strength of the 114 option and because it's 100 LBS lighter. Add to the list that it comes with a better more advanced frame and rear suspension.
Do you guys agree?
The Heritage offers the 114 M8 option, Road King does not.
The Heritage has a all new frame with better suspension than the Road King in my opinion.
The Heritage is roughly 100 LBS lighter than the Road King. A huge deal to me.
The Road King provides a little more storage space
The Heritage includes ABS standard, it's optional on the Road King.
Overall; for the first time ever the Heritage is competitive with the Road King as a basic touring motorcycle. In my opinion, the Heritage wins on the strength of the 114 option and because it's 100 LBS lighter. Add to the list that it comes with a better more advanced frame and rear suspension.
Do you guys agree?
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 760
Likes: 273
From: Olympia, WA
2018 MY is the first time you could really compare these two bikes.
The Heritage offers the 114 M8 option, Road King does not.
The Heritage has a all new frame with better suspension than the Road King in my opinion.
The Heritage is roughly 100 LBS lighter than the Road King. A huge deal to me.
The Road King provides a little more storage space
The Heritage includes ABS standard, it's optional on the Road King.
Overall; for the first time ever the Heritage is competitive with the Road King as a basic touring motorcycle. In my opinion, the Heritage wins on the strength of the 114 option and because it's 100 LBS lighter. Add to the list that it comes with a better more advanced frame and rear suspension.
Do you guys agree?
The Heritage offers the 114 M8 option, Road King does not.
The Heritage has a all new frame with better suspension than the Road King in my opinion.
The Heritage is roughly 100 LBS lighter than the Road King. A huge deal to me.
The Road King provides a little more storage space
The Heritage includes ABS standard, it's optional on the Road King.
Overall; for the first time ever the Heritage is competitive with the Road King as a basic touring motorcycle. In my opinion, the Heritage wins on the strength of the 114 option and because it's 100 LBS lighter. Add to the list that it comes with a better more advanced frame and rear suspension.
Do you guys agree?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,619
Likes: 11,353
From: State of Confusion
traded my 13 Heritage for 2015 RK which was a huge improvement for Touring, then 15 for 17 RK, then just rode 18 Heritage..RK still comes out ahead for Touring IMO
that extra 100lbs keeps it more firmly planted for Touring
Reflexed link ABS with dual front brake rotors advantage cannot be underestimated
Hydraulic clutch less maintenance and chance of a cable breaking
similar pricing = RK greater value..it just feels more solid and substantial for Touring
that being said..the new Heritage is really nice..worlds better than my 13 and closed the gap with the RK for solo Touring but still no way I would choose it over the King for the same $
that extra 100lbs keeps it more firmly planted for Touring
Reflexed link ABS with dual front brake rotors advantage cannot be underestimated
Hydraulic clutch less maintenance and chance of a cable breaking
similar pricing = RK greater value..it just feels more solid and substantial for Touring
that being said..the new Heritage is really nice..worlds better than my 13 and closed the gap with the RK for solo Touring but still no way I would choose it over the King for the same $
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,584
Likes: 520
From: VA
After test riding both I bought the 114 Heritage. In the past I was not a Heritage kind of guy. But with the changes I really like the looks.. The 100 pounds less weight was important to me. As were the terrific new lockable bags. Liking the LED lights, ABS, sharper steering, better suspension and etc. The 114 engine is a bargain in my opinion considering a Stage 1 on these bikes is now over a $1000. The FI mapping seems spot on. The bike runs great and has all the power I will ever need.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,584
Likes: 520
From: VA
LOL. Been raining since I brought it home and any picture taken in the garage will be hard to see.
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Club Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 6,905
Likes: 4,877
From: Midwest
It depends really on other factors IMO. What are you going to do with the bike? Having ridden the new Heritage it definitely is the sportier of the two but for me it was also more cramped in terms of ergos and I would prefer the the Road King on a long trip. The Heritage would be more fun to ride around town
Based on my impressions, the only major things that the Road King has on the Heritage in terms of performance is braking(dual discs) and overall comfort. The Heritage still has that single sloppy disc up front and braking is still a bit squishy. IMO the brakes have not improved over the old model and they should have put duals up front as the sportier spec sheet is going to encourage people to ride harder. That's the only negative I could say about the heritage ride in terms of performance.
Based on my impressions, the only major things that the Road King has on the Heritage in terms of performance is braking(dual discs) and overall comfort. The Heritage still has that single sloppy disc up front and braking is still a bit squishy. IMO the brakes have not improved over the old model and they should have put duals up front as the sportier spec sheet is going to encourage people to ride harder. That's the only negative I could say about the heritage ride in terms of performance.
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Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,878
Likes: 164
From: Northern California
After test riding both I bought the 114 Heritage. In the past I was not a Heritage kind of guy. But with the changes I really like the looks.. The 100 pounds less weight was important to me. As were the terrific new lockable bags. Liking the LED lights, ABS, sharper steering, better suspension and etc. The 114 engine is a bargain in my opinion considering a Stage 1 on these bikes is now over a $1000. The FI mapping seems spot on. The bike runs great and has all the power I will ever need.
As I mentioned, leaning towards the Heritage Classic with the 114. In Twisted Cherry.
I'm also concerned that Harley will change the frame on the touring line in a model year or two. When Harley does that values take a big hit. I'm confident that the new softail frame will be with us for at least 10 years. So will the M8. Not buying as a investment but prefer not to loose anymore than necessary.
I also like how the Heritage looks. Again, appreciate everyone's feedback.
