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Hello everyone, I'm David and I live in Denver. Been lurking for awhile but this is my first post. I am considering purchasing a Harley but am torn between the two mentioned. I've not been able to find much input online, probably because they are fairly different. I'd appreciate any insight or thoughts any of you may have. Let me explain what I'm looking at and how I intend to use the bike.
I currently have an Aprilia Tuono and would like to add something to my garage that will be better 2up and that I can take on the occassional weekend trips with my wife. However, the bike will mainly be ridden solo(commuting and weekend rides) or on short rides in town with my wife or when I want something more laid back than the Tuono. So I will need a pillion seat and backrest as well as bags on the Low Rider. The Low Rider S I'm looking at is a new 2017 that has been upgraded with Ohlins front and rear, a full Bassani exhaust, tune and some other doodads bringing the price right up to that of a new 2018 Road King Special. I would have to add the passenger seat, backrest and bags to the Low Rider and just the backrest to the Road King. I have ridden both bikes in stock form last year and the upgrades to the Low Rider are exactly what I would want done. I know I would eventually put money in to the Road King for an exhaust and a stage kit or similar at some point as well. The Low Rider appeals to me for the lower weight and because after the travel accessories I wouldn't have to fiddle with anything, but the Road King is more where it needs to be right now and would be better on a longer trip.
So, what are your thoughts, what am I missing or what should I consider given the differences in chassis, set up and engine? Thanks everyone!
your wife will be much happier on the back of the road king. while you probably will like the low rider better, having a happy wife is always a good choice.
We did look at the Heritage Softail but it really doesn't speak to me. From a value/functional standpoint it's a great option since it has everything I want and it can be had in the 114. But I really don't care for how it looks or the studs on the seat and bags. I know aesthetics are subjective but it just does nothing for me at all. And I agree that she would probably be more comfortable on the RK out of the box and if I want to I can work some upgrades later. Hows the updated suspension on the 2018 compared to the 2017 RK I tried?
I had both, first the LR then the RK. Loved the LR and only moved to RK when wife told me how much better the RK ride was for the passenger (after demo ride). If it wasnt for 2-up, Id say its a toss-up. But if passenger comfort for more than short rides is important, then get the RK.
First welcome to the forum. You will find no one here is bias in any way, and certainly no sarcasm is tolerated. That being said, the Low rider is a POS that only small children ride when their Big wheels are in the shop, and only then just the ones without any pride. Real bikers all ride the Road King, the best motorcycle Harley has ever produced.
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First Harley: Road King or Low Rider S?
