I have been riding the Softail for the past two to three weeks, since I have had the Road King disassembled. That Fatboy is quite different than the Road King, stretches you out a bit, your feet/legs and arms. I got back on the Road King yesterday for a spin around the block and wow, I felt cramped! It's like I was more upright, my feet were not as far forward.
It's funny, it just felt really strange at first. I dunno, I think I need to go for a couple of test rides to see how some of the other bikes feel. Been thinking about a Road Glide, 2015 or newer; wonder how that will be.

 

I had the opposite. I had a Softail Heritage and changed for an Ultra Limited. Made 800kms day on the Heritage and on the UL. But the UL is much more comfortable, relaxed and agile than the Softail in my experience. But again, for 'around the church' I would prefer the Softail, while for the long haul I would prefer the UL. I can afford myself only one bike and that is the UL, defenitely. I am 6'3 and 230 lbs, maybe that makes the difference?

 

When I switched from a Heritage to my Streetglide I couldn' t believe how cramped I felt at first. I really miss having my legs stretched out.

 

I had both a RK, and RGU and an ST. The RK and the RGU have almost an exact riders box. There's a huge difference btw the RK and the RGU when riding though..

 

Totally different ride. I agree 100%, when going from the softail custom with extended forwards and wide beach bars, to the ultra classic with floorboards and stock bars. The ultra feels almost cramped up comparatively, although after a few miles I'm used to it. Just 2 completely different setups, both serve a differ purpose I guess.

 

I keep seeing the "how cramped I felt" how many have tried a different seat?
Or have your seat modified to position you correctly on the bike?
I am short so "cramped" is normally not an issue, it's can't reach, all stretched out, or can't flat foot it.

I did and my bike fits me almost like a limited low (it's just right).

 

The big difference for me I guess is leg placement. On the softy, legs are out. On the ultra legs are at 90 unless I use the highway pegs. I guess cramped is the wrong word for me more like crammed.

 

I've owned three different baggers. Two ElectraGlides and a Road King, and I felt cramped on all of them. I didn't realize how comfortable a bike could be until I got a Superglide with forward controls! Most comfortable bike I've ever owned! Much better than any "tourer" I've had. Everybody has different shaped bodies, but a Dyna with forward controls just fits me perfectly.

 

At 5'8", I don't have to worry about feeling cramped on anything. I love my RK - still getting used to it, but so far so good. Loved my SG as well. But as far as "fit" goes, nothing beats my FatBoy. That's why I'll have that bike until I can't ride anymore.

 

Well, I would consider changing the seat, bars and floorboards. Not sure if I will do all of those, maybe just start with the seat.