love my heritage !
Renting a Heritage this Weekend
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Tennessee
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 2
From: Novi MI
I have one of each. The RK has a slightly better ride but nothing significant in my opinion. The Heritage seat height is lower than the RK and when I switch bikes after about 30 days the RK seat feels 6" higher. It takes a few days to get used to it again. I have no trouble though and I'm 5'7". I did have to change the handlebars and seat. I think the seat on the '09 is much better than the stock seat that was on the '06. I like both bikes very much. They are a very different riding experience. Testing each to find which one you like the best is the smart thing to do.
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 3
From: Inland Empire, So Cal
I have one of each. The RK has a slightly better ride but nothing significant in my opinion. The Heritage seat height is lower than the RK and when I switch bikes after about 30 days the RK seat feels 6" higher. It takes a few days to get used to it again. I have no trouble though and I'm 5'7". I did have to change the handlebars and seat. I think the seat on the '09 is much better than the stock seat that was on the '06. I like both bikes very much. They are a very different riding experience. Testing each to find which one you like the best is the smart thing to do.
Thanks. Nice to hear from someone who ones both. Glad to know that the quality of ride is comprable. The 09 RK that I tested had the new frame as well, which is significantly wider than previous models according to the dealer. This may have contributed to the fact that I could not flat foot as well. It would have to be lowered at least 1 inch. Can't wait to pick up the Heritage on Sunday. I will post my review and thoughts of the Softy on Sunday night.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 188
Likes: 2
From: Connecticut
It's good that your trying both bikes. I think you'll see that the Heritage is alot more comfortable. Make sure you take the wife. My wife has complained about the passenger pillion about its discomfort after 100 miles or so. I know others guys wives who have also complained and switched to another type seat. Good luck and enjoy the ride.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 50
Likes: 6
From: Peterborough, UK
I have an '05 Heritage and borrowed a RK when my Heritage went in for a service. Enjoyed the extra power and the 6th gear which the '08 RK had, but was disappointed that I expected the ride to be much better - my wife and I both preferred the ride on our Heritage.
I'm a shade under 6' and have to say that I felt a bit cramped on the Road King - it felt like my knees were up under my chin!
This wasn't a long ride - we only did around 40 miles on the Road King, but wouldn't swap our Heritage for it!
Neil
I'm a shade under 6' and have to say that I felt a bit cramped on the Road King - it felt like my knees were up under my chin!
This wasn't a long ride - we only did around 40 miles on the Road King, but wouldn't swap our Heritage for it!
Neil
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 952
Likes: 7
From: Waterford, MI.
Cannot be sure if you will be more comfortable on the softy without pics of your 5'3" 120# wife! Actually, I'm sure you will like the softy and if the heritage does not fit just right give one of the other softy's a try for comfort. I find my Deluxe the most comfortable of the Softails and the Fatboy the least comfortable. They all have their own "fit". Enjoy your ride.
Mark
Mark
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,002
Likes: 86
From: Charlotte Metro
Heritage is a nice bike and I believe you'll enjoy it with your height etc. factored in. I've ridden my friend's Street Glide and some on the forum in IMO accurately describe the difference that you sit in a softail and on a tourer. Good luck and keep us posted 
!
!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,047
Likes: 3
From: Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Of course, I love my Heritage. I wouldn't trade it or sell it. Touring is no problem. The touring models have some advantages for longer trips but for a couple of 1000 mile + trips per year, I'd say you will be very happy with the Heritage.