Heritage vs Deluxe vs RKing??
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
I looked at a RK and went for a test ride, it just didn't do it for me. The salesman then took me for a run on a ST heritage classic, and i purchased the classic that day.
Got mine from Morgan and Wacker in Brisbane.
Love the bike, glad I got the ST, thats for sure.
Got mine from Morgan and Wacker in Brisbane.
Love the bike, glad I got the ST, thats for sure.
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
I've tested the RK and Heritage, and I bought the Heritage. It fits me almost perfectly with respect to height, seat position and handlebar position. It also came with the main features I wanted: a detachable windshield and large saddlebags.
The RK rode and handled wonderfully, but it just didn't feel right. As for the comparative handling of both bikes, while the RK reportedly handles and rides better than the Heritage, I find nothing lacking in either area with my Heritage. I regularly do four hour rides on the interstates as well as a considerable amount of riding around town and I've not regretted my choice.
The RK rode and handled wonderfully, but it just didn't feel right. As for the comparative handling of both bikes, while the RK reportedly handles and rides better than the Heritage, I find nothing lacking in either area with my Heritage. I regularly do four hour rides on the interstates as well as a considerable amount of riding around town and I've not regretted my choice.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 620
Likes: 2
From: NJ
No, not a problem because I don't mind scraping the floorboards every so often. It depends of course on your riding style, but all I can say is that I'm not an agressive rider (a relative term to be sure) and thus I have no issue with ground clearance. On those days when I wake up full of **** and vinegar I usually take out the Sportster.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 17,625
Likes: 1,665
From: Blairsville GA
For most riding situations either will do equally well. If you want to do a bunch of twisties, you'll appreciate the superior suspension and ground clearance of the RK. If saddlebag capacity for trips is important you'll also like the RK. If a low seat height is important, or if you just prefer the look of the ST go with it and adjust your riding style to make up for it's suspension.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 2
From: Novi MI
I have one of each. I like them both very much. The RK has a smoother ride, more storage space. Seat height is higher on the RK. The Heritage feels exactly what it is, a cruiser. I sit lower, lean back, and cruise. Feels more laid back.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 595
Likes: 3
From: Florida
I own an 09 Heritage and rented an 09 RK for a couple days....I am happy I chose the Heritage over the RKC I was looking to buy. I will say that the stock RK is very smooth on the Highway at 80 mph+, but I was not near as comfortable with the seat/handlebar setup as I am with the Heritage. The Heritage is nice because it can be dressed up/down for whatever type of riding. I have never ridden the Deluxe, so no help there. But you can easily make a Heritage look like a Deluxe in about 10 minutes if that floats your boat (with the exception of the handlebars and seat height).
Stage I
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Deluxe or Heritage
we have both a 2003 heritage classic, and 2005 deluxe , each bike has its pros and cons. The deluxe seems to be a bit better balanced then the heritage , both drive great. The Heritage may suit a taller rider. I would suggest you take the time and go to a local harley dealer and rent one of each and ride for 1/2 day or a day. Then you will have a better idea of what each has to offer
OOPS : forgot you said you couldn't rent
OOPS : forgot you said you couldn't rent
Last edited by harleyDean; Sep 10, 2009 at 01:20 PM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Novice
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Tennesse
I ride a 2006 Heritage Classic and my brother in law rides a 2003 RoadKing when we rode from TN. to Sturgis we try each other bike I perfer my softail site more in it he perfer his RK its what you like and what fits the way you ride I ride two up all the time we ride about 10,000 miles a year lot of nice riding in TN. he live in FL. and we go down to see him a few times a year all highway and he come up to see us about the same. It depends on what you like good like and keep the chrome side up.
Make it a RKC or better yet get a Street Glide 