I have lusted after a Fat Boy for years, and am now ready to buy. BUT I also got to looking at the Road King after being told it was a much better bike for two-up riding & longer trips … I test rode both, and while they felt very different, I really liked both of them, and am torn between them.
The Fat Boy felt more nimble & light, but I liked the solid feel of the Road King … I liked the thumpiness of the Road King motor, and the softer exhaust noise too.
If I got the Fat Boy, I'd probably essentially want to turn it into a Heritage - I would consider a Heritage, but just can't get behind the studded furniture …

Since it's my first bike, I don't know quite what sort of riding I will be doing, probably mostly day trips until my kids are older, but I do want one that will be comfortable for me and a companion on longer trips if the opportunity presents itself.
Has anyone owned both bikes, or can speak to the comfort of the Fat Boy on longer trips?

 

Number of options available to you to make the FB more comfy for those long trips. Personally have not owned a RK, but I have a Mustang solo seat with backrest, bags and windshield. You will probably want an engine guard to mount some highway pegs to, etc.

I know Mustang makes a 2 up seat, and there are others out there. I'm happy on long trips, but don't usually do more than 300 miles/day when the wife is following on her bike.

My only complaint is on the highway, I seem to always be looking for a 6th gear.

I don't haul anyone, but have a travel bag to put stuff in.

I think if I did haul my wife, I would go with the RK.

 

FATBOY is fine for longer trips, but i usually RIDE SOLO. If your riding 2 up most of the time, i would say ROADKING!!!

 

qwispichkn,
Your pic looks like you've added all the stuff I'd want on my Fatboy - dual pipes, engine guard, running lights … looks nice

 

Never owned an RK, but had an Evo FatBoy years ago, i used to tour on it and had no complaints, but that was solo. If you really wanted the FB, I would go with what you want.

 

Yeah - I just wish I knew what I wanted! I test rode, thinking that there would be a clear winner, one bike would "speak" to me more - but I liked them both!

 

Ride 50/50 1up and 2up. Ride 300 mile day trips 2up and have taken weekend trips 2up. Rides great. Never thought of needing anything else other than when riding over 70-75mph a 6th gear would be nice - not necessary though. imo - Something that both the RK and FB need, especially for 2up, is more power than stock.

 

I "tour" on my deluxe with my wife frequently. One day we rode 2 1/2 hrs. with my buddy and his wife, they on their street glide. His wife was buckled over, mine was fine. If you like the look of the Fatboy, get it. It's a cooler ride for in town and, with slight mods, can be very comfortable on the highway too.

 

I think you have already picked. You said if you got a Fat Boy, you would turn it into a Heritage. The Road King already has a full fender. If you want to Tour on it get a Touring Bike. I love and ride the hell out of my softail. I commute on her, when I ride by myslef. But when the wife gets on the back I would love to have a street Glide. Don't buy one knowing your going to spend a bunch to make it look like another bike.

 

Depends on a few things. How big are the both of you. There is no way my SO and I are riding 2 up in comfort on the fatboy. She is 6-0 and I am 6-1. The other question relates to if you want bags or not.

I have both a glide and fatboy here. Fatboy is a nice around town and solo touring bike but It wouldn't be my pick... roadking all the way here.