Heritage Softail vs Road King
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
We don't do extended trips, wifes medical problem, we do 2-4 hrs rides when she can with decent weather.
I'll say I rode a RK this fall at the Demo days for bout an hr.. At 6'2" 280 I am not small, a couple friends said I need a touring bike, said its better and smoother for someone my size.
My first impression upon sitting on the RK was just that, I felt like I was sitting on top of a bike instead of in it. The Heritage just feels better for me.
Then the bars are lower, not made for someone who has shattered a lower vertebrae.
Ergonomics are not fitting for me, bars just didn't fit me. Whereas the Heritage mini apes are better and as comfortable after a 4-5 hr ride as when I first get on.
I expected the RK to give a overall smoother ride as we rode through the country most where rough and bumpy, then about 15mins on the interstate. But after riding the King I'll just say IMO I wouldn't trade my Heritage for a RK.
I had my test ride and was not impressed with it at all.
The RK for me didn't handle as well, nor ride any better. I had a hard time keeping her straight on the interstate, just kept wsandering left-right-left-right.......
Maybe it would be better out on the road on long long trips???.
Right after we got back I got on our Heritage and took the same route as with the RK, and decided then I''ll keep what I have.. And never look back....
I know there are a lot of RK owner that are completely happy with there bike, and thats great..
I aml just saying I am perfectly happy with our Heritage and will keep her...
I'll say I rode a RK this fall at the Demo days for bout an hr.. At 6'2" 280 I am not small, a couple friends said I need a touring bike, said its better and smoother for someone my size.
My first impression upon sitting on the RK was just that, I felt like I was sitting on top of a bike instead of in it. The Heritage just feels better for me.
Then the bars are lower, not made for someone who has shattered a lower vertebrae.
Ergonomics are not fitting for me, bars just didn't fit me. Whereas the Heritage mini apes are better and as comfortable after a 4-5 hr ride as when I first get on.
I expected the RK to give a overall smoother ride as we rode through the country most where rough and bumpy, then about 15mins on the interstate. But after riding the King I'll just say IMO I wouldn't trade my Heritage for a RK.
I had my test ride and was not impressed with it at all.
The RK for me didn't handle as well, nor ride any better. I had a hard time keeping her straight on the interstate, just kept wsandering left-right-left-right.......
Maybe it would be better out on the road on long long trips???.
Right after we got back I got on our Heritage and took the same route as with the RK, and decided then I''ll keep what I have.. And never look back....
I know there are a lot of RK owner that are completely happy with there bike, and thats great..
I aml just saying I am perfectly happy with our Heritage and will keep her...
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,156
Likes: 41
From: So Cal
Both good bikes. Rent them and put some miles on them to make your decision.
Im 6'3" and have owned a Sportster, Road King Custom and a Fat Boy. Still have my Fatboy and love it because I feel "right" on it.
Im 6'3" and have owned a Sportster, Road King Custom and a Fat Boy. Still have my Fatboy and love it because I feel "right" on it.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: midwest
It might be a misconception on my part, but do you think that alot of people go out and buy a RK because it is BIG ?
In the past few years we were caught up in this era of "bigger is better, gotta get the biggest". ex. BIG SUV's, BIG TRUCKS.
Thats so old school now, go out and get what works for you, not what everybody wants you to buy.
In the past few years we were caught up in this era of "bigger is better, gotta get the biggest". ex. BIG SUV's, BIG TRUCKS.
Thats so old school now, go out and get what works for you, not what everybody wants you to buy.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 417
Likes: 1
From: Spartanburg, South Carolina
First, don't let anyone tell you that one rides "better" than the other. I hear so many say that a Road King rides better than a Heritage. I've ridden both many many times and thats certainly not true...at all! I actually like both bikes and as you can see, most of us buy a bike, then set it up for us...ie, handlebars, lowering kits, changing seats.
Stock however, to me the Heritage wins hands down!
Steve
Stock however, to me the Heritage wins hands down!
Steve
Club Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,481
Likes: 4
From: Georgia
Glad you said it. The guy who said you need to ride them stock - I'll bet he has a Honda. The bars and seat need to be changed on a lot of Harleys. Just like doing the Stage I. The King has much more riding potential. Yes, the Heritage LOOKS cool. ... ... all except for the studs, which look fruity and more like Greenwich Village than I'm comfortable with...
Last edited by BigGdawg; Jan 22, 2010 at 12:28 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 417
Likes: 1
From: Spartanburg, South Carolina
Glad you said it. The guy who said you need to ride them stock - I'll bet he has a Honda. The bars and seat need to be changed on a lot of Harleys. Just like doing the Stage I. The King has much more riding potential. Yes, the Heritage LOOKS cool. ... ... all except for the studs, which look fruity and more like Greenwich Village than I'm comfortable with...
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,076
Likes: 3
From: Brick NJ
i own both for all intents and purposes
heres my lowdown:
softail
+ feel more connected to the road
+ smoother at idle and around town speed
- high frequency vibration at highway speeds
- hit a bump and you know it
touring
+ very smooth at highway speeds
+ cadillac-like ride
+ more bells and whistles
+ lighter "steering" effort
- at bit clumsy at around town speeds
- low frequency "shake" at idle and lower around town speeds
- does not feel "glued" to the road
- ***-end is very light, rear brake is VERY easy to lock up
as you can see both have their pros and cons
heres my lowdown:
softail
+ feel more connected to the road
+ smoother at idle and around town speed
- high frequency vibration at highway speeds
- hit a bump and you know it
touring
+ very smooth at highway speeds
+ cadillac-like ride
+ more bells and whistles
+ lighter "steering" effort
- at bit clumsy at around town speeds
- low frequency "shake" at idle and lower around town speeds
- does not feel "glued" to the road
- ***-end is very light, rear brake is VERY easy to lock up
as you can see both have their pros and cons
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,542
Likes: 2
From: Central IL.
Glad you said it. The guy who said you need to ride them stock - I'll bet he has a Honda. The bars and seat need to be changed on a lot of Harleys. Just like doing the Stage I. The King has much more riding potential. Yes, the Heritage LOOKS cool. ... ... all except for the studs, which look fruity and more like Greenwich Village than I'm comfortable with...
I agree H632. I will stick with my Heritage and all of its "fruity" studs too. I love the ride, and it handles great!