Heritage vs. Road King
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 93
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Heritage vs. Road King
This is a big expense for me and I want to get it right. I have to buy used and most fellas won't let me take them out for a couple hours to get a good feel for them. What are the pros and cons comparing these two?
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 2
From: Gastonia, NC
At least sit on both. I'm sure you'll like the 'in' feel of the Heritage compared to the 'on' feel of the RK. Both bikes run just fine. I've ridden both. The balanced engine of the Heritage is really nice up to 60 or 70. At that point the RK feels like it ready to take off. Riding two up? Another issue. The RK is probably better if it's long haul. If you're going to be burning up interstate highways, go RK. Most other riding, you'll probably like the Heritage. Also matters how tall you are. Lot of stuff to consider. Good luck.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,748
Likes: 0
From: NC
You want simple out the show room ready to go 2 up fo 400 miles go Road King. Heritage needs some things done to it to make it a good touring bike. My Heritage I 1)Tighten shocks due to it comes from factory set up for 185 pound man 2) Crash bars for putting feet on to stretch out 3) Wider back seat for passanger a must. Out side of that my Heritage has a sweet spot for traveling at 70 MPH. You go over 70 then I feel vibration and not a fun ride for me. 80 is the highest I will go period on mine for long distance. Slow speeds the Heritage beats the Road king with very little vibration. If your riding 60 and below I prefer the Heritage.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 154
Likes: 2
From: Whitestown, IN.
Last year my girfriend won a Heritage Classic. We got it home and she (and occasionally she'd let me) rode it for awhile. Then she saw the RKC and decided that was more to her liking. She traded up shortly after that to the RKC, as did I. She fit on the Heritage better right out of the crate, but enjoys riding the King more. We are both under 5'7" so maybe that's the difference for us. I really enjoyed riding the Heritage myself, but wouldn't trade off my RKC for one now.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
From: North Shore, MA
I was trying to make the same decision you are when I decided on the Heritage. Like the others have said, it depends on whether you are planning on long trips or not. Also, even just sitting on the bike should give you a feel of which one is better for you. For me, I sat on the Heritage and knew it was the one immediately.
Honestly, there is no bad decision here. Both are great bikes. If you can ride them that is best, even rent one if you can (although I did not). Good luck!
Honestly, there is no bad decision here. Both are great bikes. If you can ride them that is best, even rent one if you can (although I did not). Good luck!
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 258
Likes: 0
From: Edmond, OK
Go with a heritage springer if you are gonna be buying used. Once you go springer, you don't go back...that's what I was told, and that's now what I believe! HS for the win!
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 391
Likes: 22
From: Wisconsin
For me I have always had my eye on the Heritage, but never had the dough. Finally I decided that it was time to seriously look at them and find one. I did look at both, but as already mentioned I sat on them and that was the kicker for me!!! The Heritage just felt right! What I always wanted, and I am not disappointed... I got mine late April, and with the interesting summer we have had with rain, I have managed to get 2,750 miles on it so far as of this morning. With plenty of riding time left, I might hit 4,000... which for me is a big accomplishment as before my other bikes the most I got was 1,600 in a season... with the Heritage i just want to ride!
You can not go wrong with either one, but my vote is the Heritage!!!
You can not go wrong with either one, but my vote is the Heritage!!!
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 762
Likes: 1
This thread will draw about as much controvery as "which is better synthetic or dino." But....I love my 02 Road King Classic. I have ridden two different Heritage Softails and there's no way I would trade my King for one. Ride em both and see what you think. But then again.....It's not called a Road King for nothing!