Help! Softail Deluxe or Road King Classic?
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 884
Likes: 0
From: n
I went from a RK to a Heritage last year. Personally, I like the ride of the Heritage much better-what FatBoyLarry said is spot on. You definitely should try and ride both. The RK is a great looking bike and I rode it 2 up from NC to CA a couple of years ago, plus a lot of other multi-day 500+ trips. The cruise is nice, but didn't use it that much. The air adjustable shocks are great and wish the Heritage had a feature like that. That is probably the only thing I miss with from the RK. The RK had a 96 with Stg I breather and SE pipes and was a bit of a dog. It was happy on speed at 80 on the interstate, just took a few moments to get it there. That part could have been easily remedied with some $$$$. Ultimately you have to decide and no one is gonna say you picked a lousy bike either way
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,257
Likes: 2
From: Gastonia, NC
My Heritage, and the Deluxe would be the same, is by far the easiest bike I've ever ridden. A friend of mine has a RK Classic and it's a very nice bike as well. We have swapped several times. On local rides and mountain roads I'll take the Heritage. On open highway the RK is right at home. Both very nice bikes and only you can make the decision. Good luck.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,626
Likes: 98
From: Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
I gotta second that Heritage vote. I tried a RK and just didn't care for how it positioned me in the bike. I felt I was on "top" of it instead down into it like the Heritage. Also, the Heritage had a much more comfortable seat in my opinion.
My riding is similar in that I take mostly day trips.
My riding is similar in that I take mostly day trips.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,508
Likes: 169
From: WPB, FL
Beware!
When considering the Road King, if you are entertaining picking up a used or leftover, in 2011 the handle bar / seat combo has been TOTALLY changed! The new ones (2011) are MUCH more comfortable.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,508
Likes: 169
From: WPB, FL
I gotta second that Heritage vote. I tried a RK and just didn't care for how it positioned me in the bike. I felt I was on "top" of it instead down into it like the Heritage. Also, the Heritage had a much more comfortable seat in my opinion.
My riding is similar in that I take mostly day trips.
My riding is similar in that I take mostly day trips.
I put on the Heritage bars and a seat off a 2011 Ultra. I even added a riders adjustrable backrest. Now I sit in, not on the bike.
Like I said previously, sit on a new 2011 RK. Harley figured it out also.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 770
Likes: 1
From: Coeur d' alene, Idaho
I just went through the decision. I had a 2000 Heritage and loved it. Had to sell it in 2004 and just last year started riding with a 2009 Heritage. I bought the same model just because I loved the previous Heritage.. But, the RKC called to me and I just bought one after only a year on the new Heritage. Yes you ride a bit higher, but boy is it comfortable. I am only 5'8" with a 29 inch inseam and it fits fine. Then there is the handling. IMHO the Road King out handles the Heritage 2-1 on the road and in tight turns. Something about the weight distribution, the two piece touring frame plus the combination of different rake and trail. Take that plus the creature comforts, larger engine, air shocks, better detachable saddle bags, cruise and ABS and it becomes a no brainer for a couple of thousand bucks. Also, I got a lot of helmet buffeting on the Heritage, and it is gone on the Road King.
Now people criticise it for the engine vibration. Yes, it does that at idle, but it is pleasant. Reminds you you are on a big V-twin. At about 2000 rpm that is gone and it is smooth as silk. Much more so than the 96B motor at the same rpm.
So, I think there is no comparision, the RKC wins hands down. Having said that, your mileage may vary, or different strokes for diffferent folks so a much more intelligent way would be to rent one first. I didn't have that luxury so I just said "what the hell, life is too short and I can always go back" and it worked out for me". I based my decision on hours of research reading everything I could.
Good luck in your decision.
Now people criticise it for the engine vibration. Yes, it does that at idle, but it is pleasant. Reminds you you are on a big V-twin. At about 2000 rpm that is gone and it is smooth as silk. Much more so than the 96B motor at the same rpm.
So, I think there is no comparision, the RKC wins hands down. Having said that, your mileage may vary, or different strokes for diffferent folks so a much more intelligent way would be to rent one first. I didn't have that luxury so I just said "what the hell, life is too short and I can always go back" and it worked out for me". I based my decision on hours of research reading everything I could.
Good luck in your decision.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 595
Likes: 3
From: Florida
I had the same dilemna when I was purchasing a bike back in '09. I really wanted a Heritage, but the RKC caught my eye right before my purchase. I rode both bikes and that sealed the deal. However, the RKC was more smooth at 80mph + and the saddle bags were a little more convenient to access....the reason I went with the Heritage was based on riding position, comfort in the saddle, and styling (to each his own).
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,428
Likes: 71
From: Belleville Mi.
Since I own a Softail Deluxe and a Electra Glide Classic, I say buy both of em......
Trucky911
Trucky911
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Stage III
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
I had a Softail deluxe and I loved it! Was on the fence about the Road King Classic too...
I thought I wasn`t going to add bags and windshield to the Deluxe, but did anyway. I spent more on the Deluxe with accessories then buying the RK Classic. Funny thing, my stator blew up and broke part of the engine case, Harley bought it back from me and gave me a great deal on a new RK Classic! Now I have all the accessories for the Deluxe for sale... I`m going to post them here... Anyway, I do miss my Deluxe b/c of the low in the bike feeling it gives you. But once on the road, the RKC is great, so it depends, if your on the short side, go with the deluxe, if not, the RKC is an awesome bike.
I thought I wasn`t going to add bags and windshield to the Deluxe, but did anyway. I spent more on the Deluxe with accessories then buying the RK Classic. Funny thing, my stator blew up and broke part of the engine case, Harley bought it back from me and gave me a great deal on a new RK Classic! Now I have all the accessories for the Deluxe for sale... I`m going to post them here... Anyway, I do miss my Deluxe b/c of the low in the bike feeling it gives you. But once on the road, the RKC is great, so it depends, if your on the short side, go with the deluxe, if not, the RKC is an awesome bike.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,864
Likes: 7
From: kansas city,mo
Both bikes are sweet.... If most of my riding was barhopping i say the Lux.... but if i was long hauling it i say King.... To me i would take either or.... wouldn't make a difference to me because I've seen both bikes tricked out and i like them both....