Help! Softail Deluxe or Road King Classic?
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 230
Likes: 1
From: Arizona
Help! Softail Deluxe or Road King Classic?
I've always wanted a softail deluxe, but I just checked out the Road King Classic and I like it a lot. It seems like you get a lot more bike for a little bit more money.
Am I crazy? Are the bikes really different to ride?
Most of my rides are going to be under 100 miles, so either will be fine, but I just can't help but think I'll want the RK eventually anyway. Help!
Am I crazy? Are the bikes really different to ride?
Most of my rides are going to be under 100 miles, so either will be fine, but I just can't help but think I'll want the RK eventually anyway. Help!
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 790
Likes: 6
From: AZ
I like both also. Road King has better adjustable suspension and rubber motor mounts. Both look great and ride well. Find someone you trust or spend time @ dealership.. You will find your answer, then after a year or so you may find you like the street glide. Any Harley is good. Take care usefulshrimp.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 822
Likes: 1
From: Rhode Island
IMO both are beautiful rides but I think maybe you should consider the Heritage in that group, kinda plays the middle of the field...If I were you I would go to the dealer and ride all three maybe even throw in the street glide just in case ..........Just be sure to take your time but I quarantee this, after you ride all of them you will know which choice is the best one for you and than you'll never have to look back.....
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 151
Likes: 1
From: Florida
the new RK classic has the 103 motor and cruise controll standard. something to consider.
I had a RK classic in 03...one fine machine. and one of the nicest looking Harley's ever.
It also comes down to riding position. The softail has you down "in" the bike...the touring models have you somewhat on top of the bike. A smaller man may be more comfortable on the deluxe. It's why I bought the Fat Boy Lo this go around.
both are excellent choices.
I had a RK classic in 03...one fine machine. and one of the nicest looking Harley's ever.
It also comes down to riding position. The softail has you down "in" the bike...the touring models have you somewhat on top of the bike. A smaller man may be more comfortable on the deluxe. It's why I bought the Fat Boy Lo this go around.
both are excellent choices.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,975
Likes: 12
From: NJ
I thought I wanted one too. Demoed a couple along with the other touring bikes. Couldn't find one with the fit/feel of my softail. The shaking handlebars I could probably get used to but fit/feel trumps everything else in my book and I've found nothing that compares to a softail.
New seat, bars and a lowering kit and it'd would've been a closer call but I'm not looking to go through that expense and ordeal again. But I'll probably revisit the idea if I ever get a new bike.
In your case, before pulling the plug, I would definitely demo or rent both bikes. Even though some fit/feel issues can be fixed I think you'll find some distinct differences in the bikes that will lead you one way or the other.
New seat, bars and a lowering kit and it'd would've been a closer call but I'm not looking to go through that expense and ordeal again. But I'll probably revisit the idea if I ever get a new bike.
In your case, before pulling the plug, I would definitely demo or rent both bikes. Even though some fit/feel issues can be fixed I think you'll find some distinct differences in the bikes that will lead you one way or the other.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,931
Likes: 5
All i can say for me personally of all the harleys i bought just saw them in the dealers loved the look that's first and foremost for me then bought them never took them for a test ride didn't see the point ..... all you would be looking for is faults .... one model against the other .... every person works differently in choosing their model ..... horses for courses ....
Last edited by skulltrainharley; Feb 15, 2011 at 06:06 AM.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,038
Likes: 1
From: Katy, TX
I agree. If you are in the market for a touring bike I would at least take the Street Glide or Street Glide custom for a test ride.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 1
From: Dago
My 05 Road King Classic was the 1st bike i bought and it would be the only bike i would keep if i had to get rid of all my other bikes. you will enjoy the saddlebags for carrying/storing your stuff, ur date will enjoy the saddlebags to store their stuff also...
Either bike is a good choice.
Either bike is a good choice.