Differences in Heritage & Road King
Novice
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
RE: Differences in Heritage & Road King
As a newbie to this board, I was intrigued by this thread. Everyone has mentioned the handling between the touring bike, and the softail, but I failed to see mention of the front-end differences. The Heritage softail forks are positioned farther forward than the RoadKing. The RoadKing, (all tourers), will respond much quicker than the Heritage in maneuvering.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: Australia
RE: Differences in Heritage & Road King
Well Wanderer I am no mechanic but the specs say the Heritage 2.3 cm longer than the RK. Somehow I don't think it would make that much of a difference in turning radius.[&:]
I like the Heritage over the RK because in my opinion it looks nicest.
The RK is a lovely bike though and is my 2nd choice, and I am sure the RK is more comfortable when touring cause of the airshocks and other factors.
Still, I reckon the softails look nicest and that is more important for my needs which are mostly crusing with a tour once a year.
If I did alot more touring or long trips frequently with a passenger then the RK or EG would be my choice.
But I like all the models and the first to attract me was the wide glide and now I even like the vrods. As I went through the range I think I liked the softail deluxe the most but still chose the Heritage because it has better ground clearance and comes stock with big detachable saddlebags and detachable winshield.
Regardless, they are all nice bikes and one of the greatest things about Harley is the terrific range, the choosing is half the fun.
How about you share some of your reasons for your choice.
I like the Heritage over the RK because in my opinion it looks nicest.
The RK is a lovely bike though and is my 2nd choice, and I am sure the RK is more comfortable when touring cause of the airshocks and other factors.
Still, I reckon the softails look nicest and that is more important for my needs which are mostly crusing with a tour once a year.
If I did alot more touring or long trips frequently with a passenger then the RK or EG would be my choice.
But I like all the models and the first to attract me was the wide glide and now I even like the vrods. As I went through the range I think I liked the softail deluxe the most but still chose the Heritage because it has better ground clearance and comes stock with big detachable saddlebags and detachable winshield.
Regardless, they are all nice bikes and one of the greatest things about Harley is the terrific range, the choosing is half the fun.
How about you share some of your reasons for your choice.
Novice
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
RE: Differences in Heritage & Road King
I currently ride a 2003 Heritage softail. Next time you are at the dealer, look at the triple trees on the front end. I can't spew off the offset difference, but it is enough that you can see it, and feel it in the ride. I've ridden the touring bikes, and love my softail. The long trips that I take, are comfortable on the softail, but I'm leaning towards an Ultra nowadays. I made an Iron Butt run from TN to Texas on my Heritage. On rides over 500 miles a day, which I frequently do, the touring bikes are the way to go.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,068
Likes: 1,478
From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: Differences in Heritage & Road King
ORIGINAL: wanderer
The RoadKing, (all tourers), will respond much quicker than the Heritage in maneuvering.
The RoadKing, (all tourers), will respond much quicker than the Heritage in maneuvering.
Novice
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
RE: Differences in Heritage & Road King
ORIGINAL: pococj
Which is why I read about a Road King, or other tourer, (same frames) spittin' it's rider off during a high speed wobble every now and then! <G>
ORIGINAL: wanderer
The RoadKing, (all tourers), will respond much quicker than the Heritage in maneuvering.
The RoadKing, (all tourers), will respond much quicker than the Heritage in maneuvering.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,978
Likes: 34
From: Cedar Point, NC
RE: Differences in Heritage & Road King
ORIGINAL: wanderer
Just because someone can afford to buy a bike, doesn't mean that they know anything about counter-steering[sm=smiley20.gif]
Just because someone can afford to buy a bike, doesn't mean that they know anything about counter-steering[sm=smiley20.gif]
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: Australia
RE: Differences in Heritage & Road King
ORIGINAL: wanderer
I currently ride a 2003 Heritage softail. Next time you are at the dealer, look at the triple trees on the front end. I can't spew off the offset difference, but it is enough that you can see it, and feel it in the ride. I've ridden the touring bikes, and love my softail. The long trips that I take, are comfortable on the softail, but I'm leaning towards an Ultra nowadays. I made an Iron Butt run from TN to Texas on my Heritage. On rides over 500 miles a day, which I frequently do, the touring bikes are the way to go.
I currently ride a 2003 Heritage softail. Next time you are at the dealer, look at the triple trees on the front end. I can't spew off the offset difference, but it is enough that you can see it, and feel it in the ride. I've ridden the touring bikes, and love my softail. The long trips that I take, are comfortable on the softail, but I'm leaning towards an Ultra nowadays. I made an Iron Butt run from TN to Texas on my Heritage. On rides over 500 miles a day, which I frequently do, the touring bikes are the way to go.
If you do long trips (as good as touring) all the time then, yeah, I agree the RK/EG is the way to go and in your shoes the Ultra looks like a wise choice.
For me, I wont do that much touring I expect. Once or twice a year max and the rest of the time I will be cruising. So looks win over long distance comfort in my case. I must admit though I may get an RK/EG one day but it's to early to tell.
As for the steering thing, if we were riding sports bikes I might be concerned, but in cruisers and tourers I dont think its a big issue. I will check into though.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL
RE: Differences in Heritage & Road King
You need to ride both and decide which is best for your needs and body.
I took my Heritage on a 6,000-mile/18-dayroad trip this summer with little exhaustion from endurance. However, when I rode a rental Road King for three hours, the stress the handlebars/set-up causes on my wrists ruined the rest of a nice vacation.
You can find people who will say the complete opposite and those who will tell you one bike over the other. No right or wrong answer....
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 274
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From:
RE: Differences in Heritage & Road King
I went through the same thing and decided to rent each last summer. One ride on the Road King and I was sold. Smooth power great handling and you can pop off the windshield for a different look not to mention it had cruise control. The bike "fit" me and the only way to find that out was to rent each and ride for a few hours to see. Telling someone which bike to buy is like telling them which girl to marry....try before you by.
