Road King VS. Deluxe
I had a 2006 Road King Classic, liked the bike OK but never fell in love with it. Traded for a 2009 Electra Glide Classic and liked it except for the top heavy feeling as I had on the Road King. Now back in the Softail Family where I belong. With a Softail I feel as if I am sitting in it instead of on it.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Utah
Ride both... I preferred the RK to the heritage, and FAtboys I've ridden... BUT, with wanting the bags off sometimes, the Deluxe is SO much better!
Make sure you take the bags off a RK and really look at it... Make sure you could live with it.
Good luck!
Make sure you take the bags off a RK and really look at it... Make sure you could live with it.
Good luck!
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,664
Likes: 99
From: P.E.I. Canada
I just went from a Heritage to a RK, and I must say that even though for many reasons I love the RK better, the softail really fit my like a glove. I'm sure you'd love either bike, but from what you described, deluxe might be the way to go...
Road Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 789
Likes: 4
From: Utah
In my experience the RK feels more like you are riding on it (the top heavy feeling others have mentioned) while the heritage feels more like you are riding in it. I personally didn't care for the RK feeling.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 19
From: Illinois
In my opinion, solo or 2 up, you can't beat a Softail for comfort, handling and safety with a good air ride system on it.
I have a buddy who bought a new Road King and we went riding. We swapped for a few miles and I couldn't wait to get back on my own bike.
About a month after that ride he took his brand new RK back in and traded it for a Softail and is currently saving for the SS to put on it.
I have a buddy who bought a new Road King and we went riding. We swapped for a few miles and I couldn't wait to get back on my own bike.
About a month after that ride he took his brand new RK back in and traded it for a Softail and is currently saving for the SS to put on it.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,229
Likes: 10
From: Oklahoma
The answers here seem to lean toward the Deluxe. You might post the same question in the Touring forum.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,583
Likes: 96
From: Eastern North Carolina
LoL 
Last edited by Sleeko; Jul 27, 2014 at 02:22 PM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 14,778
Likes: 69
From: Badlands of ND
Love the above post.
But, I would say get a Heritage. Add the quick release for the bags and it is everything you say you wanted. If you run without bags a lot, you may want to change the tail light out to a Deluxe unit. The Heritage lights look a little odd without the bags.
But, I would say get a Heritage. Add the quick release for the bags and it is everything you say you wanted. If you run without bags a lot, you may want to change the tail light out to a Deluxe unit. The Heritage lights look a little odd without the bags.
