road king or heritage classic
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 485
Likes: 4
From: Kansas
I went through the same dilemma last April. I sat on both multiple times, and then I rode both. I love the Heritage classic look, but I felt somewhat cramped on it. The King was a much better fit for me, and I like the suspension better. I am 6' with a 32" inseam, so height didn't come into the decision for me, but as stated previously, you can take care of the inseam issues, with some coin of course.
You should ride them both, take into consideration the additional costs of making the King work for you height wise, and then buy the one that speaks to you.
I don't think you can go wrong with either choice, but the King won for me in the end.
You should ride them both, take into consideration the additional costs of making the King work for you height wise, and then buy the one that speaks to you.
I don't think you can go wrong with either choice, but the King won for me in the end.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,016
Likes: 277
From: East Tn Foot of The Dragon
need your opinion.
Deciding between a road king or heritage classic.
Pros Road King: Love everything about the bike.
Cons: I am 5'2 with maybe a 26" inseam. Will have to get it lowered 1". If I do that will the center of gravity become like a heritage classic where it is real easy to move around, or will it still be top heavy?
Heritage Classic : easy to move around
Cons: do not like spoke wheels and soft saddlebags.
Thanks.
Deciding between a road king or heritage classic.
Pros Road King: Love everything about the bike.
Cons: I am 5'2 with maybe a 26" inseam. Will have to get it lowered 1". If I do that will the center of gravity become like a heritage classic where it is real easy to move around, or will it still be top heavy?
Heritage Classic : easy to move around
Cons: do not like spoke wheels and soft saddlebags.
Thanks.
Last edited by checkers; Feb 23, 2015 at 08:30 PM.
I rode both and I personally left with a King. It all depends on what one talks to you!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,615
Likes: 1,609
From: Eastern Ohio
But I do have to respectfully disagree with the poster quoted above. In my opinion, the Heritage does not handle well and is anything but nimble. In order to get the low-slung softail look, the MoCo sacrificed lean angles. There is an 8-9 degree difference in lean angle between the Heritage and the Road King. That's alot. So the Heritage won't lean as far and you therefore can't take the twisties as fast or tight. That to me is not nimble. But don't take my word for it. The MoCo publishes the lean angles.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,710
Likes: 6
From: Spokane, WA.
I had a '07 FLSTF, and my RKC handles better and is more comfortable all the way around. The Heritage my be a better fit for a 5'-2"rider; I am 6'-0" 32" inseam.
The 6 gallon tank and the cruise control on the RK is welcomed as is the touring frame.
The 6 gallon tank and the cruise control on the RK is welcomed as is the touring frame.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,037
Likes: 9
From: Sedro Woolley, Washington
I just traded in my 2013 Heritage for a 2015 Electra Glide Ultra Classic Low. The Low has the same seat height as the Heritage. I have a short inseam and now I am flat footed. Best of both worlds.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 329
Likes: 18
From: Rhode Island
You mention the gas tank size, I have no experience but would assume the Heritage being liter will get better gas mileage and equal about the same miles a tank full.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 137
Likes: 4
From: USA
I lowered my SG 2" and sent my seat to mean city cycles to get narrowed and new foam. Being able to flat foot gave me lots of confidence.
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,191
Likes: 2,422
From: USA
One of the few riders with legs shorter than mine! I'm 29" on a good day. No Harley experience other than my 04 Road King.
Few thoughts, a little different from the above.
Reverse. I strongly suspect a reverse is going to be crucial for you. Baker makes one that is electrically actuated from the handlebars. This would give you the best stability and bike control when it comes to holding it upright and getting it to back up.
Trials riding practice. Where you learn to dynamically balance your bike while standing still. Usually done standing on your feet and bouncing, but variations on it let you hold the bike upright for a while, seated, while barely moving. Darn helpful on terrain where you can't easily scoot off the bike to drop a foot down.
seat width at the thigh area is a very big factor for getting feet down to the ground. If your legs are splayed out sideways, you're feet are not on the ground.
Few thoughts, a little different from the above.
Reverse. I strongly suspect a reverse is going to be crucial for you. Baker makes one that is electrically actuated from the handlebars. This would give you the best stability and bike control when it comes to holding it upright and getting it to back up.
Trials riding practice. Where you learn to dynamically balance your bike while standing still. Usually done standing on your feet and bouncing, but variations on it let you hold the bike upright for a while, seated, while barely moving. Darn helpful on terrain where you can't easily scoot off the bike to drop a foot down.
seat width at the thigh area is a very big factor for getting feet down to the ground. If your legs are splayed out sideways, you're feet are not on the ground.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 927
Likes: 256
From: North Arkansas
as sed..... how long/far you want to ride? Will you be solo or with a passenger?
Are hard bags available for the heritage? I have seen it done. I was in the same spot. Love both of these bikes look wise. Several long time riders talked me into the king on grounds I want to do some serious road trips, and with my riding bud. I LOVE the cruise control.
I had plans to rent... with rental fee applied to my purchase if it happened.... and spend a half day on both. I got a great offer on the RK so there I am, but am super happy with it.
Are hard bags available for the heritage? I have seen it done. I was in the same spot. Love both of these bikes look wise. Several long time riders talked me into the king on grounds I want to do some serious road trips, and with my riding bud. I LOVE the cruise control.
I had plans to rent... with rental fee applied to my purchase if it happened.... and spend a half day on both. I got a great offer on the RK so there I am, but am super happy with it.