Road King or not?
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach, VA
RE: Road King or not?
OK....you want to get a Softail...Let me tell you this....If you get the chance to ride a Road King, you will lose the desire for the Softail. I have an 04 Ultra and after I rode a buddies Road King Classic, I knew that I did not want to keep the softail any longer. The ride is so much smoother, the add-on's are numerous, and you will love ride...and get the classic model as it comes with the right amount of chrome to start..
Scott
Scott
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
RE: Road King or not?
I wasn't sure either. For me it was a Fat Boy or the Road King. Rode both and chose the RK. Not much to choose between them in the ride but like the balanced look of the RK. I thought the FB handled better.Only picked up the bike at the beginning of November and have put 500 miles on it. Now laid up for the British winter. My only complaint is that it hurts my face! (It's that permanent smile thing when I ride). Now saving for all those goodies. Going to NYC in March to get some parts at US$ prices rather than what they charge us in the UK.
Good luck. Ride safe
Good luck. Ride safe
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Road King or not?
I bought a 97 Dyna Wide Glide and thought it was the best bike in the world and still think it's an awsome scooter. I rode a Softail and thought it was good too, but the Dyna just road better and smoother. Back to your question, to make a long story short, My wife had a sporty and dedcide she like my Dyna better so I reluctantly gave it to her. We decide that it was best to buy a heavier bike to pull a trailer for camping gear etc...
So I bought a Road King Standard. At first I hated it, infact I didn't buy any chrome for it for over three months for it made me feel like an old fart. However, I relized that I am an old fart so I pulled in the belt a notch and decide to make it work. I've found that you can hang more chrome on a RK than just about any Harley out there and it is very versital. I can make it look just like an Ultr or a low sleek Fatboy and it's fast to boot. If you wonder about handly, it's the rider. These are two different rides and handle differently. The RK handles very well and I truly have more fun in the corners than the Dyna or Softail. If you do get the RK, you won't be sorry. However, more importantly, it's what you want. Go to the dealer and test ride all of them. Just remember that it takes about 5,000 miles to reallly get to know any bike you settle on. Just a safety hint here. Sorry for the poor spelling and being a bit wordy.
Scorpion
So I bought a Road King Standard. At first I hated it, infact I didn't buy any chrome for it for over three months for it made me feel like an old fart. However, I relized that I am an old fart so I pulled in the belt a notch and decide to make it work. I've found that you can hang more chrome on a RK than just about any Harley out there and it is very versital. I can make it look just like an Ultr or a low sleek Fatboy and it's fast to boot. If you wonder about handly, it's the rider. These are two different rides and handle differently. The RK handles very well and I truly have more fun in the corners than the Dyna or Softail. If you do get the RK, you won't be sorry. However, more importantly, it's what you want. Go to the dealer and test ride all of them. Just remember that it takes about 5,000 miles to reallly get to know any bike you settle on. Just a safety hint here. Sorry for the poor spelling and being a bit wordy.
Scorpion
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
RE: Road King or not?
hb,
My wife has a Heritage Softtail, and before that she had a 97 lowrider, so I have some experience with both. I had a 95 Roadking for 10 years. My choice, without question, would be the Roadking, especially if you intend to do a lot of traveling.
I don't really think the low rider or the Softtail standard are two up tourers. The Heritage is better two up, but not as good as any of the Electra-Glides including the Roadking.
But, it all depends on what you like. My wife didn't like the ride or feel of the Roadking at all. She much prefers the Heritage.
Regards,
Bill
My wife has a Heritage Softtail, and before that she had a 97 lowrider, so I have some experience with both. I had a 95 Roadking for 10 years. My choice, without question, would be the Roadking, especially if you intend to do a lot of traveling.
I don't really think the low rider or the Softtail standard are two up tourers. The Heritage is better two up, but not as good as any of the Electra-Glides including the Roadking.
But, it all depends on what you like. My wife didn't like the ride or feel of the Roadking at all. She much prefers the Heritage.
Regards,
Bill
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Road King or not?
No complaints on my RK. Went with detachable fairing, tour pak... It is very versatile. But before I'd lay 20k down on something, I'd take one for a spin. May not be your cup of tea.
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
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: Australia
RE: Road King or not?
A similar debate has gone on in the Softail forum. Check out Heritage vs Road King if you are interested.
Looks like the majority prefer the RK here and I think when it comes to smooth ride and touring the RK Classic would be my choice and I may get one eventually. But for me, and a few others, their preference is the Heritage as it has some touring ability as stock (i.e. the detachable winshield, touring handlebars, big saddlebags). My final decision was influenced by how much touring I would do versus cruising as well as looks.
It is a personal thing and I think either way you can't go wrong, they are both nice bikes.
Looks like the majority prefer the RK here and I think when it comes to smooth ride and touring the RK Classic would be my choice and I may get one eventually. But for me, and a few others, their preference is the Heritage as it has some touring ability as stock (i.e. the detachable winshield, touring handlebars, big saddlebags). My final decision was influenced by how much touring I would do versus cruising as well as looks.
It is a personal thing and I think either way you can't go wrong, they are both nice bikes.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Road King or not?
Skip the Road King and go for the Electra Glide. But hey thats just me. Any Harley is a good choice, so long as its the choice youre happy with. Just remember going for that little bit of extra bike may be hard on the wallet now, but it will be worth it in the end. Good luck and safe riding on whatever you get!