Had both. Barhopper vs Touring.

 

road king sporterized the only way to go

 

IMHO My '01 Lowered King rides nicer than my father's '09 Deluxe. His bike is beautiful and is more nimble than the King, but the touring bikes handle long rides and road conditions at speed much nicer. If you are looking for an in town cruiser the Deluxe might be the fit, but if you are going to ride longer distances, the touring bike win hands down.

 

I had a softail and it was just fine until my wife wanted to ride . Then I got a RoadKing and I really enjoy it because how it handles with one or two people on the bike .