Heritage Softail Classic or Road King

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Aug 8, 2008 | 10:52 AM

HD1044

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 173

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From: NW Arkansas

Heritage Softail Classic or Road King

Ok, am trying to decide between two bikes (see above). Has anyone had both and can give me the pro's and con's? Have ridden both and like them. Will be 99% one up riding and may not make really long trips. Just local riding through the mountains and such here in Arkansas.

Thanks!!

Aug 8, 2008 | 11:02 AM

mile high king

Tourer

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 322

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I own a RKC but have ridden a FI Heritage Softail. Both great bikes. The Heritage sits you lower, feet out further, bars higher, a little less comfortable over long hauls...just a bit more elemental Harley chopper to me. The RK evokes the 50-60s style which is different, but both really cool in my book.

As the Heritage sits a bit lower to the ground, around Arkansas curves it might drag floor-boards a bit sooner. Passengers will definitely go more for the RK for comfort. For styling...just cruising...I give the edge to the Heritage. For all around versitility to do it all, including long-hauls, the RK is hard to beat.

Aug 8, 2008 | 11:44 AM

rocknrod

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 9,486

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From: Hico, TX (once home to Billy the Kid)

One up? Looking at a softail?
Id look at the Crossbones.
But thats just me.

Aug 8, 2008 | 11:50 AM

ga4boats

Road Warrior

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 1,270

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From: Atlanta, GA

I have an 07 Fatboy, not too much different than the Heritage. I am going to get a Road King now and make the change. I don't really think you can go wrong with either. Surf the net and find an interesting online magazine test of the two bikes. It is from Popular Mechanics, and it has a multi-part test of the two bikes individually. It makes some comparisons about each though. It is a couple of years old, but good nevertheless (sometimes non-bike mags who don't have manufacturer ads come a little cleaner).

Aug 8, 2008 | 11:59 AM

realbiker

Cruiser

Joined: Jun 2008

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As a owner of a Softail and a Streetglide, I'll try to be brief. If your going to enjoy the road, the tour bike is the hands down winner. A larger frame, with better geometry for manuvering. Air suspension for comfort, more room for a passenger. The ability to add cruise control and lots of other touring comforts. Rubber mounted alpha engine for smoothness at crusing speeds. At highway speed the rubber mounted engine will not put your hands to sleep as the Beta engine can do! The Softail is great for occasional cruisin ( bike night etc..). The Roadking will probably make you want to ride farther!

Last edited by realbiker; Aug 8, 2008 at 06:34 PM.

Aug 8, 2008 | 12:13 PM

sgt1577

Advanced

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 75

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I have owned 2 Roadkings and have ridden softails that belonged to friends. The Roadking was much more comfortable for the long haul. I much prefer the hard bags that come on the Roadking

Aug 8, 2008 | 12:31 PM

steelhead

Road Master

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 938

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From: Seattle WA area

Both great bikes. I had my heart set on a Heritage and went into the dealer to deal on one when I saw my RKC and I have never looked back. Mile High King pretty much covers the points. Nothing bad to say about the Heritage though, they are great bikes and my wife is pondering one. The only things I would add are that on the Heritage, you feel like you are sitting in the bike and on teh RK, on the bike. To that end, I think the Heritage is easier to handle at low speeds in parking lots, etc. I prefer the A motor over the Heritage's counter balanced B motor. It is a little thing but I like the vibration at idle. Either way, you will enjoy your choice.