Alot depends on what kind of riding you are planning on doing.
from a soft tail to a road king
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2006
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RE: from a soft tail to a road king
boy, i really appreciate the info.. if i get a fatboy, the add-ons i would like include are only leather saddle bags with only basic tools. my wife i doubt will ever want to ride so the bike will be all mine. i think when it comes closer to time i will look over the RK again and see if the dealer will play with it to fit me better. slimmer seat and different handle bars might just make the RK custom work for me.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 768
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From: sarasota, fl
RE: from a soft tail to a road king
went from a Heritage Softtail to a RKC. Should have started with the RKC - much nicer on longer rides and a world of difference for my wife on the back (about 75% of the time).
A reach seat and different bars will make a major difference for you.The comments about the vibration are true - the RKC is a very comfortable ride. If you plan to ride solo there are good seat options that will help you fit better and a rider backrest adds a lot.
A reach seat and different bars will make a major difference for you.The comments about the vibration are true - the RKC is a very comfortable ride. If you plan to ride solo there are good seat options that will help you fit better and a rider backrest adds a lot.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Anywhere we stop
RE: from a soft tail to a road king
I have a bro with a FB and on long rides he complains about the vibration. The FB is great but he's going to get a bagger and use the FB for around town and hoppin.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2006
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RE: from a soft tail to a road king
I had a Heratige Classic and loved it. I am only 5.7 and now own a SG and have no issues with reaching the ground. You may want t take a look and feel of the RKC as fomentioned it does sit lower the than RK and it really makes a big difference. You can't go wrong either one in my opinion, thay are both nice rides![sm=biker2.gif][sm=bling.gif]
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2005
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RE: from a soft tail to a road king
If you love the look of a Fatboy but are wanting the ride of a RK.....then IMHO look really close at the RK Custom. My first love was always the FB....the custom looks like a FB and RKC got together and the RK Custom was born.[sm=happy046.gif]
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Arizona
RE: from a soft tail to a road king
ORIGINAL: PhilM
Having had both a Heritage Softail & several touring bikes, I'd pick the RK without a second thought . One other thing that has not been mentioned yet is that even though the Softails have the "balanced" motor, on prolonged highway runs, the high frequency vibration that comes through the rigid mounted engine to the floorboards and handlebars can be very annoying for someone used to the smooth ride of the touring models.
It's been said many times, they make a bunch of models for a bunch of different tastes.
Sounds like you have plenty of time, so rent one of each for a day or two, log some miles and make yourself an informed decision.
Having had both a Heritage Softail & several touring bikes, I'd pick the RK without a second thought . One other thing that has not been mentioned yet is that even though the Softails have the "balanced" motor, on prolonged highway runs, the high frequency vibration that comes through the rigid mounted engine to the floorboards and handlebars can be very annoying for someone used to the smooth ride of the touring models.
It's been said many times, they make a bunch of models for a bunch of different tastes.
Sounds like you have plenty of time, so rent one of each for a day or two, log some miles and make yourself an informed decision.
I have to agree with PhilM! I too, have owned three Harleys including a Heritage Softail (same as a Fatboy), a RK classic, and now a Road Glide! Like what the rest of the folks on this thread have asked: what are planning to do with your Harley? For me, I found that I like to take long road trips, so a touring class fits me better. If you're going to just ride around town, barhopping or take short weekend trips, a Softail would do the trick! Some of the pros and cons you may want to consider are in following areas:
- Riding Style - Softail: ride in the bike RK: ride on the bike
- Engine - Softail: TC88B RK: Rubber Mount (shakes at idle, but very smooth above 2000RPM)
- Ground Clearance - Softail: 4-5" RK: 7" (no scrapping the floorboard here)
- Rear Suspension - Softail: require manual adjustment underneath the bike RK: adjustable via air shocks!
Of course, there are more areas to consider, including price and looks. But, if you're planning to enjoy all the roads have to offer, a touring class is where you want to be. Let us know what you end up with.
Da kahuna.
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