2009 Road King versus Heritage Softail
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,876
Likes: 3
From: Washington State
Had a 06 Deluxe, then went to my 08 RK Classic. Didn't want a fairing, but am going to get a detachable someday, but only for long trips. Problem I had was I liked a little bit of the RK, a little bit of the SG, and a bit more of my RKC. So I got the RKC and am tweaking it to my liking. Once you get a fairing bike, you're stuck with the fairing on there. Get the RK/RKC and get a detach-fairing and have the best of both worlds. The RK/RKC's are very versatile, and comfortable bikes. And yes, my wife rides with me most of the time 
and loves it!
and loves it!
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 3
From: Behind you
I have an 08 RKC. Nice bike I only have 1 complaint. I am 5'-9"
At first I always had my back arched. That gets real painful
after an hour. I added a rider back rest. That solved the back
pain by keeping me upright. Now after 2 hours my wrists hurt
as I am always leaning forward. The point is sit on the bike for
awhile. If you seem to be leaning forward. Get extended or EZ
reach bars before buying. You will probably get a better price
if it is part of the sale. Hope this helps, just my 2
At first I always had my back arched. That gets real painful
after an hour. I added a rider back rest. That solved the back
pain by keeping me upright. Now after 2 hours my wrists hurt
as I am always leaning forward. The point is sit on the bike for
awhile. If you seem to be leaning forward. Get extended or EZ
reach bars before buying. You will probably get a better price
if it is part of the sale. Hope this helps, just my 2
MOCO tries to design a bike that fits everyone, ultimately, fitting no one.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 261
Likes: 0
From:
There are five main differences between the Heritage and Road King:
1. BRAKES: A big improvement for the RK here, as it has TWIN discs with Brembos, as well as the option of ABS. I'd say the braking on an 09 RK will feel twice as powerful as the Heritage.
2. FRAME: The 09 RK has the new stiffer frame with the 180 series tire on the back. This will give you better handling and more stability.
3. TANK: The 6-gallon tank of the RK is so much more convenient than the the 5-gallon Heritage. Whether you want to travel the extra 40 miles or so is up to you, but when touring with friends, it's a great convenience. It also seems to save money on gas, as you fill up at cheaper gas stations near home, and don't have to refill at the expensive joints far from home.
4. CRUISE CONTROL: This is available as a factory option on the RK, and I high recommend it. It reduces fatigue way more than you would think. On longer rides on highways and superslab, you'll be glad you have it.
5. TC96: The engine mounts on the RK are rubber, and it is much smoother (to me) than the Softail's internal balance shafts. It bumps around at idle, but smooths out above 1,200 revs. On a long trip, it just feels less tiring.
The Heritage is a great looking bike with comfy handlebars and I love the look of the single sided pipes and the chrome oil tank. But I think you could personalize the RK with some different bars and other do-dads.
As a long standing HD dealer said to me: "Once you ride the touring bikes, it's tough to go back to the Softail." Having owned an 06 Softail and an 08 Road King, I can vouch for that.
But as others have stated, have you thought of a Electra Glide Classic or Street Glide?
1. BRAKES: A big improvement for the RK here, as it has TWIN discs with Brembos, as well as the option of ABS. I'd say the braking on an 09 RK will feel twice as powerful as the Heritage.
2. FRAME: The 09 RK has the new stiffer frame with the 180 series tire on the back. This will give you better handling and more stability.
3. TANK: The 6-gallon tank of the RK is so much more convenient than the the 5-gallon Heritage. Whether you want to travel the extra 40 miles or so is up to you, but when touring with friends, it's a great convenience. It also seems to save money on gas, as you fill up at cheaper gas stations near home, and don't have to refill at the expensive joints far from home.
4. CRUISE CONTROL: This is available as a factory option on the RK, and I high recommend it. It reduces fatigue way more than you would think. On longer rides on highways and superslab, you'll be glad you have it.
5. TC96: The engine mounts on the RK are rubber, and it is much smoother (to me) than the Softail's internal balance shafts. It bumps around at idle, but smooths out above 1,200 revs. On a long trip, it just feels less tiring.
The Heritage is a great looking bike with comfy handlebars and I love the look of the single sided pipes and the chrome oil tank. But I think you could personalize the RK with some different bars and other do-dads.
As a long standing HD dealer said to me: "Once you ride the touring bikes, it's tough to go back to the Softail." Having owned an 06 Softail and an 08 Road King, I can vouch for that.
But as others have stated, have you thought of a Electra Glide Classic or Street Glide?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,368
Likes: 14
From: Yokohama
I have an 08 RKC. Nice bike I only have 1 complaint. I am 5'-9"
At first I always had my back arched. That gets real painful
after an hour. I added a rider back rest. That solved the back
pain by keeping me upright. Now after 2 hours my wrists hurt
as I am always leaning forward. The point is sit on the bike for
awhile. If you seem to be leaning forward. Get extended or EZ
reach bars before buying. You will probably get a better price
if it is part of the sale. Hope this helps, just my 2
At first I always had my back arched. That gets real painful
after an hour. I added a rider back rest. That solved the back
pain by keeping me upright. Now after 2 hours my wrists hurt
as I am always leaning forward. The point is sit on the bike for
awhile. If you seem to be leaning forward. Get extended or EZ
reach bars before buying. You will probably get a better price
if it is part of the sale. Hope this helps, just my 2
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 752
Likes: 0
From: North East, Florida
If you go to a new 09" I think you would like the RK better. The new frame alone is a great improvement. I do know how much fun a softail is to ride, so the choice will be all yours. Good luck!
Banned Camp
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
Went from an '05 Fatboy to an 09 Road Glide... No comparison. I was thinking today (while I was riding some MO twisties) how much better the RG rolls into curves and turns than the Fatboy EVER did... The '09's are sweet.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,341
Likes: 714
wife HATED the softail traded to rkc i liked it better all the way around she liked it better .then i traded to ultra i like the looks of rkc better but no way were the looks as cool as the comfort on the ulta. save the cash in the long run and go straight to the ultra. the batwing takes some getting used to untill u cautch some weather then its all good.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,261
Likes: 1
From: Deltona, Florida
For me the RKC is perfect because of comfort looks, and versatility, but my opinion is biased. I have owned a softail fatboy, love the bike for different reasons, but overall the roadking is #1 IMO.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 1
From: St. Johns, Fl
Twinrider -- Did you lower your RK or anything? If so has it change the ride of the bike? I ask because I am you same size and have been looking to get a RKC, but not able to flatfoot it.