All,

I am finally going to get my chance to upgrade! My wife agreed that we could get a new bike in a month or so, so I am trading in the sportster and I'm looking for a bigger bike. I am a big guy, 6'2" tall, over 350lbs, but I've been as low as 295 in the last couple years, and I'll likely be back in that range in the next year or so. I ride solo 95% of the time, I commute 47 miles one-way to work four days a week. I plan on eventually doing a little two-up riding with my wife, but this bike is primarily going to be for solo.

I've always wanted a fatboy, if I was just walking in and buying a new bike, it would be the Fatboy Lo or the Second Choice of the Fatboy, but I'm not sure I want to pay MSRP + all the extra fees to get one, so I'm looking at used bikes (Primarily 2007 or later bikes) I'm going to the dealer today to test ride a 2006 Road King Custom, and a 2008 Fatboy, There is also a 2007 Heritage that I've looked at.

I'm posting this thread because I want to hear why you guys would choose a touring over a Softail, and I'm going to post the exact same thing, but Softail over a touring, becuase I can look at statistics and pictures all day long, I can even take a few short test rides, and still not be as educated as I like to be on which one is for me.

I'll start by explaining what my likes and dislikes with the three bikes I've looked at:

2006 Road King Custom

+ Big, comfortable seat
+ Mini-Apes make for a very comfortable riding position
+ I like the leather covered hard-bags, and the way the exhaust sits under them
- 88" vs 96"
- 5 speed (I'm already looking for 6th on my sportster)
+- Engine Guard (Not really sure if I'm a fan of these or not)
- no 200 back tire
+ mini turn signal setup in back

Notes:
This is a RK Custom, so it doesnt have all the dresser extra bars, I like that. I just can't seem to like the dresser bikes, I don't like the fender lights, extra guards all over, etc, but I am a fan of the full size saddlebags. If it is a roadking, I think the custom is the one for me. I'm just concerned that with the fact that I go 80mph for 60 or so miles of my daily commute, the 5 speed will lower my economy, and keep me reaching for 6th all the time.

2007 Heritage Softail

+ Stock Seat, similar to Fatboy, They're wide, and far more comfortable than my sportster.
+ Mini-Apes
+ Saddlebags (I am more fan of the non-studded Road King bags, and I'd have to say my fav bags are on the new Softail Convertible)
+ TC96
+ 6spd
+- Engine Guard (+ has highway pegs built-in)
+ Detachable Passenger backrest
+ Windshield (I'd remove this in the summer, and put it on in the winter) (I'm not really a fan of windshields, but they are useful.
-Dresser accessories
- no 200 back tire
+ Running Lights

Notes:
Honestly, this bike seems like the logical choice, and its the one my wife thinks I should make. But not everything is about logic. I'm not a fan of the full Dresser FL treatment. I'd want to change the front fender, and probably the rear too eventually. I don't like the big rear turn signal setup, that'd have to go.

2008 Fatboy

+ 200 wide tire
+ TC96
+ 6 speed
+ Stock Seat, much wider than my sportster
+ Detachable Passenger Backrest

Notes:
I've always wanted a fatboy


So there we are. The three bikes I'm considering I might consider others, since its a month or so out (possibly 2), there might be other bikes available, but this really does describe which ones I'm interested in, Road King, Heritage, Fatboy and possibly a fat bob. I'd love to hear all of your opinions! When I go test ride today, I'll take some pictures, and let you guys know what I think.

 

I have a FB and an RKC like em both a lot... son rides the FB more than I do anymore. RKC is great on long rides, Heritage my brother owns he loves it and rides it long distance. Up to you to make the choice though!

 

You've done your homework and only you can decide. With your size, any of the touring bikes will ride better for you. The soft tails just won't have the comfort of the tourers. I for sure wouldn't think about the Fat Boy because of no bags. Once you have a bagger you'll never want a bike without them. Personaly, I would recommend the Ultra! Mamma will like it best. Good luck with your quest.

 

BTW did a trip a few weeks ago on my RKC 2900 miles in 8 days and I am 6-2, 250 and had no problems puttin 700 miles a day in the saddle! I have a tall boy seat on it which is very comfortable for the long hauls!

 

The comfort is the only reason I'm looking at the RK, looks-wise, I really like the softails more, but I have to be at least somewhat practical, and I do like the Idea of having a place to put things. If I go with the fatboy, I plan on putting Road King Classic bags on it via the Baggertail kit.

 

I would go with the King if the Mileage is not excessively High .. The 6th Speed is not all that Critical unless Cruise a lot at 70 MPH + otherwise I don't even use mine...

 

Love the flexibility of the RKC

I take off the shield and backrest, and it's a totally different ride.

I hope this helps: hehe

 

as stated before, you have done your research so it's up to you, but remember the 09's have the 96 w/ 6 speed

 

Now that is a fun decision to make. I agree that some bikes like the Fatboy Lo look truely great. For me, it was all about comfort, comfort, comfort. I didn't want my wife/passenger to complain and she hasn't. She thinks the ride on the passenger is great. However.....since you double my weight ......I am not sure I can be the best advice for you. I am surprised you road a Sporty for that long. Good luck and send us some pics if you are still talking to baggers by then

 

I am a guy about your size. Trust me, you would be more comfortable on a touring frame.