Road King or Fat Boy?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,478
Likes: 184
From: Mount Airy, MD
I had a 2007 Fatboy and I really did like it. It was good for long rides once I changed the seat, added bags etc. You said you would probably change it to look more like a Heritage probably for longer trips. By the time you do all that you will spend a lot more than what it would cost for a Road King. I found myself outfitting my Fatboy like a touring bike cause I was doing a lot more long range rides so I finally opened my eyes and sold the Fatboy and bought a Road Glide. Glad I did.
I do miss the Fatboy at times, but it was only good for poker runs & around town. If your going to ride long distances go for the KING. You'll be glad you did. And it ain't much more $ than the Fatboy.
I do like that new Fatboy Lo though. Come on Mega Millions ticket!
I do miss the Fatboy at times, but it was only good for poker runs & around town. If your going to ride long distances go for the KING. You'll be glad you did. And it ain't much more $ than the Fatboy.
I do like that new Fatboy Lo though. Come on Mega Millions ticket!
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 463
Likes: 3
From: Saskatchewan, Canada
I have a Road King and enjoy it.
Coming to the touring section of these forums and asking about a comparison between a tourer and another other line of Harley is going to get naturally biased but well-intentioned responses.
Coming to the touring section of these forums and asking about a comparison between a tourer and another other line of Harley is going to get naturally biased but well-intentioned responses.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 855
Likes: 1
From: Puyallup, WA
+1 for me. Had both bikes on the list and went with the King. Still have not ridden a fat boy so no ral world comparrison but I found I use the bags, shield and crash bar (don't ask) on the King more than I thought I would.
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,864
Likes: 3
From: Dallas, TX & Santa Fe, NM when I can find the time....
Here's my 
RKC
I'm a girl AND a new rider to boot. If I can handle it...you certainly can! I only started riding in Sept 08. I ended up with an '09 Road King Classic (after being sold on the new frame changes) as a first bike because I thought I might want to do some touring. Well, I can tell you now, I'm SO happy I went with the RKC. Turns out, I enjoy and have done a good bit of touring and longer day trips. Don't get me wrong, it took some getting used to. I'm 5'8"ish...and did I mention a girl? It was a beast at first, but I had it modded to fit me and the more I ride it, the more I love it.
Now, the Fatboy is a great bike. As a matter of fact, I really love them. I was thinking about it for a 2nd bike until I found the Deluxe. My gal-pal has/had a Fatboy and I've ridden it around a lot. Great for around town...definitely feels a lot lighter than my RKC. Much lower too. But, there is a substantial difference in ride. I especially noticed it at 55+ mph...just more shake and rattle. I can see where that would wear you out hour after hour. (Same thing as with my Deluxe). We both rode to Sturgis. She rode her '03 Fatty. The other 3 of us were riding baggers and were concerned about her. She was defiant about it being okay until she rented a Street Glide out in Calif. THEN she felt what we'd been talking about. After that, she was real concerned about how she'd feel at the end of each day on the Fatty. Sure, it's doable, but you'll be more fatigued. She got a new seat, ISO Grips & progressive air shocks and made the trip. Came back to Dallas and bought herself a new Road Glide! Kept the fatty for an around town bike.
All that to say...both are great bikes, but if you are thinking at all about touring and carrying a passenger...get the King.
EDIT: The RK also has the ABS option available. Big selling point IMO.
RKCI'm a girl AND a new rider to boot. If I can handle it...you certainly can! I only started riding in Sept 08. I ended up with an '09 Road King Classic (after being sold on the new frame changes) as a first bike because I thought I might want to do some touring. Well, I can tell you now, I'm SO happy I went with the RKC. Turns out, I enjoy and have done a good bit of touring and longer day trips. Don't get me wrong, it took some getting used to. I'm 5'8"ish...and did I mention a girl? It was a beast at first, but I had it modded to fit me and the more I ride it, the more I love it.
Now, the Fatboy is a great bike. As a matter of fact, I really love them. I was thinking about it for a 2nd bike until I found the Deluxe. My gal-pal has/had a Fatboy and I've ridden it around a lot. Great for around town...definitely feels a lot lighter than my RKC. Much lower too. But, there is a substantial difference in ride. I especially noticed it at 55+ mph...just more shake and rattle. I can see where that would wear you out hour after hour. (Same thing as with my Deluxe). We both rode to Sturgis. She rode her '03 Fatty. The other 3 of us were riding baggers and were concerned about her. She was defiant about it being okay until she rented a Street Glide out in Calif. THEN she felt what we'd been talking about. After that, she was real concerned about how she'd feel at the end of each day on the Fatty. Sure, it's doable, but you'll be more fatigued. She got a new seat, ISO Grips & progressive air shocks and made the trip. Came back to Dallas and bought herself a new Road Glide! Kept the fatty for an around town bike.
All that to say...both are great bikes, but if you are thinking at all about touring and carrying a passenger...get the King.
EDIT: The RK also has the ABS option available. Big selling point IMO.
Last edited by monstead; Dec 1, 2009 at 04:04 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,447
Likes: 163
From: Northern VA
No Contest: get the Road King
Yes, I have owned/ridden both. IMO it's no contest: Road King wins it hands down. Always found the RK a lot more comfortable on longer rides, because of the windshield and bags (and lack of solid rims). If you want the Fatboy feel, just pop off the windshield and ride it like that. Save yourself time/money and cut to the chase by getting the RK.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 338
Likes: 3
From: NorCal - Land of Pinkos and Prix
For years I wanted a Fat Boy, but when I finally got around to getting one I wound up riding away from the dealer on a King. I've never even thought about what a FB would have been like. The King IS the King.
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Thread Starter
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Advanced
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix
Interestingly enough, many of them recommend the Heritage as well, and several have still voted RK for my needs.
Thread Starter
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Advanced
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix
Y'all are doing a fine job of talking me into the RK
no worries about handling the bike per se, just what I'll be happiest with in the long haul.
I'm looking at a new '09; my dealer has several on the floor and is doing a "rebate" gift card promotion now. I was told by a couple of motor cops that ABS was the best thing since sliced bread, and I'd love to have it - I was going to use the gift card to it retrofitted on the King. But the dealer checked & said they can't do ABS installation; it HAS to come from factory. Too bad.
Hey, Monstead, did you say you were a GIRL?!
I'm looking at a new '09; my dealer has several on the floor and is doing a "rebate" gift card promotion now. I was told by a couple of motor cops that ABS was the best thing since sliced bread, and I'd love to have it - I was going to use the gift card to it retrofitted on the King. But the dealer checked & said they can't do ABS installation; it HAS to come from factory. Too bad.
Hey, Monstead, did you say you were a GIRL?!