Road King or Fat Boy?
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Bremerton, WA
"The touring bike is a different animal than the softails. I was back and forth between a Heritage and Road King before I bought. After test riding both the ride of the King is just soooooooo much better than the Heritage. After 2K miles on my king I sat on a Heritage. Wow, did I make the right choice! I mean, I like sitting in the bike a little more, but the RK is just so much more comfortable. Maybe I shouldn't try to make my King sit like a softail. However, I have sat on a few that have been lowered and it's a good feeling. I've just never taken one that's been lowered front and back out for a spin to see how it rides."
I made that statement in another thread and felt like it fit here just as well. You will never regret getting a KING!
I made that statement in another thread and felt like it fit here just as well. You will never regret getting a KING!
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 922
Likes: 1
From: Riverside, TX
I like getting on my wife's Heritage (like sitting in it) to bop around the neighborhood, but when I get out on the road, it's the KING all the way. I don't see how she rides the long rides with me lol!
Thread Starter
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Advanced
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix
"The touring bike is a different animal than the softails. I was back and forth between a Heritage and Road King before I bought. After test riding both the ride of the King is just soooooooo much better than the Heritage. After 2K miles on my king I sat on a Heritage. Wow, did I make the right choice! I mean, I like sitting in the bike a little more, but the RK is just so much more comfortable. Maybe I shouldn't try to make my King sit like a softail. However, I have sat on a few that have been lowered and it's a good feeling. I've just never taken one that's been lowered front and back out for a spin to see how it rides."
I made that statement in another thread and felt like it fit here just as well. You will never regret getting a KING!
I made that statement in another thread and felt like it fit here just as well. You will never regret getting a KING!
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
From: Coolidge AZ
I am quite sure that the person who owned my FLHR before me lowered the bike. It has Progressive shocks in the rear, and a low stance, in comparing to other road kings, it is lower. I came from a Sportster to the 'King so I drag my boars pretty frequently, but once you get used to doing it, it's not really a big deal. When I test rode a Road King Custom vs a Fatboy, the Fatboy rubbed floorboards more frequently than the 'King did.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 599
Likes: 0
From: Brooklyn
Interesting point - I've pretty much decided on a King for sure, and will likely seal the deal in the next day or so. In perusing pics of Kings in mags & online, I sure like the look of a lowered one, and thought about doing that - but wonder what that would do to my cornering, etc. Before I do anything like that I'll live with the bike stock for awhile, and would likely swap seats to lower the ride height before I messed w/the suspension
but the thought had occurred to me
1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Go with the RK...
Hello Smokewagon...notwithstanding the obvious answer that they both have their advantages and fan base, I say there is nothing like a bagger, go with the RK. Once you experience the versatility of these scooters, you will not be dissapointed. I personally like the look of the Heritage and know lots of people who flat out love them. BUT, the baggers embody the charisma and experience of a Harley better than anything else IMO. Give it a try, you will be glad you did!
PTJ
PTJ
I have lusted after a Fat Boy for years, and am now ready to buy. BUT I also got to looking at the Road King after being told it was a much better bike for two-up riding & longer trips
I test rode both, and while they felt very different, I really liked both of them, and am torn between them.
The Fat Boy felt more nimble & light, but I liked the solid feel of the Road King I liked the thumpiness of the Road King motor, and the softer exhaust noise too.
If I got the Fat Boy, I'd probably essentially want to turn it into a Heritage - I would consider a Heritage, but just can't get behind the studded furniture
Since it's my first bike, I don't know quite what sort of riding I will be doing, probably mostly day trips until my kids are older, but I do want one that will be comfortable for me and a companion on longer trips if the opportunity presents itself.
Has anyone owned both bikes, or can speak to the comfort of the Fat Boy on longer trips?
The Fat Boy felt more nimble & light, but I liked the solid feel of the Road King I liked the thumpiness of the Road King motor, and the softer exhaust noise too.
If I got the Fat Boy, I'd probably essentially want to turn it into a Heritage - I would consider a Heritage, but just can't get behind the studded furniture
Since it's my first bike, I don't know quite what sort of riding I will be doing, probably mostly day trips until my kids are older, but I do want one that will be comfortable for me and a companion on longer trips if the opportunity presents itself.
Has anyone owned both bikes, or can speak to the comfort of the Fat Boy on longer trips?
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: CNY
Rode both last fall at the demo days and did'nt like the Fat boy at all. Both were 09s and the RK motor felt more responsive. Of you plan on adding bags and windshield like a heritage go for a Road King or a Road King Classic if you like the leather bags.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,611
Likes: 104
From: Southern Colorado
I dreamt about a Fatboy as my first bike but some good people here on the forum suggested I ride a Road King. I did and I bought one and have never regretted that decision.
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: Lenox, GA
I was surprised at the power of the Road King. I didn't expect it to be more responsive than my Deuce but this thing pulls like a freight train. Service manager said the B motor looses a little bit to the counterbalancer, so the A motor combined with the Stage 1 download, Rush exhaust and performance intake was a real surprise when I twisted the "go ****."
