I envy you
Road King or Fat Boy?
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 544
Likes: 0
From: MD
I would say ride both and make your decision. I went with the RoadKing when I was in you shoes. It is the best of both worlds, around town cruiser stripped down and long distance hauler with W/S and luggage rack or detachable trunk.
I had old school leather Bags that I would put on with the luggage rack, backrests, and windshield off. Looked Great then put the hard bags and other gear back on for trips. Don't have any pics on this computer of it, but will try to post some when I get home next week.
As you can see, I went from renting FatBoy's to owning a RK and now this is what I have.
I had old school leather Bags that I would put on with the luggage rack, backrests, and windshield off. Looked Great then put the hard bags and other gear back on for trips. Don't have any pics on this computer of it, but will try to post some when I get home next week.
As you can see, I went from renting FatBoy's to owning a RK and now this is what I have.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 449
Likes: 1
From: The Woodlands, TX
I rode both for a while before buying the RK. I was deadset on buying a Fatboy, but then decided that a Heritage was the way to go. I don't like all the studs and crap on the Heritage. It's the Elvis of Harleys.
Then I took out the Road King. I don't see it being any harder to ride around town than any other bike. The lockable hard bags sold me. I work downtown Pittsburgh and it's nice to be able to lock my bags in the garage. I didn't think I would ever use the windshield but now can't remember the last time I actually rode without it. The dual exhausts are wicked and when you roll up the bike yells "I mean business."
Now... all I need is a detachable fairing, cruise, apes.... may as well get the SG next year.
Then I took out the Road King. I don't see it being any harder to ride around town than any other bike. The lockable hard bags sold me. I work downtown Pittsburgh and it's nice to be able to lock my bags in the garage. I didn't think I would ever use the windshield but now can't remember the last time I actually rode without it. The dual exhausts are wicked and when you roll up the bike yells "I mean business."
Now... all I need is a detachable fairing, cruise, apes.... may as well get the SG next year.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,761
Likes: 954
From: Out West
Hot Damn I say on the RoadKing, finest looking bike HD makes!! There is not a more classic looking bike than a King, bags and a detachable screen, big chrome nacelle, the things looking like screaming chugging locomotives and graceful to boot!
I would hate myself for choosing any other bike in the HD line over a tourer if'n I could only have one bike.
There's sound reasoning into why the word "King" is in that model's name
I would hate myself for choosing any other bike in the HD line over a tourer if'n I could only have one bike.
There's sound reasoning into why the word "King" is in that model's name
Last edited by Suede Blue Man; Jun 7, 2014 at 09:53 AM.
6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Canada
I was in the same dilema as you and the one bike I also was stuck on was the Fat Boy until my uncle said "take my road king for a ride". I was hooked and now own a 2009 RKC. I would never look back.
King
King
I went back and forth for a long time...... hard decision, but got a 2009 Road King Classic..... no regrets, love it! it is my first Harley.
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 898
Likes: 66
From: Slidell, Louisiana
I vote for the RK. It was my first HD and have been very pleased with its performance. For riding two up, it could not be comfortable. My wife never complains and she seems at ease when we ride.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Congrats! I too went through the same situation. Softail was always my dream bike. When it was time, I test rode several (heritage, classic, fatboy, road king, etc). bottomline: Softails are engineered for looks, period. What finally put me over the edge with the King was analysis of the features you get. I went with the FLHR because of the hard bags, cruise control (huge benefit that I discounted previously), ABS and the great brakes. When someone speaks to a softail being a better around town bike, I don't buy it. I've had three Hogs and my King is just as easy around town as I could ever want it to be.
I think you made a good choice. But that's also what you're going to hear in the Touring forum. Did you ask the same question in the softail forum?
I think you made a good choice. But that's also what you're going to hear in the Touring forum. Did you ask the same question in the softail forum?