Road King vs Heritage Softail
Club Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,481
Likes: 4
From: Georgia
They don't call it the King for nothing. I have had both and like the RKC. It has cruise control which makes a big difference once you get used to having it. I did like the Heritage and still have a ST Springer for tooling around the area but any real riding and I get the King out. YMMV
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,709
Likes: 9,210
From: Snow Hill, NC
I think the touring rides better but the Heritage looks better...I have to go with RK...I would like to have a softail asa 2nd bike...Also my wife could ride it cuz it's lower....
By the way i don't own either. i have a Electra Glide Classic..added cruise.
By the way i don't own either. i have a Electra Glide Classic..added cruise.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,456
Likes: 11
From: PacNW; Beacon of Conservatism in a Sea of Liberals.......AZ Snowbird; Just another Conservative
I don't care for the buzz of the "B" motor. At speed, I think the "A" has a better feel than the balanced motor. Better handling with the RK, too.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 466
Likes: 0
From: Ontario, Canada
The stock RK's can be a bit high for some of us, fortunately the fellow who originally owned the one I have had it lowered at both ends cause he was vertically challenged as am I so the lowered configuration has worked out for me also. BTW he bought a Heritage Classic.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 922
Likes: 1
From: Riverside, TX
I have both. both are 09's. (Heritage is my wife's bike). it's fun to scoot around on, but for any kind of riding longer than an hour I ride the king. she loves the heritage, it does feel more nimble, u sit "in" the bike rather than on it like the stock king (ive since replaced the seat and put the heritage style bars on the king and now it's great).
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,051
Likes: 50
From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)
I'm guessing you probably posted this over in the Softie Section too for a balanced look. I'd be willing to guess that more than 80% of the Touring Folks have had or might even still have a Softail. There's a reason we all end up with Touring bikes. We enjoy the ride. The all day comfort, the variety of options, and the ability to carry all our crap. Decide what YOU want your bike to do for you, and then place your order. If I were in your boat, and actually didn't know which way to go (cause deep down usually we all know what we'd really rather have) I'd go out and rent them both, ride em both through the same area, and then make a decision. Good Luck, and let us know.
