Road King vs Heritage Softail
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,413
Likes: 17
From: eastern oklahoma
i read here in the forum about the guys who are trying to lower the suspension on their harley touring models. they try shorter shocks, lower seat, etc. i find it odd that they must have not sat on the bike in the showroom prior to buying it to find out if they can actually flat foot it so they can maneuver the bike. in fact, the heritage softail would have probably been a much better choice for those people who are short. i'm tall so i have no problem with flat footing my bike at all. i am happy with my streetglide but wouldn't have any problem owning a heritage softail either, other than it has no stereo and fairing, etc.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 894
Likes: 3
From: Wyalusing, PA
At one point I owned both an '01 Heritage Springer and an '04 Road King. I will say that the Road King sat under a cover in my garage unless friends came to town (Las Vegas at that time) and I needed a second bike!!!
I sold the HS and regret it to this day. I have ridden long days on both, hitting the 970 mile mark on the HS twice as well as the King before finally doing a legit 1,000-1 day on the King. Each bike has pros for me and I don't think I can check off a single "con".
I have lowered both bikes and not because I'm short (5'7"/32" inseam) but because I wanted to!!! I've ridden both bikes over some of the same roads and would do it all over again. I can't say that either one was any better in twisties, the only real plus of the King to me is the cruise control which helps a lot on a 1,000 mile IB!!!
The ONLY downside of the King is when you want to strip it down for cruising, I'm sorry, I know a lot of guys that have spent a lot of money cleaning up the rear end and suspension, but I just can't see the beauty of a touring bike without the bags on...
I sold the HS and regret it to this day. I have ridden long days on both, hitting the 970 mile mark on the HS twice as well as the King before finally doing a legit 1,000-1 day on the King. Each bike has pros for me and I don't think I can check off a single "con".
I have lowered both bikes and not because I'm short (5'7"/32" inseam) but because I wanted to!!! I've ridden both bikes over some of the same roads and would do it all over again. I can't say that either one was any better in twisties, the only real plus of the King to me is the cruise control which helps a lot on a 1,000 mile IB!!!
The ONLY downside of the King is when you want to strip it down for cruising, I'm sorry, I know a lot of guys that have spent a lot of money cleaning up the rear end and suspension, but I just can't see the beauty of a touring bike without the bags on...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,283
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
I owned a 2000 Heritage, and now own a 2002 road king. I loved the Heritage, but like others have said, there is just no comparison. The road king handles better, rides better, brakes better and is a lot smoother at 50mph and up. I'm 6'2", so I put the extended reach floor board pans, sundowner seat, and heritage bars on, and now I can easily ride all day with no fatigue.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, Ks
I rode both before going with a King.
Liked the ergonomics better, especially after swapping for Police bars.
Thought the King felt better on all road conditions.
I can pop the shield off and swap for the solo seat in about 10 minutes, and totally change the look of the bike.
Liked the ergonomics better, especially after swapping for Police bars.
Thought the King felt better on all road conditions.
I can pop the shield off and swap for the solo seat in about 10 minutes, and totally change the look of the bike.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 213
Likes: 1
Spent a lot of time/miles (my Dad's bike) on a Heritage before renting an '09 King for one day. That was all it took. The difference is tremendous. I don't do a ton of two-up riding, but will when the kid pops out. You really can't beat the versatility of the King...a phenomenal touring bike one minute, and the next a gorgeous classic cruiser. KING WINS HANDS DOWN. I went with the '09 because of the options (love the ABS, cruise control, and the new frame). Good luck, Sir.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 938
Likes: 0
From: Seattle WA area
I rode both before I bought. Loved the look of both but the nod tot eh Heritage. The ride nod went tot he Road King. With the Heritage you sit in the bike and the King, you are on it. Niether is good or bad but a matter of preference. Both nice bikes but for any longer touring, I think the King wins. For what it matters, I'm 6'0 so the king height isn't an issue for me.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,051
Likes: 50
From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)
I've owned em both, and prefer the RK. Primarily because I like those long days in the saddle, and I like to carry a lot of junk...ie., tools, change of clothes, rain gear every time I get on the scoot, and first aide stuff. But I could really ride either one all day long. Go rent em for 1/2 day each and split the day up back to back. That way you'll know by the seat of your pants which you prefer. Many dealers will do this, and take the rental fees off your purchase price when you decide to buy. Good luck.
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 238
Likes: 18
From: Canada
I used to own a Heritage Classic, and I currently own a Road King Classic, so I have plenty of experience with both. Here's my opinion...
- I really love both bikes, but with the touring frame, the ride quality is definitively better on the Road King.
- The bags are also bigger and better on the Road King than the Heritage so if luggage capacity is important to you, that could be a consideration.
- The Road King looks okay outfitted with a Tour-Pac (trunk), whereas that looked a bit odd on the Heritage.
- With the Heritage, you sit much more *in* the bike, instead of *on top* of the bike as on the Road King. (When I switched rides, it took me a bit to get used to that taller feeling.) I liked the low-down, butt-dragging feel of the Heritage.
- If you want a more boulevard cruiser look, the Heritage looks awesome when you strip off the bags, windshield, and backrest. IMHO, you can't beat the styling of a Softail.
- The windshield style is the same on both, so that's a draw.
My bottom line, is that for doing tons of riding, the Road King is a better bike because of the ride quality and luggage capacity. For looks, I liked the versatility of the Heritage where you could load it up for touring, or strip it down for cruising. The verdict (for me) is that I'm very happy with the Road King, and likely wouldn't go back to a Softail model.
Good luck with your own decision!
- I really love both bikes, but with the touring frame, the ride quality is definitively better on the Road King.
- The bags are also bigger and better on the Road King than the Heritage so if luggage capacity is important to you, that could be a consideration.
- The Road King looks okay outfitted with a Tour-Pac (trunk), whereas that looked a bit odd on the Heritage.
- With the Heritage, you sit much more *in* the bike, instead of *on top* of the bike as on the Road King. (When I switched rides, it took me a bit to get used to that taller feeling.) I liked the low-down, butt-dragging feel of the Heritage.
- If you want a more boulevard cruiser look, the Heritage looks awesome when you strip off the bags, windshield, and backrest. IMHO, you can't beat the styling of a Softail.
- The windshield style is the same on both, so that's a draw.
My bottom line, is that for doing tons of riding, the Road King is a better bike because of the ride quality and luggage capacity. For looks, I liked the versatility of the Heritage where you could load it up for touring, or strip it down for cruising. The verdict (for me) is that I'm very happy with the Road King, and likely wouldn't go back to a Softail model.
Good luck with your own decision!
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,507
Likes: 23
From: Orange County Texas
Just a little follow-up. Take a look at my sig picture, yes that is my Road King Out fitted for a trip. Many in the hog club thought it was an Ultra at first look. Everything can be stripped off the bike in a few min.
I call my King a convertable. Because it can be so many Different bikes to me. Normal (Daily Use) configuration is with the fairing lowers and tour pack off.
Some of the guys at work think I have more than one bike, should I tell the different
I call my King a convertable. Because it can be so many Different bikes to me. Normal (Daily Use) configuration is with the fairing lowers and tour pack off.
Some of the guys at work think I have more than one bike, should I tell the different