RKC vs. Softail Deluxe feedback please
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RKC vs. Softail Deluxe feedback please
hello all;
i am an experienced touring rider, decided to buy a new HD, either an RKC or a Softail Deluxe. Two different animals, I know. I am kinda moving away from huge tourers, and I'd like to end up with either of these bikes. Not a big fan of the Heritage Softail Classic, so not a choice for me.
I have just ridden an Electra Glide Classic 1500 miles and liked it, but after owning a GL1800 Gold Wing and a BMW K1200LT, I'm kind of inclined to avoid another huge bike. I used to own an RKC, had oil leak problems so I sold it. All my HD experience is therefore on the touring models, with the rubber mounted motor and the touring frame.
I've never ridden a softail, but I love the looks of the Deluxe. I know it doesn't have the ground clearance of the RKC, but I'm curious how different the bike will "feel" from the touring models. I hear mixed things - that the Softail Deluxe is basically a "bar bike", nowhere near as comfortable as an RKC, won't handle or stop as well. Then other people say that the Softail is more versatile than the RKC, and feels smaller (no bags and sits lower.)
I will probably use the bike mostly for light touring (4 hour rides) and the occasional weekend trip (300 milers). I know the RKC can do this with ease - has anybody ridden both the Softail Deluxe and the RKC, who can provide some thoughts?
My brain tells me RKC (bags, windshield, dual front discs, cruise, same money) but my heart says Softail Deluxe...
i am an experienced touring rider, decided to buy a new HD, either an RKC or a Softail Deluxe. Two different animals, I know. I am kinda moving away from huge tourers, and I'd like to end up with either of these bikes. Not a big fan of the Heritage Softail Classic, so not a choice for me.
I have just ridden an Electra Glide Classic 1500 miles and liked it, but after owning a GL1800 Gold Wing and a BMW K1200LT, I'm kind of inclined to avoid another huge bike. I used to own an RKC, had oil leak problems so I sold it. All my HD experience is therefore on the touring models, with the rubber mounted motor and the touring frame.
I've never ridden a softail, but I love the looks of the Deluxe. I know it doesn't have the ground clearance of the RKC, but I'm curious how different the bike will "feel" from the touring models. I hear mixed things - that the Softail Deluxe is basically a "bar bike", nowhere near as comfortable as an RKC, won't handle or stop as well. Then other people say that the Softail is more versatile than the RKC, and feels smaller (no bags and sits lower.)
I will probably use the bike mostly for light touring (4 hour rides) and the occasional weekend trip (300 milers). I know the RKC can do this with ease - has anybody ridden both the Softail Deluxe and the RKC, who can provide some thoughts?
My brain tells me RKC (bags, windshield, dual front discs, cruise, same money) but my heart says Softail Deluxe...
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RE: RKC vs. Softail Deluxe feedback please
I just got rid of my Softail Deluxe to buy a Road King. But I'm also planning on cross country trips, not just 4-hour jaunts.
A properly dressed up Deluxe can be a fantastic tour bike, especially if you're going alone. And it is hand's down, IMHO, the most beautiful bike Harley has ever produced. The only thing I didn't like about it was the buzziness of the 88b engine at running speeds (I couldn't get over how nice the rubber mounted engines rode in comparison; that's why I got rid of mine and got the RK). If you've only ever ridden Harley tour bikes, you need to take a Softail for a test ride before making up your mind. There's a big difference between the rubber mounted engine of the RK, and the counterbalanced engine on the Softail. I didn't like it, but some people prefer it (or there wouldn't be NEARLY so many Heritages on the road.) The other nice thing about the Deluxe is that it's an easy bike to ride. From the moment I sat on mine, I felt like I had been riding that bike my whole life. I've never felt that way about any other bike; there's always had to be a learning period.
Again, I'd take a Softail for a spin. If you don't mind the engine buzziness, go get you a Deluxe!
A properly dressed up Deluxe can be a fantastic tour bike, especially if you're going alone. And it is hand's down, IMHO, the most beautiful bike Harley has ever produced. The only thing I didn't like about it was the buzziness of the 88b engine at running speeds (I couldn't get over how nice the rubber mounted engines rode in comparison; that's why I got rid of mine and got the RK). If you've only ever ridden Harley tour bikes, you need to take a Softail for a test ride before making up your mind. There's a big difference between the rubber mounted engine of the RK, and the counterbalanced engine on the Softail. I didn't like it, but some people prefer it (or there wouldn't be NEARLY so many Heritages on the road.) The other nice thing about the Deluxe is that it's an easy bike to ride. From the moment I sat on mine, I felt like I had been riding that bike my whole life. I've never felt that way about any other bike; there's always had to be a learning period.
Again, I'd take a Softail for a spin. If you don't mind the engine buzziness, go get you a Deluxe!
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RE: RKC vs. Softail Deluxe feedback please
Oh, and by the way, I took my Deluxe from Kansas City to Sturgis last year, and the bike did just fine. Did great in corners, never bottomed out, and never once wanted for more bag room on the bike.
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RE: RKC vs. Softail Deluxe feedback please
thanks! i am thinking now of maybe expanding my choices to the Street Glide also (although it seems pretty similar to the EG standard but for more money)
i'm surprised that the ground clearance was not an issue with the Deluxe, I always grind the pegs on cruisers. I do love the rubber mounted engine bike's "feel".
i'm surprised that the ground clearance was not an issue with the Deluxe, I always grind the pegs on cruisers. I do love the rubber mounted engine bike's "feel".
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RE: RKC vs. Softail Deluxe feedback please
My feelings on these two bikes would lean towards the RK favorably. The ride is better,the suspension is definately better especially 2 up on long trips. I think you fill find that the handeling on thr RK is better and the bike in general is a bit more comfortable than the softail. The rake on the front of the RK makes it a better handeling bike around town also.
Why not try to rent the two bikes you mention for a short haul to asses the diferences between them?
Why not try to rent the two bikes you mention for a short haul to asses the diferences between them?
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RE: RKC vs. Softail Deluxe feedback please
i had wanted to rent the deluxe, but my local dealers don't have them in the fleet - guess they sell them all.
i was really impressed with how the RKC handled when I tried one recently. I really appreciate the feedback, all!
i was really impressed with how the RKC handled when I tried one recently. I really appreciate the feedback, all!
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Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Bloomfield, NM
RE: RKC vs. Softail Deluxe feedback please
For what you are going to do, the Deluxe would be great. Best looking bike HD makes, and plenty adaquate for day rides and an occasional overnighter.
For more distance riding, I would go with a RK minimum, and I wouldn't rule our the new Street Glide.
Regards,
Bill
For more distance riding, I would go with a RK minimum, and I wouldn't rule our the new Street Glide.
Regards,
Bill
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Prior Lake, MN
RE: RKC vs. Softail Deluxe feedback please
ORIGINAL: katoomofdoom
thanks! i am thinking now of maybe expanding my choices to the Street Glide also (although it seems pretty similar to the EG standard but for more money)
thanks! i am thinking now of maybe expanding my choices to the Street Glide also (although it seems pretty similar to the EG standard but for more money)
-Radio
-Cool Rear fender
-Low license plate mount
-Bullet style turn signals
-RK Custom style floorboards and brake pad
-Black and CHROME engine
-Color matched saddlebag latches
-Chrome dash plate (Same as CVO models)
-Clean front fender
-Slotted cast wheels with black accents
-Lowered suspension
-Standard with all instrument gauges
-Chrome trim rings on all instrument gauges
-Fairing mounted mirrors
-Low smoked windshield
-Low profile seat
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From: Cedar Point, NC
RE: RKC vs. Softail Deluxe feedback please
I really like the Street Glide. You can bet they will allow you a detachable tour pack too...that will let you do more and more when it comes to longer distances while keeping your cleaned look. If I were in the market, I would be looking hard at the Street Glide and the Electra Glide Classic...
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