Which touring bike do you recommend
Club Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,481
Likes: 4
From: Georgia
Ultra Classic or Ultra Limited. I like all the features and would miss the radio if I didn't have it. I have a Road King that I ride sometimes but think about the radio it doesn't have when I ride it. You get used to the features and the radio, cruise control, and gauges plus the fairing makes it a better ride.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,832
Likes: 127
From: Coastal Carolina
If you like the look of your Heritage but want to provide more comfort for your wife, the obvious choice is a Road King Classic. It still has the classic Harley look without all the plastic of a fairing and hard bags but rides like a touring bike. Get an upgraded seat (e.g. Sundowner) and a sissy bar with a wide back rest and your wife will stay comfortable for hours (like mine does).
By the way, when I say it "rides like a touring bike" don't read that as a condemnation of its handling. I think you will find it handles better than your Heritage. It has a significantly greater lean angle than the Heritage and is great in the twisties and sweepers!
Good luck!
By the way, when I say it "rides like a touring bike" don't read that as a condemnation of its handling. I think you will find it handles better than your Heritage. It has a significantly greater lean angle than the Heritage and is great in the twisties and sweepers!
Good luck!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,364
Likes: 33
From: So Cal The Golden State
If you like your RKC, what i would do first is change your seat with a FLHTK seat and see if your wife likes it. You can get take offs on the board and ebay.
You are riding a touring chasis touring bike now so the feel will be similar.
I ride a RK during the week and the Limited when my wife is on.
You are riding a touring chasis touring bike now so the feel will be similar.
I ride a RK during the week and the Limited when my wife is on.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,045
Likes: 36
From: ST. Louis
Depends on your finances. All Touring motorcycles start out as Road Kings. They just add plastic, electronics and chrome as they go up in price. A Road King stock seat with a back rest will be better than the Heritage. An Electra Glide Classic is the entry level dresser. It has a fairing, tour-pak, stereo and gauges (my sig pic is a Classic with a bunch of accessories). It has a passenger seat and backrest that is really nice. Matter of fact, whether you by a Classic, Ultra or Limited, the passenger seating is the same - very comfortable. The Ultra Classic is about $2,000 higher than the Classic. The Limited is about $2,000 higher than the Ultra.
Personally, I didn't want all the stuff on an Ultra or a Limited, so I bought a Classic and will build it up to what suits me and save a few $$.
Personally, I didn't want all the stuff on an Ultra or a Limited, so I bought a Classic and will build it up to what suits me and save a few $$.
If you can swing a "Limited" that would be sweet.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 507
Likes: 5
From: Florida
Best all around tourer is the FLHR. As someone else mentioned, H-D touring bikes all start out as RKs. Then the customizing begins. You can dress up or dress down the FLHR to suit your solo or 2-up riding needs. Seats are crucial, so is suspension set-up but again as pointed out, the most important part of 2-up riding is knowing that you need to be considerate to your passenger. Smooth shiftings, accelerations/decels and plenty of rest stop to take in the scenery. Rent one and give it a try. Then go for the model that best suits you and your riding needs. Good luck!
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,221
Likes: 4
From: Annemasse (border of Geneva-Switzerland) facing Mt-Blanc.
How often do you ride with your wife?
Would you like to have the TourPak behind you the rest of the time?
It only takes a few minutes to swap seats and accessories.
We chose the detachable option:
- seat of the Standard + "medium" passenger backrest + carrier for short rides,
- seat of the Classic + TourPak with the large backrest for long rides.
I find it easier to swing a stretched leg above a low profile bike than to grab my boot to avoid touching the seat when I get on the bike; you'll see when you reach 60, the TourPak looks really high
Would you like to have the TourPak behind you the rest of the time?
It only takes a few minutes to swap seats and accessories.
We chose the detachable option:
- seat of the Standard + "medium" passenger backrest + carrier for short rides,
- seat of the Classic + TourPak with the large backrest for long rides.
I find it easier to swing a stretched leg above a low profile bike than to grab my boot to avoid touching the seat when I get on the bike; you'll see when you reach 60, the TourPak looks really high
Account Retired
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,245
Likes: 12
From: Here
I believe if your going to ride, you might as well be comfortable. Riding solo, I love my Road King. If I were riding twoup I would definately have a FLHTK. Before my wife decided to ride her own bike, we had an 08 Ultra Classic 105th Anniversary. Loved that bike!