RK same comfortable ride as an Ultra?
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 315
Likes: 7
From: Green Bay WI
The softie is no comparison to any of the touring line. If you are riding more than 50 miles you want some kind of windshield. That makes a huge difference. I know there are tough guys all over who ride long distances with no windshield but there is no way any of them would get on a touring bike and say it is "less" comfortable. Just get the Ultra you know you want it!
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 468
Likes: 222
From: NorCal
I just got the new Road King, and got off an older Standard. As most people pointed out, you will be satisfied with the ride of either bike. The ride will get you down the road. The one thing I found is that I do miss the fairing when riding the RK. The batwing really does keep a lot of wind off you, and the fatigue from the wind blast can really take a toll on long rides. You may be used to it, but if you really want to ride long distance comfortably, the fairing helps. I know the RK came with a windshield, but I am not a fan of the look, so it is off the bike. If you like the look, you will be in good shape. Either bike will serve you well.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 790
Likes: 4
From: Internet
Excellent info, thanks for joining everyone!
As i said, i LOVE my bike ... how it looks, how it sounds, how nimble it is, to me; it screams "BAD AZZ!!" and rings of old nostalgic looking harleys. I do ride with tunes 90% of the time, with my earbuds ... it helps muffle my exhaust sound, and I also love my tunes! But that wouldn't be a deciding factor for me on my next bike, im perfectly fine using my earbuds
What i dont like, is how it feels like "work" (for me at least) to go 150+mi
I do love the big windshield, i ride sometimes around town without it, but couldn't imagine much highway riding unless it was on.
MOST (85%+) of my riding is within 50mi, but I think i shy away from longer riding due to the fatigue i feel from riding my bike.
I guess ultimately the RK is the right choice for me, based on looks and versatility. I'd just hate to buy it and 6mo from now hear someone say "bro if you wanted comfort, you shoulda gotten a glide!!" HA
Gotta admit ... the RK posted above with the lowers, looks pretty effing good! Id prefer that based on looks alone ... but wonder how the long ride fatigue'ness compares to a glide?
As i said, i LOVE my bike ... how it looks, how it sounds, how nimble it is, to me; it screams "BAD AZZ!!" and rings of old nostalgic looking harleys. I do ride with tunes 90% of the time, with my earbuds ... it helps muffle my exhaust sound, and I also love my tunes! But that wouldn't be a deciding factor for me on my next bike, im perfectly fine using my earbuds
What i dont like, is how it feels like "work" (for me at least) to go 150+mi
I do love the big windshield, i ride sometimes around town without it, but couldn't imagine much highway riding unless it was on.
MOST (85%+) of my riding is within 50mi, but I think i shy away from longer riding due to the fatigue i feel from riding my bike.
I guess ultimately the RK is the right choice for me, based on looks and versatility. I'd just hate to buy it and 6mo from now hear someone say "bro if you wanted comfort, you shoulda gotten a glide!!" HA
Gotta admit ... the RK posted above with the lowers, looks pretty effing good! Id prefer that based on looks alone ... but wonder how the long ride fatigue'ness compares to a glide?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 143
From: Santa Cruz
I've had 2 RKs, a RG and now a EG. I put lots of miles on them all. Liked RG the best. RK has lighter front, feels lighter all over, but worst wind protection. My EG has a very heavy front, just feels really heavy all over and the wind protection is pretty good. RG splits the difference in weight and has best wind protection imho. Lately when ever I get on my RK I get irritated by the wind blast. Its got to go....
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 2,896
From: Oklahoma
My son bought a Road glide Ultra based on a test ride on a windy day, first on my 08 Road King, then a demo ride on the Road Glide, routes chosen for max exposure to cross wind. He went with the Road Glide. He explained that while he could feel the wind on the Road Glide, it didn't blow the steering around as it did with the fork attached windshield on the King.
The only shop manual I have is for my 08 King and it covers the fairing models also. At least on 08, the King had a more simple fork shock arrangement than the fairing bikes. The fairing machines had extra valving in the forks for a more controlled ride. I guess because of the extra weight of the fairings and equipment therein. On the rare occasions that my son takes my King around the block, he says it feels like a 10 speed bicycle compared to his Road Glide.
The King in stock form has no lowers or protection for your hands. All of the fairings provide wind protection for your hands and most of the various Ultras have lowers included. If you want maximum protection right out of the box, go with an Ultra of some type.
The only shop manual I have is for my 08 King and it covers the fairing models also. At least on 08, the King had a more simple fork shock arrangement than the fairing bikes. The fairing machines had extra valving in the forks for a more controlled ride. I guess because of the extra weight of the fairings and equipment therein. On the rare occasions that my son takes my King around the block, he says it feels like a 10 speed bicycle compared to his Road Glide.
The King in stock form has no lowers or protection for your hands. All of the fairings provide wind protection for your hands and most of the various Ultras have lowers included. If you want maximum protection right out of the box, go with an Ultra of some type.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,088
Likes: 1,962
From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
Any of the touring models are great choices, but it all depends on the feature set or versatility you want. Before I pulled the trigger on my RK I had a hard choice to make like you. So I rented or demoed available touring models for a day to ride, and made some decisions.
In the end, versatility and that nostalgic look won out for me (I just like the look of the RK without the shield). I'm also planning on getting a detachable tour-pak and lowers for some planned trips. And maybe a batwing fairing (I'll probably get a plain vanilla fairing and put my own speakers and amp, as I may want to include an iPad with it). After those planned trips, strip everything off and I got my King back.
It sounds like an RK is starting to win you over. If so, I would suggest adding at least the cruise control. The ABS/security are nice to have as well.
Good luck!
In the end, versatility and that nostalgic look won out for me (I just like the look of the RK without the shield). I'm also planning on getting a detachable tour-pak and lowers for some planned trips. And maybe a batwing fairing (I'll probably get a plain vanilla fairing and put my own speakers and amp, as I may want to include an iPad with it). After those planned trips, strip everything off and I got my King back.
It sounds like an RK is starting to win you over. If so, I would suggest adding at least the cruise control. The ABS/security are nice to have as well.
Good luck!
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 819
Likes: 2
From: shelby twp MI
I just came out of a Fat Boy, and while I loved the bike, the ride between the two is huge. I do like taking the windshield off, love the look of the freight train and I have always loved the RKC since it came out. I'm not one to listen to music while I ride, I find it more relaxing without, so no radio doesn't bother me. Love the cruise option. I also like the wind. The windshield knocks a lot of it out so it's not irritating and doesn't feel hurricane force, but you do get some wind, just like having it on the heritage.
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Looking to get a electra glide .. the heritage softail just isnt cutting it for me. Absolutely love the bike, but anything every time im on it for anything more than 2hrs straight, and my butt is begging me to upgrade lol
So i've been looking at the Ultra's, figuring its pretty close to top comfort possible within HD, and made for longer distances.
Wondering, does the big fairing make much of a difference? Would i gain the same comfort benefits if i went with a RK?
I love the nostalgic look ... but im seeking more comfort than my FLHTCI currently offers.
Thanks for any info! Will test ride when possible, right now its not. just doing minor net research first.
So i've been looking at the Ultra's, figuring its pretty close to top comfort possible within HD, and made for longer distances.
Wondering, does the big fairing make much of a difference? Would i gain the same comfort benefits if i went with a RK?
I love the nostalgic look ... but im seeking more comfort than my FLHTCI currently offers.
Thanks for any info! Will test ride when possible, right now its not. just doing minor net research first.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,832
Likes: 127
From: Coastal Carolina
The Road King may have a better ride without the wind drag and buffeting issues of the batwing and the batwing's negative effect on steering.
Of course, I may be biased (haven't liked fairings since I first saw them in the 60's).
Of course, I may be biased (haven't liked fairings since I first saw them in the 60's).
Last edited by TKDKurt; Aug 7, 2013 at 08:42 PM.