hertiage or road king?
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: UK
I have a Heritage with Shotgun Shocks, ride is easily as good as a RK. For me the Heritage suits, I like the low centre of gravity and it does look better with the bags and screen off (IMHO). Both bikes are great, ride both and make your decision. As others have said, the standard bars and seat weren't great on the Kings. The other issue I had, was my other half is short, so when sat on a Classic, the saddle bag guards got in the way of her legs, although I understand on the 14 models, the handle bars have been changed and they have done something with the saddle bag rails changed slightly. Both great bikes
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 96
Likes: 10
From: Canada
I'll echo what a few have already said here... go try before you buy! Go visit a dealer. Most will have a selection of used and new bikes. Look past the colour and sit on the bikes. Even the same model year to year can be a bit different. See which one with which seat etc. "feels like home". After you have nailed down a style and feel, then arrange to get a test ride. Rent a bike, try out a buddies bike, go to a dealer demo day (they are still going on right now) and ride it. Just because a certain bike felt good stationary doesn't mean that it will fit you when riding.
Key to this is research. You are well under way figuring out what you want. Forums are a good start. Ask away!
Make sure you post here with pics once you get your new ride!
Key to this is research. You are well under way figuring out what you want. Forums are a good start. Ask away!
Make sure you post here with pics once you get your new ride!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,286
Likes: 3,431
From: Idaho Panhandle
I ride a Road King. Tried different bikes and what I wanted was a new Road King. Road Glide was close, but the RK was better for me. My riding buddy had a Heritage, saw my RK and decided to surprise me the next spring by trading his Heritage for a new RK. He never enjoyed it as much as he did the Heritage and finally ended up trading it in again. I did not care for the Heritage to ride, but I love the look. He did not like the RK ride and missed his Heritage. Everyone is different. I would not trade my RK for anything but another RK when I wear this one out. (Unless the new ones will be dual cooled, then I may look at whether Indian has a hard bag tourer without a fairing yet.)
They are both great bikes, but only one of them will make you truely happy. Only you can decide which one fits your needs by riding them both before you purchase. What I or someone else experiences on their bike does not mean you will share that same joy.
They are both great bikes, but only one of them will make you truely happy. Only you can decide which one fits your needs by riding them both before you purchase. What I or someone else experiences on their bike does not mean you will share that same joy.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 424
Likes: 4
From: Denver, CO
New here, I'm looking for advice, fall is here and April I will be buying my first Harley...I have some questions though...Years ago I broke my back (compression of the L1)....anyway, I'm looking for the best ride for my circumstance...
Heritage or Road King are my rides ofchoice....so which one, smoothest ride and when did each go to EFI....my brother says EFI for sure ....your comments are greatly appreciated ~Ed
Heritage or Road King are my rides ofchoice....so which one, smoothest ride and when did each go to EFI....my brother says EFI for sure ....your comments are greatly appreciated ~Ed
With that said...
The lean and sitting angles will be a lot better on the touring frame, especially the RKC than on a Softail. I had a Fatboy and did not like the ride, lean angles or sitting position!
I've got long legs and arms and find the handlebars and seat in the RKC to be excellent for me. I'm sitting squarely over the bike, positioned well, rather than down in the bike.
The harshness of the suspension of the Softail frame would have exacerbated the pain in my lower back. The touring frame and suspension softens the ride a bit.
YMMV. Enjoy whatever you get!
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,757
Likes: 4
From: Northern Illinois
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
From: UK
As already pointed out, try asking the question in the Softail section as well, the bias will probably be the other way! Both great bikes, I've had both and prefer the Heritage, with air shocks the ride is as good as any tourer. But I am thinking about a swap to a 2014 King.
Thread Starter
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4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: wisconsin
As already pointed out, try asking the question in the Softail section as well, the bias will probably be the other way! Both great bikes, I've had both and prefer the Heritage, with air shocks the ride is as good as any tourer. But I am thinking about a swap to a 2014 King.