New bike dilemma...
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,989
Likes: 11
From: Right Coast
New bike dilemma...
I came across an awesome 2013 leftover Softtail Deluxe that the dealer wants out the door at a very good price. He also has a leftover 2013 RK Classic that he is willing to let go at a very manageable price. The RK is rather basic except for anti-locks but he Deluxe has the hard candy flake paint and added saddlebags. It is really a sharp looking bike. Both have very good prices.
The dilemma I have is that I have never ridden a Softtail only Sportsters and RK's. I ride 2-up approximately 50% of the time and don't really know how comfortable it would be for either of us. We do no long distance touring only day trips.
So I'm looking for some advice; stay with the RK or is the Deluxe worth a look see? Pro's / Con's??????
The dilemma I have is that I have never ridden a Softtail only Sportsters and RK's. I ride 2-up approximately 50% of the time and don't really know how comfortable it would be for either of us. We do no long distance touring only day trips.
So I'm looking for some advice; stay with the RK or is the Deluxe worth a look see? Pro's / Con's??????
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 4,618
Likes: 290
From: Johnstown, PA
IMO the softails have a much stiffer ride, but a more agile. There is going to be a give and take no matter how you stack it. For ME, comfort is king. Ride both 2 up and see what YOU and your lady like best.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,878
Likes: 164
From: Northern California
I have owned a road king and several FL Softail. I now own a 14 Ultra. I would consider a third option, figure out the price difference between the 13 and 14 road king, if the price difference is reasonable, I would go with a 14 road king. I truly believe the 14 road king will deliver added pleasure while riding and provide much better value down the road. Not putting down the 13, just something to consider. Their is a reason the dealer wants to cheap sell the 13 to you.
It's hard to beat the FL Softail riding solo, your passenger will defiantly prefer the road king over the Softail. My wife road on the back of a fat boy, once she experienced the back of a Electra glide, it was over, no turning back.....I can hear the jokes now about the fat boy!
It's hard to beat the FL Softail riding solo, your passenger will defiantly prefer the road king over the Softail. My wife road on the back of a fat boy, once she experienced the back of a Electra glide, it was over, no turning back.....I can hear the jokes now about the fat boy!
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 297
Likes: 1
From: Ok
The soft tail is still a much bigger heavier bike than a sportster and you could put a detachable windshield on it .
Sounds like the soft tail has more character .I'd just get whichever you like more ! Both nice bikes .
Sounds like the soft tail has more character .I'd just get whichever you like more ! Both nice bikes .
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
I traded in my Fat Boy because I ride two up so much. A Softail WILL get'er done if you two up a lot, but a Road King will get'er done better. I think as a general rule, a Softail, especially the Deluxe, is a much cooler motorcycle, but its not a touring bike and no where near as comfy as the larger Kings.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,386
Likes: 15
From: The City Of New York
Well, since you posted this in the Touring section, opinions here might be biased. Ask the same over in the Softail section and........
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,177
Likes: 62
From: Michigan
The best Harleys for two up riding are the tourers hands down. The heritage is Great for my wife and I but it is not the best two up Harley Davidson we have ever owned. The heritage is the best all around motorcycle we have ever owned but it is not the best touring motorcycle we have ever owned nor the best for two up riding. The road king comes with ABS and it is the better two up riding motorcycle. I would say go with the King.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 9,850
Likes: 220
From: Sacramento, CA.
Take both for a long ride. If you want comfort go with the Road King. If you want to ride a motorcycle that has it's engine balanced so it doesn't beat your body up, then go with the Classic. I would suggest you do your homework before paying that kind of money for either.
