Need advice
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Novice
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 16
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Need advice
Hello: great forum. Am new here, but feel I can get good direction from those most knowledgable. Here is my problem. Never owned a Harley...like to the look of the 2006's Softail Deluxe and ofcourse the Road King Classic. I am 6ft 1inch, 200 lbs, and have a 33 inch inseam. Which bike... Softtail Deluxe or Road King Classic would better suited for me? I realize that ofcourse going to a dealer and sitting and trying the bikes are required. But have been told that the Softtail deluxe, beacuse of its 24 inch seat ht is set up for poeple 5ft 10 inch or shorter....The Road King Classic is a tourer and sets more upright..., but you cant remove the bags, without it looking really ugly and while I know that its air suspension and ride quality a top[ notch, the "look" does not seem as nostalgic as the Deluxe...what is the groups opionion....Thanks
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,068
Likes: 1,471
From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: Need advice
Welcome to da joint. While trying each on for size is a great idea, first thing comes to my mind is what are you planning on doing as far as type/mix of riding? These two bikes are different animals, and while each can do a bit of everything, they are better suited for some things than another. Gonna cruise the strip on Sattidy nites? Maybe shoot off on a long weekend only occasionally? Or is every weekend gonna be a ride-em -til-you-drop sorta thing?
Banned
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 14,496
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From:
RE: Need advice
Welcome to the forum Harvey, you have a tough decision to make there, one thing I can say is the RK really looks ugly with the bags off it. They do not do the usual chrome/polish routine behing them and it looks rather plain Jane with the bags off. The ride however would be much better because of the better more functioning suspension on the RK. Most dealers will allow a test ride whan they see you are buying.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,978
Likes: 34
From: Cedar Point, NC
RE: Need advice
If the Deluxe is calling you, don't fight it. I personally would rather have a RK than a Deluxe, but the Deluxe is the best looking bike on the market IMHO. You can always do things to make it more comfortable...seat, bars, riding pegs, etc. The RK is going to be the better ride if you plan on doing any significant riding though.
Mac
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,382
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
RE: Need advice
Welcome to the forum from Pittsburgh. If you can swing it, rent each before you decide and try them out to see which fits you best. Have fun and Good Luck! 
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
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From:
RE: Need advice
Howdy, welcome to the forum. You have a decision to make that a lot of people have had to make in the past and many will be making in the future. I don't have a Deluxe, but I do have a Springer. I am 6' and it'e alright for me. When I was looking at a new Harley, I had an idea of what I wanted and I just sat on everyone that I could. I always came back to the Springer. I feel that there is a Harley for everybody and to tell a person which one to buy would be wrong for me. I feel that the best thing that I could tell a new Harley owner, is what you have already been told, Try before you Buy. Good luck and I hope that you find the one that's right for you.
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 920
Likes: 0
From: Clemmons, NC
RE: Need advice
I was faced with the same problem you are having when I bought my first Harley. I was torn between a Heritage Classic or a Road King Custom. Like others have stated here, you have to honestly ask yourself where are you going to do most of your riding. For me it was 70/30, 70% in town (short trips) and 30% interstate (weekend trips). For me the Heritage was just the ticket....roomy and comfortable enough for 2 up interstate travel and with the counterbalanced motor makes it a pleasure to ride around town especially sitting at red lights.
