View Poll Results: Which bike should I get.

Should I get the Road King

100.00%

Should I get the Sportster

Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 14. You may not vote on this poll

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Dec 28, 2023 | 06:30 PM

#21

Drilln'Boss

Club Member

Joined: Dec 2010

Posts: 4,527

Likes: 15,434

From: West of Texas

If you're not going get the best(Road King), I would go with Rounders and get a softail or dyna. You don't really want a sportster do ya?

Dec 28, 2023 | 07:21 PM

#22

Y2K

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 3,711

Likes: 3,438

From: SW WA.

If you want a bigger more comfy bike but are concerned about the top heaviness of the RK you should consider a Heritage Softail.
While the Sporty is lighter they are also top heavy for their size,many ladies and gents of small stature ride the Heritage for it's low center of gravity and ease of low speed handling.
You didn't give much about yourself,you said older but not how old.
How is your physical condition and what's your size?
So many variables,without knowing I couldn't do your poll.
I'm 67 and still able to ride an Electra Glide two up and loaded to the max,I'm also still working a full time job that gets physical at times.
That said I can see that in the days ahead I'll probably be having to change things up,I can tell my legs aren't as strong as a few years ago but fortunately I'm a pretty big strong guy so even if I don't have what I used to have I'm still stronger than many not as old as I.
As others have said get out and test ride some bikes and if you no longer have a bike license take a course to get licensed and then get out and try a few bikes on for size.
Only you can answer your question by doing the research needed to get the answer.

Last edited by Y2K; Dec 28, 2023 at 07:23 PM.

Dec 29, 2023 | 09:18 PM

#23

Discodre78

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Dec 2023

Posts: 12

Likes: 2

From: New Jersey

Good stuff!

Wow! I was kinda surprised by the response. You really don't expect any real feedback. Thank you guys for some good ideas.
Going back to riding school sounds like a good idea for sure.
I went over my friend Brian's house. He has a 2016 Heritage Classic, and I got on it. Now, I'm 5'10 185lbs. I tried just to roll it up his gravel driveway in neutral, I strained so hard, nearly **** myself ! Brian has about 20 to 30 lbs on me and he was laughin his *** off. That opened up my eyes for sure! Cuz I am not looking to start working out at 60. Lol.. Going to look at some other Harleys, like the 48 or maybe softail slim.
i"ll keep you guys posted. Thanks

Dec 30, 2023 | 10:50 AM

#24

Jackie Paper

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 38,668

Likes: 6,460

From: Honah Lee

My riding and golf buddies who is 82 . About same configuration as you.

He had a Road King about 10 years ago. He hadn't rode for for 20 years since having a Sportster.

He managed to drop the Road King 3 times mainly do to his short legs and not being careful where he stopped.

When he realized how low the seat height on my Softail was, he sold the Road King and got a Fatboy.

The Softail is a perfect fit for everything a Road King is except maybe going all the way across the country. It doesn't vibrate but there is a little harshness in the bars from the solid mounted engine.

Unless one had ridden a big cruiser, you wouldn't even notice the harshness of a Softail.

For a around town and being able to use the mirrors at idle, he was much more comfortable on the Fatboy.

Your poll limited choices. Plus being in the Welcome area limited USER views. Possible also kept the fights at bay over opinions.

Last edited by Jackie Paper; Dec 30, 2023 at 11:00 AM.

Jan 4, 2024 | 02:29 AM

#25

sloufoot

Club Member

Joined: Jan 2012

Posts: 26,411

Likes: 4,101

From: Southeast Idaho

Welcome to the H-D Forums from Idaho , Great to have you here ! ENJOY !

Jan 4, 2024 | 01:08 PM

#26

dbarbee

Supporter

Joined: Jan 2022

Posts: 566

Likes: 472

From: Sapulpa, OKlahoma

Quote:

Originally Posted by Discodre78

I went over my friend Brian's house. He has a 2016 Heritage Classic, and I got on it. Now, I'm 5'10 185lbs. I tried just to roll it up his gravel driveway in neutral, I strained so hard, nearly **** myself ! Brian has about 20 to 30 lbs on me and he was laughin his *** off. That opened up my eyes for sure! Cuz I am not looking to start working out at 60. Lol.. Going to look at some other Harleys, like the 48 or maybe softail slim.
i"ll keep you guys posted. Thanks

Pushing a bike uphill on a gravel driveway would be hard for anyone! I wouldn't do that with any street bike without help. Part of riding a heavier bike, especially touring bikes, is learning to plan your departure <before> you park. In other words, don't park where you'll have to use muscle power instead of the bike's power to get out of your parking spot.

The important questions are, were you able to hold the bike up comfortably? Were you able to get it off the side stand easily? Were you able to reach the foot controls comfortably? Harley-Davidson completely re-did the softails in 2018, I would highly recommend visiting a dealer and sitting on a 2018 or newer Heritage.