Road King vs Heritage Softtail
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Stage I
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1
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Road King vs Heritage Softtail
I can purchase a 05 in either model...would be the 1st Harley I have ever owned....What is the Pro's/Cons on the models....I'm a 6'3" male, 210 lbs....both seem to be very similar. THANKS for you thoughts
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 434
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From: Santa Maria di Camisano, Italy
RE: Road King vs Heritage Softtail
I'm about your size (6'4", 215) and went with the Road King. I almost bought the Softtail, too, but the cruise control and (with my Classic) the white walls sold me. One thing I noticed about them (I've ridden the Softtail before) is you should be prepared to modify the handlebars of the RK. I ended up slouching down to reach them, which killed my neck and back. The Heritage Softtail Classic has higher bars and was more comfortable. I put the RK higher handlebars on and it cured the problem (and you don't need to redo the wiring/cables).
The RK ride is very nice, though. Lots more travel IMO and more comfortable. The air suspension in back, though, when you hit big bumps/dips, can really stiffen up. I went over a hump in the road down in Florida (the bike had no weight but me on it) and the rear end flew up, just about dumped me. So be prepared to adjust the suspension, too.
You can't go wrong with either as far as looks are concerned.
The RK ride is very nice, though. Lots more travel IMO and more comfortable. The air suspension in back, though, when you hit big bumps/dips, can really stiffen up. I went over a hump in the road down in Florida (the bike had no weight but me on it) and the rear end flew up, just about dumped me. So be prepared to adjust the suspension, too.
You can't go wrong with either as far as looks are concerned.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,479
Likes: 4
From: SoCal
RE: Road King vs Heritage Softtail
Wow! Road King. So easy - locking hard bags, yes to dual front brakes, pitch the handlebars for a set of 16" Wild Ones or something with good reach and hit the road. Oh yeah, an oil cooler helps with high temps if you're worried.
'01 FLHRI, red
95", SE203 cams
HD Oil Cooler
16" Wild Ones
Russell stainless lines
Detachable backrest/nostalgia luggage rack
Blackwalls
3-way brake light kit
'01 FLHRI, red
95", SE203 cams
HD Oil Cooler
16" Wild Ones
Russell stainless lines
Detachable backrest/nostalgia luggage rack
Blackwalls
3-way brake light kit
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 711
Likes: 0
From: Bothell, WA
RE: Road King vs Heritage Softtail
RK- better bags, nicer looks, air ride, cruise ctrl... and, if im not mistaken- the Heritage only has one disc brake up front... RK has 2
Probably the most important issue is the difference in the way the two bikes feel. You sit in a Heritage while you sit on an RK. The TC88B engine is silky smooth both at idle, and at speed while the TC88A will shake the crap out of you at idle and low speed and only smooths out when you get up to cruise speed. Of course you will hear people complain about TC88B vibration at higher RPM - I wouldn't even call it a vibration, but a slight buzz.
Got me on the dual front disc brake, though I don't seem to miss the extra rotor on my bike. Guess I could say the brake jobs are cheaper on the softail!
Drop a set of passanger foot boards and a tour pack on your Heritage and you have as comfortable and as capable a cruiser as any HD touring bike, without all the bells and whistles (like radios that crap out), and a heck of a lot better looking!!!
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Joined: Feb 2006
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RE: Road King vs Heritage Softtail
Heritage, has weak shock system for heavier riders, you being your size if you add a passenger you will bottom out at every bump, plus the ride isnt as good and it will vibrate more and have less power due to its counterbalance system that robs horsepower. Not to leave out the hreitage also has a 31degree rake and will not handle even close to as good as the 26 degree touring models. Any of the touring models are better for the road than the heritage.
