Quick notes
- The Road King has a more modern and sleek design, with a larger fuel tank, full fenders, and a touring seat.
- The Road King offers additional features such as a fairing, saddlebags, and a tour-pak, making it a more comfortable and practical choice for long-distance touring.
- The Road King offers more standard features and a more modern suspension system, but the Heritage Softail Classic provides a more nostalgic and authentic Harley-Davidson experience.
The Harley Davidson Heritage Softail Classic and Road King are two legendary touring motorcycles that have captured the hearts of riders worldwide. Both models offer a classic Harley-Davidson experience, but they have distinct features and strengths that make them suitable for different types of riders. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Heritage Softail Classic and Road King, helping you make an informed decision about which bike is the right choice for your riding needs.
Engine and Performance
The Heritage Softail Classic is powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 107ci engine, while the Road King comes standard with the Milwaukee-Eight 114ci engine. The larger displacement of the Road King provides more torque and horsepower, resulting in better acceleration and passing power. However, both engines are known for their smooth and powerful performance, making them ideal for long-distance cruising.
Chassis and Suspension
The Heritage Softail Classic features a Softail frame with a rigid-mounted engine, giving it a classic hardtail look. The Road King, on the other hand, has a Touring frame with a rubber-mounted engine, which provides a more comfortable ride. Both bikes have a low seat height, making them accessible to riders of all heights.
The Heritage Softail Classic has a traditional springer front fork and coil-over rear shocks, while the Road King has a cartridge-style front fork and emulsion rear shocks. The Road King’s suspension is more modern and provides better handling and stability, especially on rough roads.
Styling and Features
The Heritage Softail Classic has a nostalgic design that pays homage to the early Harley-Davidson models. It features a teardrop fuel tank, bobbed fenders, and a classic saddle. The Road King has a more modern and sleek design, with a larger fuel tank, full fenders, and a touring seat.
Both bikes come with a wide range of standard features, including electronic fuel injection, ABS, and cruise control. The Road King offers additional features such as a fairing, saddlebags, and a tour-pak, making it a more comfortable and practical choice for long-distance touring.
Comfort and Ergonomics
The Heritage Softail Classic has a more upright riding position, with a narrower handlebar and a lower seat. This makes it suitable for shorter riders or those who prefer a more aggressive riding style. The Road King has a more relaxed riding position, with a wider handlebar and a higher seat. This provides more comfort and support for taller riders or those who plan to spend extended periods in the saddle.
Price and Value
The Harley Davidson Heritage Softail Classic has a starting price of around $14,000, while the Road King starts at around $19,000. The Road King offers more standard features and a more modern suspension system, but the Heritage Softail Classic provides a more nostalgic and authentic Harley-Davidson experience.
Which Bike is Right for You?
The Harley Davidson Heritage Softail Classic is an excellent choice for riders who want a classic Harley-Davidson look and feel. It is ideal for short rides and those who prefer a more aggressive riding style. The Road King is a better option for long-distance touring, with its more comfortable suspension, larger fuel tank, and additional features.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which bike is right for you is to test ride both models and see which one feels more comfortable and suits your riding style.
Key Points: The Ultimate Touring Choice
Whether you choose the Harley Davidson Heritage Softail Classic or the Road King, you will be getting a legendary touring motorcycle that will provide years of riding pleasure. Both bikes offer unique strengths and features, so it is important to carefully consider your needs and preferences before making a decision.
FAQ
Q: Which bike has a more powerful engine?
A: The Road King has a more powerful engine, with a displacement of 114ci compared to the Heritage Softail Classic’s 107ci.
Q: Which bike is more comfortable for long-distance riding?
A: The Road King is more comfortable for long-distance riding due to its rubber-mounted engine, modern suspension system, and larger fuel tank.
Q: Which bike has a more classic Harley-Davidson design?
A: The Heritage Softail Classic has a more classic Harley-Davidson design, with its teardrop fuel tank, bobbed fenders, and classic saddle.
