Here's one comparison click here
Here's another one: click here

Bottom line is what everyone else is saying. Look, sit, ride (if you can) both bikes. See which one talks to you. If you've got "Harley-its" and won't be happy with anything else then just spend the bucks and see if owning one is all you thought it would be. If so, then great, if not, then sell it and find another ride to put a grin on your face.

I could have paid cash for any bike I wanted when I went shopping and seriously considered the RK. I do like the look of it, but when it came down to opening the wallet I couldn't in good conscience justify the big difference in price. I just came in from a ride about an hour ago and could not be more happy with my bike or the decision to buy it.

It really is all up to you man. We all like our Roadies or we wouldn't be here. So remember that when you ask us to do a comparison for you.

Dan, you say this will be the first bike you've ever owned. Personally I think you'd be foolish to by a new/near new full-sized cruiser til you've put a few thousand miles on a smaller bike that you can learn you riding dynamics on. Hate to burst your bubble, but it makes a lot more sense to me to put a few k down on a well-depreciated 600 or 800cc lighter bike to really learn to toss around. I don't know your experience level, but if you're new, you're better off working up to a 750 lb bike, not starting on one. Most of us here have had many years on smaller bikes before jumping on a heavyweight. You'll be safer on the heavy after starting on a lighter bike. That said, both bikes ride well and will serve you well, when you can handle em. Good luck.

My opinion..ive got a 2001 rs 1775ci 108,i cant tell you how many people walk up and say ,cooool...what is it,a fatboy??? oh yeah,im into it for about $7000.00..ish!

hotelfox wrote:
javawave wrote:
I'll post a link to comparison done by Cruiser Magazine here in a few minutes when I find it.


Bottom line... buy what you want and want what you buy. They are both great bikes!

I'm not having any luck finding it again, but bottom line was the Road King and Roadstar tied from the ratings done by their test riders. The RoadStar was given number one based on the price point. As I noted. both are great bikes. My next bike will be an HD, just because I want one havent owned one yet. But that being said, i love my roadie too. Its been a good bike.

Hey Javawave,
I read that same article, I think the majority of the riders, 4 out of 5 took the Road Star for one reason or another if I remember right, I subscribe to that rag and read it cover to cover.

the Road king actually had more first place votes, the roadie had more seconds and no 3rds. The King has a 3rd. The points were tied. Speaks well for both bikes.

iminthegaragedear wrote:
Dan, you say this will be the first bike you've ever owned. Personally I think you'd be foolish to by a new/near new full-sized cruiser til you've put a few thousand miles on a smaller bike that you can learn you riding dynamics on. Hate to burst your bubble, but it makes a lot more sense to me to put a few k down on a well-depreciated 600 or 800cc lighter bike to really learn to toss around. I don't know your experience level, but if you're new, you're better off working up to a 750 lb bike, not starting on one. Most of us here have had many years on smaller bikes before jumping on a heavyweight. You'll be safer on the heavy after starting on a lighter bike. That said, both bikes ride well and will serve you well, when you can handle em. Good luck.

I don't know... I think it depends on maturity. This was my first bike. I don't regret it one bit and didn't when I first owned it either. Owned it over 4 years now and have 42K miles on it... all but maybe @ 50 miles I put on. Most everyone I know who starts on a 650 regrets the decision quickly and has the hassle of selling it. The R* is a keeper. No need to move up.

Just take your time and get to know the bike. I STRONGLY recommend MSF basic riders class if you haven't been. Well worth the investment. It took me 1.5 hours riding the R* in the business park behind my dealer to get used to the big bike before I had the nerve to ride it home. Took me a month to get the nerve to put it on the interstate. Never ride faster than your comfort zone, get used to how the R* turns and handles at varying speeds. If you do buy a smaller used bike, don't buy from the dealer, they will mark it up and don't trade it in either, they'll give you nothing for it.

I went in to the HD dealer with my cousin that owns a sxcst HD. I liked the Vrod,street bob and the fat boy.. They wanted 10k for a used rental Vrod. I offered $7500 they said noway..
I drove straight to the yamaha shop looked and had my mind set on a liquid silver 07 R* until I saw the 08 Roadstar S.. That was it I said she is mine ill take that one.. The price difference was ridiculous between a brand roadie and a new HD fatboy. The money was not the thing that made me decide it was the research I did on reliabilty. The yamahas are known for reliabilty, it also fit me nice. Isaved oh about 14k with my decision and now that ive ridden it 600miles I can say I am very very happy with my decision. I rode my cousins softail back home from the river Saturday he rode my R* we just put the pipes on and he loved it! He said he is very suprised how smooth it rides and loves the power of the 102CI.. He is 6'6 290lbs he said the bars were low for him but other than that he would and will buy a Roadstar soon.
I know lots of guys with HD there sweet bikes no doubt but to me its all about having the wind blow in your face and just a good time cruising. The R* does excellent at that for 14k less and will last a long time. I wont sell the bike for a long long time to come.
Good luck with your decision either way you will be happy im sure.

spuzzy wrote:
Just like "inrut69", I too live about 30 miles from the Harley Holy Land, of Sturgis, SD...I think it's a law around here that you must ride a Harley...ha! But seriosly, I ride a Road Star because of the styling, reliability, power and lots of aftermarket offerings. If you buy into the whole biker image, get a Harley. But if you want a great engineering blend of all aspects, a Road Star is hard to beat!He took the words right out of my mouth. Need HD experience get Harley otherwise save some bucks and get better engineered bike.

buy what you want but remember...we all spend money on them after the sale and one of your choices will leave you some change and one won't!

I got to tell you that if it was my choice right now I might throw one of the victory's in there to see how it comes out. Pricing like the Harley, american made (sort of, like the Hog) and different. Which is one of the reasons I bought the Roadie. 99% of everyone going down the road can't tell one Harley from another but they do know ours (and the Suzuki, Honda and the Kawi) are different looking but still v-twins.

In the end its all about what you want.....not your buddies or your ego or history or something you heard. Sit on it, ride it, look at the price and dream. Then buy and ride!

Re:which bike (dont be biased please) 4 Hours, 27 Minutes ago
I do love my road star.. I might buy a road king if anyone at a harley dealer would ever talk to me when I walk in....


Do you live close to Blue Springs HD? All kidding aside I had bought two HD's from them around 10 years ago (same dealer) and went in to get a bike again and no one, I repeat no one would come ask me if I needed help. I'm actually glad they didnt help me. I picked up a leftover new 06 for $9,300.00 out the door. I put a windshield, sissy bar, bags and supports and new pipes coming and I still have only $10,700.00 in it. Insurance was a good deal I felt ($277.00 full coverage, Progressive). Now for the review, I am 6-2 and 280lb, this Rhoadie is much more comfortable than my 91 FLHS (Electra Glide Sport) was. This bike is more easily leaned in the corenrs and I suspect this is due to its lower center of gravity. More comfortable, no seat needed right away. Power is par (I hade S&S, cam, pipes and ignition on the HD) and also as noted by someone else, the real motorcyclist dont care. IMHO...........

I bet if you start tickering with one or sit on one, they'll help you.