Wife and I are down in Bradenton Florida on vacation. Manatee Harley has $75/day for up to 3 days rental special - for walk in only no reservations. Was going to take out the Heritage Classic but had the wife try the Road King. We tried a RK a few years ago and wife didn't like it - rear crash bar dug into back of her calf.

Well we were impressed - Harley has adjusted positioning of that back bar and viola - no more digging into her calf. So off on the road we went (OK me first since someone had to drive the rental car home) with the Road King.

First thing I noticed is the lower center of gravity on the bick. It's rock solid and pretty easy to maneuver when going slow. And leans into turns very confidently. Damn that Harley transmission let's you know when you hit a gear - slam!

Doesn't have the pull (torque) of my Road* but it's very pleasant to ride. So I pick up the wife and she is in heaven Hitting bumps that would definitely rock the Road* aren't even felt with the RK. Both the driver seat and the passenger seats are way more comfortable. Windshield is just a tad low but not too bad.

Driver's seating position on the RK is a little odd at first. At first you feel like you are sitting more "on" the bike. But that rock steady center of gravity is a great offset.

Smaller gas tank profile leaves more room for the legs. Brakes are a little catchy. Love the rear hard bags. The low profile Harley Helmets fit right in there. Clutch pull is easy but a bit sticky compared to Road*.

I'm in Florida so I don't know if my Road* would run hotter down here too but I took a ride to the beach and back home in my bathing suit (I know it's not ideal) and man was it hot on my inner thighs. Had to really try to keep my right leg out a bit - both from air cleaner and general heat from rear cylinder. And watch out for that tranny cover on the left. Touched that once with my inner ankle and learned a quick lesson.

So overall - I like the Road King a lot. Wife likes it night and day over the Road*. Suspension is to die for after riding Road*. Power is down but I could live with that. I thought my Road* made a lot of top engine noise. This RK sounds like it's popping a bunch of metal marbles under the tank. Tranny is noisy but very nice to have 6th gear. And that big heavy tranny is likely what gives it that low center of gravity feel. I think of it like my brother in laws Kawasaki Mach III compared to my old Yamaha 650 Special. Kawi was low center of gravity. 650 Special was higher up.

Can I afford a RK right now - no So this is all a tease but I had to see what the diference is.

I like the following on the Road King:
Suspension, suspension, and suspension
Seats - especially pillion
Low Center of Gravity/Handling
Looks - not that the Road* looks bad but it's hard to beat classic HD look


As for my Road* here's where I think it is a better ride:
Power
Smooth (quiet) shifting
Even with that wide tank riding position
Like the sound of my Khrome Werks Slip Ons way better

Now let's see how the wife likes the Road* after I install my new Baron's rear floorboards, progressive spring, and I need to do something about that pillion...

Glad you two enjoyed your ride. BB

Nice review and comparison, Shacky. Thanks!

It's always good to see how the other side lives. I've ridden both as well, but I still like my Road* the best. The biggest thing for me is not being one of the millions, I like it when I'm the only Road* on a ride or at an event, it stands out.

You hit the nail on the head - can you afford it.

HD's been riding on reputation for a looooong time. In a booming economy, you can do that and still charge a premium. I think they're finding that out now.

I love my RS and wouldn't trade it for anything. But, I'm entered in a contest for Fat Boy and (yeah, not a snowball's chance in the hot place) I'll love it too!!!




BD

Shacky:

I own an 08 Road King, and a 04 Roadstar Midnight, and yes there are some compareable differences in them especially the newer roadkings. Some of the frames are longer on the glides now. If you look around there are some nice deals out there, and Harley is really offering some better finance plans right now. I just saw an 07 Roadking with 16k miles for $13k here in AZ. That may have the leather bags, and no security system.

Can't wait to get home and try my Road* after riding the RK.