For those who have owned both, which is better for distance riding??

 

By yourself or with a partner? What is it that you consider distance riding, 100+ or 500+? What type of roads? How tall are you? All of these things need to be considered.

 

Well, let's see.... I always ride solo. I'm talking 300+ miles. I'm 5'8" 157#.
The RK feels smoother to me but I've never riden over 20 miles at a time on one.

 

This question has been discussed in great length and a new thread is started on this subject almost constantly. The conclusion is get the road king before the trolls show up talking about lean angle and such. If you are comparing a softail to anything else you shouldn't buy a softail. The Softail is a unique ride for unique rider and yes I have owned a 09 RKC and a 11 limited. Tourers don't compare at all to the softails.

 

^Well said

 

Roadking hands down. I have both.

 

The Softail with never ride as good as a touring bike for long trips...despite all the refinements you make or put on it. I turned mine into a bagger with air ride and it rides nice even 2 up and loaded. Just did 2500 miles. But ultimately buy what "fits you". We are same height but I have short inseam and long torso. So no matter what Bagger I get I need ability to lower it so I can touch ground solidly. With all that said, if I was doing it again..and when I do...It'll be a RK CVO.

 

This is a recurring topic. Both bikes cost about the same, new. I have never owned a Heritage bit I once had Deluxe. For me, the softie just does not offer the bang for the buck as the RK. And btw, I'm on my 3rd RK.

 

my biggest bike mistake was getting rid of my Fat Boy for a Road King. to me, the Fat Boy rode circles around the RK.

I'm 6ft 235lbs, if that makes a difference.

 

Here's how I came to my decision.

50% local - 50% highway-- toss up
49% local - 51% highway-- Road King
51% local - 49% highway-- Heritage

I went with the Heritage and don't regret it.
In a couple of years I'm planning on adding perhaps a Street Glide but I can't imagine getting rid of my Heritage.