Like when I was a kid; none of my junker cars had cruise or a/c. Now, I wouldn't buy a car (new or used) if it didn't have them. You'll grow to love the cruise on a Classic. I like the look of my spoked profile rims with WWW tires. With a tubed tire, Fix-A-Flat is a "consequence-free" possible roadside flat fix.

 

Great Country we live in to have tough desisions like this. What a pleasure!

 

when I asked this same question to the forum, one of the members pointed out to me that: ....people get rid of their leather bags for the hard bags, not the other way around...

...i got a '10 standard that came loaded...abs/cruise/securty/....and of course the hard bags...

 

Classic all the way.

 

Aint that the truth!

 

Either way, you can see the major differences (by the responses here) are the bags, the tires, and cruise control...oh yeah, the 103 for the '11 RKC's, and that's about it. There isn't much else between the two....I put cruise on my RK, and I love to lock my bags. The leather bags look great, though. All depends what you want. Anything you'll have on the RK and RKC can be changed. Both are excellent riding platforms, that can't be denied!

 

I've got the classic but sometimes would like the color matched locking bags. The classic has cruise control which I use a lot. Spoked wheels are OK and you get wide white walls. The tire problem is cleaning those suckers.
Other than that I love my classic. Still think it's the best looking model.

 

You won't go wrong with either model since it's your choice. I still like my lockable hard bags and wagon wheels rims that don't need as a much attention as spokes. I did opt for cruise control (a must if you plan on touring) and ABS brakes which both models can be ordered with. Good luck on your decision!

 

Yep!! I got Cruise and security...Great Bike!

RoadKing Standard here....Get the hard bags - no warp or discoloration -
You can always add Leather Bags to a RK Standard

You'll love either one but my recommendation is RK Standard

 

Love my RK with the hard bags. I've been de-blinging mine since I didn't want to go the WWW route. My blackwalls save a lot of cleaning time. It's personal preference on the look, get what you like and don't worry about the leather. I have friends with them and they look good with minimal care.

If it were me buying a NEW bike. I would buy a RKC with the 103 and cruise and add the hard bags. Eventially getting rid of the WWW. But that's me.