Are you in a dilemma to choose between the Road King and Heritage Softail? It can be a tough decision, especially if you are new to bike riding.
Curious about Road king vs Softail? As the name suggests, the Softail offers a stable and pleasant riding experience, while the Road King is built for more traditional biking on the road. Both of these popular models come with different features and advantages. So it is crucial to weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision.
With this in mind, we will discuss the differences between the Road King and Heritage Softail so that you can figure out which one is the right choice for you.
Harley Softail Vs. Road King: Complete Comparison
The table below will exhibit Road king vs Softail in terms of specs, features, and so on.
Now, that you have seen the comparison between these two popular Harley-Davidson bikes, let’s take a look at their basic pros and cons.
| Comparison | Road king | Softail |
|---|---|---|
| Horse Power | 92.5 hp | 94 hp |
| Max Torque | 147 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Production Year | 2022 | 2022 |
| Body Type | Touring | Cruiser |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Clutch Type | 9-Plate wet (hydraulically actuated) | 10-Plate wet (mechanical) |
| Exhaust Type | Two-One-Two Dual Exhaust | Two-into-Two |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 22.7 Liters | 18.9 Liters |
| Oil Capacity | 4.9 Liters | 4.7 Liters |
| Weight | 375.5 kg | 330.2 kg |
| Ground Clearance | 5.3 in | 4.7 in |
| Mileage | 18.2 km/l | 19.9 km/l |
| Colors | Midnight Crimson | Reef Blue |
| Vivid Black | Vivid Black | |
| Gauntlet Gray Metallic | Midnight Crimson | |
| White Sand Pearl | ||
| Redline Red |
Pros and Cons of Road King
Pros
- Good for long trips and tours
- Equipped with modern elements while having an old-school design
- Comes with ABS brakes
- It doesn’t require much maintenance
- The suspension quality is excellent
- The throttle is very responsive
Pros
- Good for long trips and tours
- Equipped with modern elements while having an old-school design
- Comes with ABS brakes
- It doesn’t require much maintenance
- The suspension quality is excellent
- The throttle is very responsive
Pros and Cons of Softail
Pros
- Will ensure a comfortable long trip
- Easy to reach top speed
- Offers relatively better mileage
- Equipped with ABS brakes
- You will get cruiser control
- Less maintenance is required
Cons
- Not good for city traveling
- At around 4,000 rpm or more, the engine may start to vibrate
- The gears are very stiff
- The front brake is not so reliable.
You may have a good idea about Road king vs Softail now. For more inquiries, we suggest you watch this video,
How Does A Softail Bike Differ From A Road King Bike?
Both Road King and the Softail have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Thus, it can be tough to decide which is best for your needs.
- The first thing to consider is that the Heritage Softail is part of the Softail family, while the Road King is part of the Touring family of motorcycles.
- Heritage Softail is known to offer better mileage, however, the Road King has a slightly greater fuel storage capacity.
- Softtail is a much lighter-weight bike and is easier to reach top speed when compared to the Road King.
- On the other hand, the Softail is a newer type of chassis from Harley-Davidson. It has a more compact frame and a lower seat height than the Road King. This makes it easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
- Additionally, Softail has a softer suspension, giving it more comfort during long rides.
- It is also lighter than the Road King. Hence, it can offer better handling, making it an ideal choice for shorter trips.
Nonetheless, both bikes are good for modifications. Now, for Harley Stage 3 vs. Stage 4 upgrades, let their riders debate.
Softail Chassis (Heritage) vs Touring Chassis (Road King)│Which is Better for you?
Choosing between a Road King and Heritage Softail motorcycle depends on your personal preferences.
- The Road King is great for long-distance touring, as it offers plenty of room to move around and improved ergonomics for long rides. Additionally, the larger fuel tank allows for longer rides without needing to refuel.
However, the Heritage Softail is designed for shorter rides and has a more user-friendly design that many people prefer. The Softail chassis offers a lower seat height that many riders find more comfortable and easier to handle than the higher Road King seat.
- If you put both bikes on a spectrum, they are pretty much the same. The Road King is equipped with a windshield, bags, and other accessories. On the contrary, the Softail doesn’t include all these, which makes it relatively lighter.
With that said, the Road King weighs a little 100 pounds more than the Softail.
- Accordingly, the Road King has a touring chassis with a bigger wheelbase. This makes it a better option when you want to take your bike on the highway. It will make you stable even when you are riding at a speed from 65 to 75 miles/hour.
- The Road King is also known to face multiple throttles issues, which often leads to Harley code p1510.
Both the Road King and the Softail are great choices for Harley riders, but each one will offer different experiences. For those who want a more traditional ride, the Road King may be the better choice.
However, the Softail is probably the right bike for you if you want something more modern and agile.
If you’re still left confused, check out this YouTube video for a head-on comparison.
HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD KING VS HARLEY DAVIDSON SOFTAIL HERITAGE CLASSIC: Technology & Features Comparison Table
FAQs
Let’s have a look at these commonly asked questions people are curious about.
Q: WHY IS A ROAD KING SO EXPENSIVE?
The Road King is a high-end touring bike from Harley-Davidson. Therefore, it comes with a higher price tag due to its superior construction and advanced features.
Q: CAN YOU TOUR WELL ON A SOFTAIL?
Yes, Softail bikes are designed for long-distance rides. It can comfortably handle the wear and tear of touring. However, you may find it more difficult to manage heavier loads on longer distances due to the light chassis.
Q: CAN A NOVICE OPERATE A SOFTAIL?
Absolutely! The Heritage Softail is user-friendly and great for beginners. It has comfortable ergonomics and lower power, making it easier to control and maneuver. Plus, the bike’s light chassis makes it simpler to handle than its Road King counterpart.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to Harley Road King vs Softail, the decision ultimately comes down to what you need in a bike. Both bikes offer excellent features to have a great ride. However, if you are just starting out and are looking for a bike that is more user-friendly, the Heritage Softail would be your best choice.
On the other hand, the Road King would be a better option if you want a bike that can handle more rugged terrain. Be sure to take your time before finally purchasing any one of them.