What are the important diffs betweeen say a Roadking Classic or a bit higher model and a Softail Heritage Set up for touring? Fairing? How about motor mounts, etc,? I don't care about comm.or tunes. Just want a smooth ride over 70mph and power vs weight. (I know Bob) A BMW is on my mind also.

Road King is the same frame and engine as all the other touring models, Classic, Ultra Classic, Street Glide and so on. All the touring bikes have a different frame and rear suspension than a Heritage Soft tail. The touring bikes have the 96B motor which is rubber mounted. At idle it shakes, under power it is smooth. The Soft tail series have the same 96 motor but it is counter balanced and hard mounted to the frame. At idle it is smoother than the touring bikes, but under power you will feel more vibes.

This year they finally made a Road Glide Ultra. The Road Glide is the best riding touring bike they make. The frame mounted fairing makes the front end light. In the past it was more stripped down, now it is an Ultra with the Road Glide fairing. This is the bike I wanted but they didn't make it. Now that I paid mine off they make it. :ohwell:

Road King is the same frame and engine as all the other touring models, Classic, Ultra Classic, Street Glide and so on. All the touring bikes have a different frame and rear suspension than a Heritage Soft tail. The touring bikes have the 96B motor which is rubber mounted. At idle it shakes, under power it is smooth. The Soft tail series have the same 96 motor but it is counter balanced and hard mounted to the frame. At idle it is smoother than the touring bikes, but under power you will feel more vibes.

This year they finally made a Road Glide Ultra. The Road Glide is the best riding touring bike they make. The frame mounted fairing makes the front end light. In the past it was more stripped down, now it is an Ultra with the Road Glide fairing. This is the bike I wanted but they didn't make it. Now that I paid mine off they make it. :ohwell:

Engine is other way around I think; Soft tails have the B.

.

This year they finally made a Road Glide Ultra. The Road Glide is the best riding touring bike they make. The frame mounted fairing makes the front end light. In the past it was more stripped down, now it is an Ultra with the Road Glide fairing. This is the bike I wanted but they didn't make it. Now that I paid mine off they make it. :ohwell:

What's the difference besides the motor?

Engine is other way around I think; Soft tails have the B.

Yep I typed it wrong, the counter balanced engine is the 96B, the touring bikes have a straight 96

I am going to ride my 96 equipped Ultra tomorrow.

Softail's are counter balanced.....Heritage seat is back about 2" further than the touring bikes from what I remember......not sure if the Heritage offers ABS either but it may.

What's the difference besides the motor?

Except for the counter balanced crank shaft the engines are identical. The touring bikes have more amenities generally. Different frame, riding characteristics, rake/trail. The soft tail has no visible rear shocks, it has one located under the rear frame on the swing arm.

Just a different set up. I had a RK Classic and it was a nice riding bike. Very nimble and lighter than the dressers.

Softail's are counter balanced.....Heritage seat is back about 2" further than the touring bikes from what I remember......not sure if the Heritage offers ABS either but it may.

Option

Ecapt for the counter balanced crank shaft the engines are identical. The touring bikes have more amenities generally. Different frame, riding characteristics, rake/trail. The soft tail has no visible rear shocks, it has one located under the rear frame on the swing arm.

Just a different set up. I had a RK Classic and it was a nice riding bike. Very nimble and lighter than the dressers.

No, no. Allow me to clarify; What is the difference between the Road Glide now and before they offered it in an Ultra? All I see is the tour pac?

Softail's are counter balanced.....Heritage seat is back about 2" further than the touring bikes from what I remember......not sure if the Heritage offers ABS either but it may.

I sat on the Road Glide Ultra and its seat is back. Guy at the dealership said they did that this year. Moved the seat back a bit. I am 6' and I would have to reach to hit the highway pegs unless I put them on extenders.

No, no. Allow me to clarify; What is the difference between the Road Glide now and before they offered it in an Ultra? All I see is the tour pac?

Tour pack, rear speakers, electronics like CB and intercom, front lowers, ultra style seat. It also has the 103ci engine standard. Oh and in previous years to 2006 (I think) it has a sliver motor, now it is black. I hated the silver (blonde) engine.

It doesn't have all the chrome trim the Ultra classic has but that is fine by me.

In my humble opinion it is the best riding Harley tour bike. I put 300 miles on one in Nevada-California and around Lake Tahoe a few years ago.

I sat on the Road Glide Ultra and its seat is back. Guy at the dealership said they did that this year. Moved the seat back a bit. I am 6' and I would have to reach to hit the highway pegs unless I put them on extenders.

I have a '10 RKC and it has ample room and I'm no small dude, Heritage i sat on was good but felt like I was "reaching" a bit with the handle bars, no problem but may have been on a long ride

Tour pack, rear speakers, electronics like CB and intercom, front lowers, ultra style seat. It also has the 103ci engine standard. Oh and in previous years to 2006 (I think) it has a sliver motor, now it is black. I hated the silver (blonde) engine.

It doesn't have all the chrome trim the Ultra classic has but that is fine by me.

K. That's what I thought, the trimmings. So, basically, you'd prefer the frame mounted fairing?

FWIW, I do not think the 103 is worth the dough over the 96. I road one of each for a full day (eg ltd and a ultra). In fact, the 96 felt a tad peppier to me though the 103 is a little higher compression.

Both felt like ho hum compared to my 118. :diva:

K. That's what I thought, the trimmings. So, basically, you'd prefer the frame mounted fairing?

FWIW, I do not think the 103 is worth the dough over the 96. I road one of each for a full day (eg ltd and a ultra). In fact, the 96 felt a tad peppier to me though the 103 is a little higher compression.

Both felt like ho hum compared to my 118. :diva:

I haven't ridden a 103, I assume it would have more pep. It is standard on the RG so it doesn't cost anyhting extra like an option. Of course the minute you buy it most people put pipes and a breather kit on it to open it up. That still pisses me off.

Yes I did prefer it. The Road Glide, or Road Toad as it is referred to by some Harley people is a nice bike. The fairing is stretched out in front, it makes the forks lighter and the bike reacts to wind much less.

Road Glides are quite popular out west, not so much here on the east coast. Out there you see them all over and most are modified to make them "ultra's". I actually put a deposit on one, then came home and priced all the parts to convert it to an ultra and it was cheaper to buy an ultra so I called and swapped.

All American has a demo day weekend after this. I have a slot to ride a beautiful red one. I might back out because I dont want to buy it :lol:

I have a '10 RKC and it has ample room and I'm no small dude, Heritage i sat on was good but felt like I was "reaching" a bit with the handle bars, no problem but may have been on a long ride

Yea I would have to crank the bars back on the RG about an inch.

I haven't ridden a 103, I assume it would have more pep. Of course the minute you buy it most people put pipes and a breather kit on it to open it up. That still pisses me off.

Yes I did prefer it. The Road Glide, or Road Toad as it is referred to by some Harley people is a nice bike. The fairing is stretched out in front, it makes the forks lighter and the bike reacts to wind much less.

Road Glides are quite popular out west, not so much here on the east coast. Out there you see them all over and most are modified to make them "ultra's". I actually put a deposit on one, then came home and priced all the parts to convert it to an ultra and it was cheaper to buy an ultra so I called and swapped.

All American has a demo day weekend after this. I have a slot to ride a beautiful red one. I might back out because I dont want to buy it :lol:

Buddy of mine has a Road Glide Screaming Eagle. Now THAT motor I might go for.

I've hear what you are saying about the wind and the lighter front end on the RG v. the fork mounted EG's. Not that I have ridden in extreme wind but I was impressed with the ultra and the EG ltd just how nimble they were as is. You ride an UC so, you'd be a far better judge.

Buddy of mine has a Road Glide Screaming Eagle. Now THAT motor I might go for.

I've hear what you are saying about the wind and the lighter front end on the RG v. the fork mounted EG's. Not that I have ridden in extreme wind but I was impressed with the ultra and the EG ltd just how nimble they were as is. You ride an UC so, you'd be a far better judge.

The Screaming Eagle is a nice bike. That is the one that Aps always points out as a typical Harley @ $35K to show how expensive they are.

The forks not having the weight and wind resistance of a fork mounted fairing make it more nimble and responsive than a EG.

I ride in a lot of weather and you do get feedback through the grips with buffeting. Cross winds you really notice but not :yikes: bad.

The Screaming Eagle is a nice bike. That is the one that Aps always points out as a typical Harley @ $35K to show how expensive they are..

:killingme not your "typical" Harley

The forks not having the weight and wind resistance of a fork mounted fairing make it more nimble and responsive than a EG.

I ride in a lot of weather and you do get feedback through the grips with buffeting. Cross winds you really notice but not :yikes: bad.

Yeah, it's gotta be better. It's just that coming off my strat which is 49 feet long, the UC's felt way more nimble. I'd hardly know what to do with even more better front end. :lol:

Hell, I just put my windshield back on and immediately noticed the increased resistance and wind feel, feedback.

In any event, for me, an EG and UC are already very nimble, considerably easier to ride than my non fairing bike.

What are the important diffs betweeen say a Roadking Classic or a bit higher model and a Softail Heritage Set up for touring? Fairing? How about motor mounts, etc,? I don't care about comm.or tunes. Just want a smooth ride over 70mph and power vs weight. (I know Bob) A BMW is on my mind also.
The guys covered it very well but there's one other difference that I've seen. The Heritage has leather saddle bags where the Road King has hard bags (fiberglass or plastic)??
I'll be down at Solomons on Friday and at Red Robin Sunday if you want to see it in person.
Road Kings and Heritages have windshields and not fairings. Here's my 2001 Heritage Softail Classic.

Yeah, it's gotta be better. It's just that coming off my strat which is 49 feet long, the UC's felt way more nimble. I'd hardly know what to do with even more better front end. :lol:

Hell, I just put my windshield back on and immediately noticed the increased resistance and wind feel, feedback.

In any event, for me, an EG and UC are already very nimble, considerably easier to ride than my non fairing bike.

It's all what you like. The first Harley I ever rode was a Soft tail deuce. It was horrible and if every Harley rode like that I would never have ridden one again. I like my dresser, it works for me, it is nimble and has plenty of giddy up and it looks nice. I can ride to the store for stuff, I can commute to work in all weather, I can load it up and ride 2000+ miles.

The guys covered it very well but there's one other difference that I've seen. The Heritage has leather saddle bags where the Road King has hard bags (fiberglass or plastic)??
I'll be down at Solomons on Friday and at Red Robin Sunday if you want to see it in person.
Road Kings and Heritages have windshields and not fairings. Here's my 2001 Heritage Softail Classic.

The Road King Classic has leather covered PVC bags. They have snap closures behind the buckles.

Bob is on the way. Stand by

The guys covered it very well but there's one other difference that I've seen. The Heritage has leather saddle bags where the Road King has hard bags (fiberglass or plastic)??
I'll be down at Solomons on Friday and at Red Robin Sunday if you want to see it in person.
Road Kings and Heritages have windshields and not fairings. Here's my 2001 Heritage Softail Classic.

You can get hard bags on the Heritage AND a tour pack plus a rider back rest. That may be new?

That might be MY Harley.

I'm just split between not wanting a fairing or even a windshield part of the year and REALLY wanting one when it's cold.

I'm thinking a two bike solution!

You can get hard bags on the Heritage AND a tour pack plus a rider back rest. That may be new?

That might be MY Harley.

I'm just split between not wanting a fairing or even a windshield part of the year and REALLY wanting one when it's cold.

I'm thinking a two bike solution!

I put adjustable air wings on my UC. I can open them up and it channels wind right on me. Almost as windy as no fairing at all.

It's all what you like. The first Harley I ever rode was a Soft tail deuce. It was horrible and if every Harley rode like that I would never have ridden one again. I like my dresser, it works for me, it is nimble and has plenty of giddy up and it looks nice. I can ride to the store for stuff, I can commute to work in all weather, I can load it up and ride 2000+ miles.

You have air suspension? Like it?

You have air suspension? Like it?

Yea, I set it and forget it. I should check it more because I rode 2 up here a couple weeks ago and needed a puff or two because I bottomed out on the swing arm on a big road rut.......... and no she was not fat. :lol:

More Horsepower...

On the fly adjustable electronic suspension..

Standard ABS.. (ABS on BMWs since 1988)

and with ALL the options still cheaper.

Even has an on the fly adjustable windshield. Too hot? Take the windscreen down. Too noisy, or cold? Put it up.

AND last but not least.. a Catalytic Converter.. on an aircooled bike.

I put adjustable air wings on my UC. I can open them up and it channels wind right on me. Almost as windy as no fairing at all.

I beg to differ. Both the EG and the UC, 2010's, had them and, damn, them was some hot bytches compared to my Strat. Good Gawd. I appreciated it on dawn patrol and it was fine at highway but, other than that, I was surprised how much hotter they are than no fairing.

And that is THE difference between the 103 and the 96; the 103 is even more hotter! :jameo:

More Horsepower...

On the fly adjustable electronic suspension..

Standard ABS.. (ABS on BMWs since 1988)

and with ALL the options still cheaper.

Even has an on the fly adjustable windshield. Too hot? Take the windscreen down. Too noisy, or cold? Put it up.

AND last but not least.. a Catalytic Converter.. on an aircooled bike.

But no kewl, bad ass scooter, just cruisin' factor. :lol:

I WILL have one some day!

AND last but not least.. a Catalytic Converter.. on an aircooled bike.

Holy shiat! Well why the hell didn't you point this out before! A catalytic coverter! No friggin way! You are lying.........For real? Well that makes me completely change my mind! Imagine that, a cat-a-lytic friggin converter! Of all things! Now THAT is something special!



:lmao:

Yea, I set it and forget it. I should check it more because I rode 2 up here a couple weeks ago and needed a puff or two because I bottomed out on the swing arm on a big road rut.......... and no she was not fat. :lol:

That happend to my UC buddy a few weeks ago. His wife came along for the first time in awhile and next stop he was asking me if I'd bottomed out on that last roller and, with his normal sized wife kinda paying attention I was like "Nah, didn't even feel it. Why???"

:evil:

But no kewl, bad ass scooter, just cruisin' factor. :lol:

I WILL have one some day!

Yeah, but at 80 you are at cruise.. just idling along.. while the cruisers you're riding with sound like they are getting flogged..

More Horsepower...

On the fly adjustable electronic suspension..

Standard ABS.. (ABS on BMWs since 1988)

and with ALL the options still cheaper.

Even has an on the fly adjustable windshield. Too hot? Take the windscreen down. Too noisy, or cold? Put it up.

AND last but not least.. a Catalytic Converter.. on an aircooled bike.

It also keeps lettuce crisp.

Is microwave and dishwasher safe.

Will not stain with foods like pasta sauce.

Will keep food fresh for up to 2 weeks!

Holy shiat! Well why the hell didn't you point this out before! A catalytic coverter! No friggin way! You are lying.........For real? Well that makes me completely change my mind! Imagine that, a cat-a-lytic friggin converter! Of all things! Now THAT is something special!



:lmao:

It's only interesting because Harley convinced the EPA that it would be IMPOSSIBLE to put a Catalytic Converter on an air cooled bike.. It would be the DEATH of Harley if they were required to do so.

It also keeps lettuce crisp.

Is microwave and dishwasher safe.

Will not stain with foods like pasta sauce.

Will keep food fresh for up to 2 weeks!

Only if you went to the FSM bike blessing..

It's only interesting because Harley convinced the EPA that it would be IMPOSSIBLE to put a Catalytic Converter on an air cooled bike..

Crafty aren't they?

The Road King Classic has leather covered PVC bags. They have snap closures behind the buckles.
My bad; I missed the word "Classic" after Road King...
You can get hard bags on the Heritage AND a tour pack plus a rider back rest. That may be new?
I'm just split between not wanting a fairing or even a windshield part of the year and REALLY wanting one when it's cold.
That may be new. They are finally making more options available. I think they've finally realized people want options from the factory, not after market ones.

I was faced with that same dilema years ago. After touring the east coast a few times with a full dresser, I just didn't want their bulikness any longer. Full dressers are the best if you plan to travel a lot but for around town use, it was a bit much for me. Personal choice...

Yeah, but at 80 you are at cruise.. just idling along.. while the cruisers you're riding with sound like they are getting flogged..

Not mine. :drama:

There is a WORLD of difference in the monster factor between my Strat and non Screaming Eagle Harley's. The difference between 80 and 5th gear and the sudden need, or urge, to tromp and romp is a twist of the wrist. My bike ATTACKS. For a Harley, it's three down shifts and a quick dismount to run around back and give it a push.

:lol:

That's the thing that hooked me on the strat; the nasty, snarl factor to go with the smooth cruise. Granted, you'd run circles around me but, it's rather...civilized.

I WILL have a R1200 one day. Fo' sho'.

:buddies:

Not mine. :drama:

There is a WORLD of difference in the monster factor between my Strat and non Screaming Eagle Harley's. The difference between 80 and 5th gear and the sudden need, or urge, to tromp and romp is a twist of the wrist. My bike ATTACKS. For a Harley, it's three down shifts and a quick dismount to run around back and give it a push.

:lol:

There's a big difference between increased volume and increased power

There's a big difference between increased volume and increased power

Hell, yes.

I sat on the Road Glide Ultra and its seat is back. Guy at the dealership said they did that this year. Moved the seat back a bit. I am 6' and I would have to reach to hit the highway pegs unless I put them on extenders.Guess I won't be getting a Road Glide Ultra.

The guys covered it very well but there's one other difference that I've seen. The Heritage has leather saddle bags where the Road King has hard bags (fiberglass or plastic)??
I'll be down at Solomons on Friday and at Red Robin Sunday if you want to see it in person.
Road Kings and Heritages have windshields and not fairings. Here's my 2001 Heritage Softail Classic.

Oh, I,ve seen them, plenty. Some things aren't obvious to the eye though.

Yeah, but at 80 you are at cruise.. just idling along.. while the cruisers you're riding with sound like they are getting flogged..

Gotta disagree on that. I took RoadKing for a test ride, private owner, and was doing 80 before I knew it. Only thing I didn't like was the vibration as you are coming to a stop. Made it feel like I didn't have good control over the brakes. This is at near idle. On the road that baby was smoooth!

Guess I won't be getting a Road Glide Ultra.

Did you hear that BMW's have Cat-a friggin-lytic converters now! Not just your run of the mill head pipes and muffler but a catalytic converter!

I suspect you will be dumping your Harley on ebay and heading over to Mortons to put your catalytic converter equipped BMW on order!

A catalytic converter on a motorcycle! Sweet jesus!

Oh, I,ve seen them, plenty. Some things aren't obvious to the eye though.



Gotta disagree on that. I took RoadKing for a test ride, private owner, and was doing 80 before I knew it. Only thing I didn't like was the vibration as you are coming to a stop. Made it feel like I didn't have good control over the brakes. This is at near idle. On the road that baby was smoooth!

Yea I run 70 in 6th and if I *need* to hit 80 it is a split second away. My Ultra has plenty of power to run however I want it to....No flogging required :lol:

I don't know about the brakes. Mine doesn't shake when I brake. I can tell you the intersection up in Hollywood of 245-235 is so bad with rutted and rippled asphalt it will shake you almost off the seat.

Did you hear that BMW's have Cat-a friggin-lytic converters now! Not just your run of the mill head pipes and muffler but a catalytic converter!

I suspect you will be dumping your Harley on ebay and heading over to Mortons to put your catalytic converter equipped BMW on order!

A catalytic converter on a motorcycle! Sweet jesus!That tears it. I'm putting the Harley up for sale so I can buy me one of these. Whoda thunk it, a catalytic converter. :yahoo:

Gotta disagree on that. I took RoadKing for a test ride, private owner, and was doing 80 before I knew it. Only thing I didn't like was the vibration as you are coming to a stop. Made it feel like I didn't have good control over the brakes. This is at near idle. On the road that baby was smoooth!

Something is wrong with his brakes I would imagine.

The EG I rented did the same thing and I presume the pads and/or disc is/are in need of maintenance. The UC, same everything mechanically, was smooth as could be. One road King I tested, an '03, was fine, also point being it ain't a design thing, something ain't right with the one you roaded.

BTW, did it have a catalytic converter by any chance? Maybe an aftermarket job seeings how HD refuses to care about the planet???

Yea I run 70 in 6th and if I *need* to hit 80 it is a split second away. My Ultra has plenty of power to run however I want it to....No flogging required :lol:

I don't know about the brakes. Mine doesn't shake when I brake. I can tell you the intersection up in Hollywood of 245-235 is so bad with rutted and rippled asphalt it will shake you almost off the seat.

No, it shakes at idle when you are, say, pulling up to a light, clutch disengaged. That transfers to the bars and thus the brake levers. Just feels weird.

Guess I won't be getting a Road Glide Ultra.

Vince, I am saving all sorts of short jokes because I am trying to become a better person.













BTW It does come with an optional booster seat...


:lol: :buddies:

Something is wrong with his brakes I would imagine.

The EG I rented did the same thing and I presume the pads and/or disc is/are in need of maintenance. The UC, same everything mechanically, was smooth as could be. One road King I tested, an '03, was fine, also point being it ain't a design thing, something ain't right with the one you roaded.

BTW, did it have a catalytic converter by any chance? Maybe an aftermarket job seeings how HD refuses to care about the planet???

Nope, I tried the brakes at speed, no complaints at all. It's the engine.

No, it shakes at idle when you are, say, pulling up to a light, clutch disengaged. That transfers to the bars and thus the brake levers. Just feels weird.

Gotcha. They do do that!!! Especially pre '07, I think.

What year was the RK?

That tears it. I'm putting the Harley up for sale so I can buy me one of these. Whoda thunk it, a catalytic converter. :yahoo:

For freaking real! That thing has to boost performance 10% ......well it doesn't but think about it, a metal case, filled with ceramic or stainless honeycomb, Platinum coating, clamps. I think I just popped a bone just thinking about it.

Hey Pete,
I'd love to see a pic of your bike.

Show me yours and I'll show you mine. :whistle:

For freaking real! That thing has to boost performance 10% ......well it doesn't but think about it, a metal case, filled with ceramic or stainless honeycomb, Platinum coating, clamps. I think I just popped a bone just thinking about it.:lol:

Maybe next Spring I'll be ready for a new one. Thinking about a Road King or or maybe a Street Glide.

No, it shakes at idle when you are, say, pulling up to a light, clutch disengaged. That transfers to the bars and thus the brake levers. Just feels weird.

Yes the touring bikes do vibrate when they are at idle. I have a cup holder, I put some water, a chunk of lemon, lime and a little sugar in a bottle and stuck it in the handlebar cup holder. Within 3 traffic lights I had a bottle of 7 UP. :shrug:

I am looking for an after market catalytic converter because I am sure if I put that on there it will stop shaking and birds and small mammals will stop dying from Carbon Monoxide poisoning when I ride by now.

Hey Pete,
I'd love to see a pic of your bike.

Show me yours and I'll show you mine. :whistle:

The only pic I have on this computer is way too big to upload.

The only pic I have on this computer is way too big to upload.

:ohwell:

:ohwell:

PM me your email.

I have to warn you. My bike doesn't have ABS nor does it have a catalytic converter. It may just be a waste of time looking at it because it is not worthy.

The only pic I have on this computer is way too big to upload.

You shared it with me.....:shrug:

You shared it with me.....:shrug:

:confused: shared what?

:confused: shared what?

:popcorn:

Gotcha. They do do that!!! Especially pre '07, I think.

What year was the RK?

It was an 07 I thought, maybe an 06. When did they get 6 speeds?

It was an 07 I thought, maybe an 06. When did they get 6 speeds?

07.

07.

Yup and 96's, correct?

Yup and 96's, correct?

Yea 96ci came in 07 as well as the 6 speed. The 6 speed was only on touring bikes in 07. In 08 they all got them.

Yea 96ci came in 07 as well as the 6 speed. The 6 speed was only on touring bikes in 07. In 08 they all got them.Did they ever fix the noisey 5th gear?

Did they ever fix the noisey 5th gear?

Yea in '10 they went all helical :lol: