Is a Road King a Softail? Here's What You Need to Know

Is a Road King a Softail? If you’re in the market for a new Harley-Davidson motorcycle, you may be wondering if a Road King is a Softail. While the two models share some similarities, there are also some significant differences between them. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between the Road King and Softail models, so you can make an informed decision about which bike is right for you.

Understanding the Road King The Road King is a classic touring bike that’s designed for long-distance rides. It features a large, comfortable seat, adjustable foot pegs, and a windshield to protect you from wind and debris. The Road King also has a powerful engine that delivers plenty of torque and horsepower, making it ideal for cruising on the open road.

Exploring the Softail The Softail is a more versatile bike that’s designed for a variety of riding styles. It features a lower-slung chassis that gives it a sleek, sporty look, and a more compact frame that makes it easier to handle in tight spaces. The Softail also has a more user-friendly suspension system that makes it more comfortable to ride, especially on shorter journeys.

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Key Takeaways

The Road King is a classic touring bike designed for long-distance rides, while the Softail is a more versatile bike that’s designed for a variety of riding styles.
The Road King has a powerful engine and is ideal for cruising on the open road, while the Softail has a more user-friendly suspension system that makes it more comfortable to ride.
When deciding between the Road King and Softail models, consider your riding style and preferences to determine which bike is right for you.

Understanding the Road King

If you’re looking for a touring bike that offers both comfort and handling, the Harley-Davidson Road King might be just what you need. As motorcycle enthusiasts, we know what makes a great bike, and the Road King is no exception. In this section, we’ll dive into the key features, engine and transmission, comfort and handling, and price and comparison of the Road King.

Key Features

The Road King is a touring bike that is designed for long journeys and offers a classic look. It comes in three different models: the Road King, Road King Classic, and Road King Special. All three models share some key features, including a Milwaukee-Eight engine, a six-speed transmission, and a responsive suspension system. The Road King also features a large windshield and hard saddlebags, making it ideal for long trips.

Engine and Transmission

The Road King is powered by a Milwaukee-Eight engine, which is available in two different sizes: 107 and 114 cubic inches. This engine is designed to provide plenty of power and torque, making it ideal for touring and long-distance riding. The six-speed transmission is smooth and responsive, making it easy to shift gears and maintain control of the bike.

Comfort and Handling

When it comes to comfort and handling, the Road King is hard to beat. It features a responsive suspension system that provides a smooth ride even on rough roads. The large windshield and hard saddlebags also provide plenty of protection from the wind and weather. The Road King is also easy to handle, thanks to its low center of gravity and responsive steering.

Price and Comparison

The Road King is a premium touring bike, and as such, it comes with a premium price tag. However, we believe that it is well worth the investment. When compared to other touring bikes, such as the Softail, the Road King offers more features and better handling. It is also more comfortable and easier to ride, making it ideal for long trips.

In conclusion, the Harley-Davidson Road King is a top-of-the-line touring bike that offers both comfort and handling. It is powered by a powerful Milwaukee-Eight engine and features a responsive suspension system that provides a smooth ride. While it may be more expensive than other touring bikes, we believe that it is well worth the investment for anyone who is serious about touring.

Is a Road King a Softail?

When it comes to Harley-Davidson motorcycles, the Softail is a distinctive type of frame that has a unique look and feel. In this section, we will explore the Softail and its distinctive characteristics, performance and agility, and comfort and storage.

Distinctive Characteristics

The Softail is a type of motorcycle frame that was first introduced by Harley-Davidson in 1984. It is designed to look like a rigid frame, but it has a hidden rear suspension that gives it a smoother ride. The Softail frame is lower and more compact than the traditional Harley-Davidson frame, which makes it more maneuverable and user-friendly.

Performance and Agility

The Softail is known for its excellent performance and agility. It is lighter and more agile than other Harley-Davidson models, which makes it easier to handle and more comfortable to ride. The Softail has a superior suspension system that provides a smoother ride and better handling than other types of frames.

Comfort and Storage

The Softail is also known for its comfort and storage options. It has a comfortable seat that is designed to provide a comfortable riding experience, even on long-distance rides. The Softail also has ample storage options, including bags and backrests, which make it perfect for cross-country trips.

The Heritage Softail Classic is a popular Softail model that is designed for long-distance rides. It has a six-gallon fuel tank and a comfortable seat that provides excellent support for long rides. The Heritage Softail Classic also has a high ground clearance and a superior suspension system, which makes it perfect for off-road adventures.

In terms of maintenance, the Softail is relatively easy to maintain. It has a low compression ratio, which means that it doesn’t require as much maintenance as other Harley-Davidson models. The Softail also has running lights that make it more visible on the road, which is an important safety feature.

Overall, the Softail is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a comfortable, maneuverable, and user-friendly motorcycle. It has a distinctive look and feel that sets it apart from other Harley-Davidson models, and it offers excellent performance and agility. With its comfortable seat and ample storage options, the Softail is perfect for long-distance rides and cross-country trips.

Comparing Road King and Softail

When it comes to Harley motorcycles, the Road King and Softail are two of the most popular models. While both bikes have their pros and cons, they are quite different from each other. In this section, we will compare and contrast the Road King and Softail in terms of design and ergonomics, performance and ride quality, as well as price and value.

Design and Ergonomics

The Road King is a touring bike that is designed for long trips. It has a classic styling with a windshield and hard bags for storage. The rider sits on a comfortable seat with a backrest and floorboards for their feet. The handlebar has a beach cruiser bend that makes it easy to maneuver the bike at low speeds. The bike has a six-gallon fuel tank, which is perfect for cross-country trips.

On the other hand, the Softail is a cruiser that is designed for shorter rides. It has a modern styling with a low seat height and a shorter wheelbase. The rider sits on a comfortable seat with floorboards for their feet. The bike has a smaller fuel tank capacity of around 3.5 gallons, which is enough for shorter trips.

Performance and Ride Quality

The Road King is powered by a Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine with a compression ratio of 10.0:1. It has a six-speed transmission and a top speed of around 110 mph. The bike has excellent handling and suspension, making it perfect for high-speed travel. It has a trail of 6.7 inches, a front brake of 32 mm, and a rear brake of 32 mm.

The Softail, on the other hand, is powered by a Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine with a compression ratio of 10.5:1. It has a six-speed transmission and a top speed of around 120 mph. The bike has agile handling and suspension, making it perfect for low-speed agility. It has a trail of 5.2 inches, a front brake of 32 mm, and a rear brake of 32 mm.

Price and Value

The Road King starts at around $20,000, while the Softail starts at around $15,000. Both bikes have their own set of features and advantages, making them worth the price. The Road King is perfect for long-distance touring, while the Softail is perfect for shorter rides.

Verdict: Is a Road King a Softail?

In conclusion, both the Road King and Softail are excellent motorcycles that cater to different types of riders. It is very important to choose the bike that best suits your needs and preferences. Whether you are looking for a touring motorcycle or a cruiser, Harley-Davidson has something for everyone.