I have owned a 2007 softail and a 2009 touring model (Street Glide). I actually prefer the ride of the softail but realize I am probably a minority where that is concerned. I guess it depends on what type of riding you'll do. If you are going to tour you probably need a touring bike like the Road King. If you will just do an occasional long trip but mostly shorter to average rides the Heritage would be great. I didn't like the rubber mounted engine myself on the touring models. HD will let you test ride anything now, so just take a few out and see what you think. Before spending that much money you may even want to find a place that rents Harley's so you can try them out for a couple days at a time to get a really good feel for it. NBT, we all know you hate Harley's...give it a freakin' rest already. You sound like a f***king broken record.