Just wanted to say thanks to everyone that posted about a Road King as a first bike... both for and against. I read every post from every thread I could find on the subject and taking all of that in I went ahead and got my ultimate bike first. The opinions in favor gave me the confidence to go for it and the opinions against let me know what I had to look out for.

Long story short... I took delivery of my bike last week... finished the MSF course yesterday... got my endorsement and insurance this morning... and just finished nearly 3 hours putting around my neighborhood practicing what I learned at school.

So far my King has been a dream to ride and the weight has not been an issue since I knew to respect it. For the record, I am 6', 230, average strength.

For those lurking like I was, wondering if the King is too much bike to start on I can only say it is working for me and I couldn't be happier. I wanted a bike built for the long road but that could also handle in town cruising... I think the King fills that slot very nicely.

 

Congrats and enjoy! I was just in Tempe for a business meeting about a week and a half ago. The weather was still very nice. I guess Greater Phoenix won't get hot for about another month, so right now is the perfect time to do all that slow-speed parking lot/neighborhood practice.

That's a very nice looking bike, by the way.

 

Hey AZRider, congratulations - beautiful bike.

I seem to be following the same road you have embarked on - here at 62, and not have been on a bike in a few decades, I'm looking wistfully at Harleys, wondering if (and which one) is right for me. I've taken the first steps - i'm in an MSF course in a couple of weeks, and will get the motorcycle endorsement valid again.

I'm thinking a pre-owned bike is right for me, but which one, which one... I've swung from Electra Glides to Sportsters to Dynas. Right now, there's a couple Low Riders and Wide Glides that have me thinking. But that could change tomorrow to something else.

Anyway, beautiful bike - enjoy and ride safe!
Steve

 

Very nice looking bike,enjoy and relax now its time to ride,,,,

 

Congrats AZRider. Nice choice. You'll love the RK.

 

Congrats. Love the silver and unfortunately it was not available in 2013. Ride safe!

 

That's a heck of a "first" bike !!!

My first bike as a Honda CB 175

I've owned (and own) RK's and they're great all around machines.
Large enough for touring, and small enough for cruising.

The only other bike I'd put in that category would be a Heritage Softail Classic.

Congrats, enjoy and ride safely.

 

Congrats on the new scoot. That's a sharp looking bike!! I agree with getting the bike you want.

 

Nice looking bike. I like the new bars on the Road King. I test rode a '13 model last year on Demo Days and the only thing I didn't care for was the stock bars. I sat on one of the new ones and the position of the bars seemed a lot more ergonomic and comfortable. Now, if I could just find some spare cash....

 

Elvis lives!!! Congratulations on the beautiful Road King. Maybe I'm biased but I think the king is a great bike...