Yeah, the responses might be slanted towards a Deluxe when you are in the Softail forum. SJ Ron

 

Man... You guys sure know how to make a guys life easy, Lol. As far as money goes, I cannot afford to buy a new CVO RK, or Deluxe for that matter. And for me, since I tear the things down to practically nothing anyhow, it isn't worth it for me to buy a new bike (at least not to me). I might as well buy used, spare a little money, that way I can put more into it to make it mine. I'll probably be looking to spend somewhere between 11-13k which seems pretty standard around where I am at on Craigslist for a used Deluxe.

Why don't I give you an idea of what I had in mind for a build, and you guys can then give me your opinion. Seems like there is quite a few of you who have had RK's in the past, so that might be just enough for me. I still want to test ride a RK, just to get a feel.

Here is what I've got in mind for a build (for a 'Luxe).
New paint/powdercoat various items
Stretched rear fender
Stretched RK bags (Using the Cyclevisions mount kit?)
Shotgun rear
Progressive kit up front
Fat Spokes (16"/21" more than likely)
18" apes
A good 2-up seat, and a good solo seat for hot-rodding
36" fishtails
Probably some extra bits and pieces that are of "small detail" nature.
Maybe some motor work?

So I guess my answer is probably at hand. I have seen a couple Road Kings at the dealer without the bags on it - and I just cannot get passed the clutter. I'm still going to ride one, but I think I already know what I'm going to want. Since I will be running a lot of the time without bags, the Deluxe is probably a better way to go. Besides, I loved my Night Train, and the only reason I got out of it was to still be with my head above water. Essentially, I had nearly turned it into a Deluxe anyways (minus the FL front end). As far as the bagger kits that are available for the softail, do they make a quick release system (I have seen the 'pull the pin' style on he RK's)? I also will be wanting to use a sissy bar (quick release) for the fiancee - she insists.

I guess the saga continues....

 

Thanks man. Ah, it's all fun and games until somebody gets their crown knocked off. Am I lying though? No says I !

If you do decide to go the touring route there kizz, one Road King model I found that sits very close to my Deluxe is the Custom. It's lowered, has an in-the-bike-feel to it, and the bars are just right. For me anyway. If I ever get a second bike I'd like it to look just like this one right here;



As far as a Road King minus the bags, it doesn't have to look awful. Swapping out for some chrome parts cleans things up nicely. Still a little awkward around the back of the side panels and swingarm though.

 

I have looked at several pics online of RK's that have gone bagless. I just can't get past the side panels, and the design of the fender struts. They are just too "bulky" - kind of remind me of some giant cast pieces you would find on an old studebaker or something. The softail struts are just a much leaner, and cleaner design IMO.

I do like the way that RK's look with bags on, but I just don't see myself leaving the bags on all of the time. Take these two bikes for instance - very good looking RK's and right along the lines of what I would do to one:





But then I saw these Deluxe's and about had to change pants:







I'm sure most, if not all, of the above bikes were built by forum members, but I pulled them from Google, so I haven't a clue as to who deserves credit. Feels to me like I was meant to be on a Softail, at least for now.

 

The Duluxe is a very cool bike, and my wife really wants one. But it has really limited cornering clearance, and I know she'll outride that within a week of buying it.

 

I don't know anything about a RK. But I can tell you I just bought a 2014 Deluxe, it's my first Harely, and I'm having a blast on it.

Don't know what that other guy is talking about when he mentions $2000 for suspension upgrades. Thing drives just fine stock.

 

Inside slam to Deluxe owners?

 

Trust me i felt the same way when i first bought my new CVO King.. You get use to it and then once you do you realize it actually out handles a Softail.. Especially at higher speeds..

 

Yes, you do not know what I am talking about or what the OP is talking about. The OP mentioned lowering and air ride and 21" which requires a front suspension upgrade and 2up. And anyone who actually rides these bikes knows the stock suspensions sucks. Especially a stock Deluxe that is lower then the Heritage and FB.

Despite all this, enjoy and congrats on your new bike!

 

I've been happy with mine. You wanna experience a harsh ride get your fanny on an SG.