I've been looking for a RK lately and have become torn between the RK customs and the 2009+ models. I really like the clean strip down look of the customs but I would really prefer 96" or bigger motor and/or the new frame and it is very hard to find a custom 2007 and up. I also have concerns about the 2007 transmission and that whining/clattering 5th and 6th gear issue and the newest customs I have found are 2007, 2 of them. Also if I get a 2009 and up RK is alot of the trim removable? I'm talking about the trim on fenders and alot of the chrome guards on the bags and stuff like that. I just like the non flashy look of the customs.
Now for the motor, if I went with a 88" motor how would that compare to the 88" twim cam B I had in my fsxt? I've been told the rubber mounted twin cams put out a lot more power than the twin cam B. My softail I sold ran pretty strong with pipes and stage 1 but I'm concerned with the extra 100lbs of the Rk that the motor might not be enough for me.

 

If I remember correctly they stopped making the Road King Custom around 2005 or 2006. Now it's juat the Classic or Road King hard bagger. I prefer the Classic as it has cruise control.

 

I have seen a couple of 2007 customs, I thought they went up 2008 but could be wrong.

 

Customs were 04-07

 

Yeah somewhere around there. All years run together when you start getting old

 

Get a Classic with a 103. You'll love it after you gut the cat, replace the seat, and switch out the bars.

 

If I'm correct the customs were built from 2004 to 2007 ,that being the reason for none newer than 07. I have own all three Road King models 1999 Standard ,2004 Custom,and now own 2008 Classic. Have loved everyone until I bought the next model. Then they became my favorite. I liked the stripped down and lowered look of the custom also and as far as stock 88" vs. 96" not enough dfference for concern. Post 2009 frame ride great also wife had 2011 Street Glide super smooth ride. I this helps some.

 

Classic or nothing.

 

I love my 2000. You're not gonna find a cutom newer then an 07 as they don't exist. Friend of mine has a 2010 which i've ridden a few times, and quite honestly, i don't notice much of a difference from my 2000, but my 2000 is quite a ways from stock with the 21" front wheel and apes and such so maybe it's not a valid comparison.

 

So the 88" vs 96" isn't much of a difference? I assume the 5 speed vs the 6 speed probably evens the gap a bit? Is the 88" 2 up riding ok? Of course all of the owners of 88" I've looked at say they are fine but I'd like to get some honest opinions from somebody who isn't trying to talk me out of my cash. I found cherry "black cherry actually" 2005 Rk custom with V&H true duals, power commander, stage 1 dyno tuned bike with 8k miles for $12k that is tops of my list but I was a little concerned with 88" being enough. I have ridden 96" and the 103" motors in a RK but not the 88". Well I rode a 88" turd with 65k miles that seemed really dogged out so I don't think it is a fair comparison.