Riding a road king when used to a sportster?
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 415
Likes: 2
From: southampton,uk
Riding a road king when used to a sportster?
Ive just managed to secure a rental a bike when I come out to bikeweek next year 
I ride a sportster iron but wanted something bigger as the missus will be going on the back so ive gone for a road king. I wanted a softail heritage as I hired one of these when in vegas last year and was perfect but they had already been taken. So just wondering whats a road king going to be like being that much bigger? I don't plan on doing loads of miles as mainly want to ride "the loop" and around main street. My local dealer literally have no demo bikes and they aren't very keen on test rides unless they think you are going to buy so don't think I can get a chance to ride one until the day.
cheers
I ride a sportster iron but wanted something bigger as the missus will be going on the back so ive gone for a road king. I wanted a softail heritage as I hired one of these when in vegas last year and was perfect but they had already been taken. So just wondering whats a road king going to be like being that much bigger? I don't plan on doing loads of miles as mainly want to ride "the loop" and around main street. My local dealer literally have no demo bikes and they aren't very keen on test rides unless they think you are going to buy so don't think I can get a chance to ride one until the day.
cheers
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,066
Likes: 1
From: West by God Texas
One word about sums it up: Heavy. They all ride the same at speed. But with the big bikes tight turns at slow speed will be a good way to dump the bike and unless you are the hulk you will not stop it from tipping over. Just take your time and it will be fine.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,555
Likes: 119
From: Brockport, NY
Don't let the size of the bike rule you and your state of mind. Once on the RK, Please take the time to get acquainted one-on-one in the parking lot before you go on the main road. Get the feel of the seat, clutch, clutch pedal, the handlebars and the mirrors before you go.
Betcha you'll never go back to Sporty once you go BIG. Don't ask me how I know.
Have fun and RK rules,
Thorey
Betcha you'll never go back to Sporty once you go BIG. Don't ask me how I know.
Have fun and RK rules,
Thorey
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,682
Likes: 9,162
From: Snow Hill, NC
Don't let the size of the bike rule you and your state of mind. Once on the RK, Please take the time to get acquainted one-on-one in the parking lot before you go on the main road. Get the feel of the seat, clutch, clutch pedal, the handlebars and the mirrors before you go.
Betcha you'll never go back to Sporty once you go BIG. Don't ask me how I know.
Have fun and RK rules,
Thorey
Betcha you'll never go back to Sporty once you go BIG. Don't ask me how I know.
Have fun and RK rules,
Thorey
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 647
Likes: 0
From: Missousri
Dito to the slow speeds on that bigger bike. Take your time. You'll get used to the balance. It will definitely feel different. Better for longer rides. I think they are way more comfortable. Feels like they drive themselves on the long haul.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,877
Likes: 2
From: Hallsville, Tx.
Went to a Road King from a Sporty. The main difference, as stated, is the weight. Moving it around, parking, and slow speed maneuvering. I used to get on my Sporty after I raised the stand. Don't try that with an RK, you don't need to ask me how I know! I just hope you can flat foot it at stops.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 2,059
Likes: 4
From: Florida
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 7,855
Likes: 11
From: Oroville,Washington.
'Well,you've been on a softail,which is a slug compared to the "King". The King handles like it's name,much more responsive and smooth than any softie. I get on my girl's Sporty,and it's like throwing a bicycle around by comparison,but don't sweat the big Harley,it's solid,and easy to maneuver at low speeds,just keep the momentum up. Poor bastard,you're gonna' want one when you're done.
Last edited by Twistnride; Nov 4, 2014 at 07:34 AM.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,177
Likes: 62
From: Michigan
Ive just managed to secure a rental a bike when I come out to bikeweek next year
I ride a sportster iron but wanted something bigger as the missus will be going on the back so ive gone for a road king. I wanted a softail heritage as I hired one of these when in vegas last year and was perfect but they had already been taken. So just wondering whats a road king going to be like being that much bigger? I don't plan on doing loads of miles as mainly want to ride "the loop" and around main street. My local dealer literally have no demo bikes and they aren't very keen on test rides unless they think you are going to buy so don't think I can get a chance to ride one until the day.
cheers
I ride a sportster iron but wanted something bigger as the missus will be going on the back so ive gone for a road king. I wanted a softail heritage as I hired one of these when in vegas last year and was perfect but they had already been taken. So just wondering whats a road king going to be like being that much bigger? I don't plan on doing loads of miles as mainly want to ride "the loop" and around main street. My local dealer literally have no demo bikes and they aren't very keen on test rides unless they think you are going to buy so don't think I can get a chance to ride one until the day.
cheers
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 717
Likes: 15
From: San Dimas
The road king will be significantly more difficult to handle at slow speed than either the sportster or a softail. The softail are much easier to manage because they have a low center of gravity. The road king like any tourer will take a little getting use to but once you do it will become much easier for you to handle. The road king is also the easiest tourer to handle.
