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Two, three, four or 6 wheels, I wouldn't buy any used vehicle a cop drove daily for work
since you're not a rookie and have experience on two wheels, I'd suggest you go test ride several different model Harleys instead of asking strangers whether boxers or briefs
When I was looking at Harleys, I found that the road king was easier to get upright off the kickstand even though it weighs about the same as a road glide, which I had to work to get it upright.
As others have said, after you test ride the bikes you like, your favorite one will be easy to identify.
I would go for a Road King classic, which is what I have, or a Road King standard. Reason being the police model might have some parts on it that are not easily replaceable or in stock at most dealerships or aftermarket. But that's me.
Hello, I have spent years doing the adventure bike thing (lots of dirt and gravel roads) . Now that I'm in my 50's I'm ready to move on to 2 lane highway cruising. I've never owned a Harley, but I really like the looks of the Road King Police models. Does anyone have any guidance for me on whether or not the RKP would fit my needs well?
I've owned 3 touring Harleys. 1 was an Electra Glide and 2 were Road Kings. IMO, the Road King is the best riding bike HD builds. My Road Kings were an 09 Classic and an 03 base model, I never road a Police model, but they are almost identical unless you have the pogo seat on the police bike.
To clarify a couple things mentioned above about police Road Kings, recent models do have cruise control. They are just standard Road Kings with the 114 instead of a 107. They also come standard with RDRS and fan assisted oil cooler. The tour pak rack is the same as a pre-‘25 Ultra and Road Glide limted.
The speedo is on the handlebar clamp cover with a tach on the tank dash. They can be combined on the dash with a plug and play combo speedo/tach and remove the speedo from the handlebar clamp. Also the windshield is 2-3” taller than standard at 22” which will be too tall for a frame mounted seat.
Also has the smaller diameter 17” front and 16” rims and taller tires. Soaks up bad roads better.
Hello, I have spent years doing the adventure bike thing (lots of dirt and gravel roads) . Now that I'm in my 50's I'm ready to move on to 2 lane highway cruising. I've never owned a Harley, but I really like the looks of the Road King Police models. Does anyone have any guidance for me on whether or not the RKP would fit my needs well?
I have ridden softtails and the touring framed Harleys, which includes the RoadKings, ElectraGlides/StreetGlides, but not the RoadGlides.
I currently have a 2019 ElectraGlide Police. The police seat is wonderful for me. I routinely do 400-500 mile days. Other touring seats will fit the police models.
I frequently leave home and am gone for 3-4 days. I use my trunk and saddle bags. I added a King TourPak to my police bike. With out it I would usually have a bag strapped to my bike.
The touring frame has more ground clearance than the softtails do, so more lean angle means faster corner speeds.
If over 200 pounds for rider, gear, luggage, you'll probably want to upgrade suspension front and rear. Especially with a passenger. Buying the quality and proper suspension once will last with the bike.
I like the floorboards and heel/toe shifters. I have an extended foot brake pedal that works well with my size 14 shoes.
I am 6'7" and like the Madstad windshield system. I frequently do interstate speeds for hundreds of miles. Windshields are nice for inclement weather.
Seats and windshields are subjective. What is the best for one person is the worst for another.
Inspect the police model you purchase as some departments are not as good as others while decommissioning the bikes (removing all the police equipment).
If you do your own maintenance, then I'd suggest the complete OEM manual set. For my bike, between eBay and the dealer I have about $300 in manuals for my police bike. Service manual, Electronic service manual, parts manual and the police supplement. And the owners manual is helpful.
Daytona Harley has a selection of off lease police bikes a few times a year. I bought mine before they got bought out. But if the salesman named Irb is still there, I'd recommend him.
Welcome from Central NY! All very good advice from everyone. Myself, I went from a softail to a Road Glide special a few years back but when I started my search, I honestly didn't know which touring bike I would end up with.
Try them all if you can!
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