Pulling the trigger on a Road King
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 41
Likes: 1
From: Maine
Pulling the trigger on a Road King
Hey there,
After lurking/searching the forums for various information, I am going to post a couple of questions specific to the Road King.
I'm new to Harleys, but not new to motorcycles. I've set my sites on a January purchase, and after trying bikes from the Dyna, Softail and Touring group, I've settled on a Road King.
Although a large and intimidating bike for someone coming from a 1997 Honda Magna, I think I could get used to it quick enough. Just the short time I spent on it, I could tell that it's very nimble.
The questions:
I test rode a Softail Deluxe, and loved the arm/hand position that it put me in. Very relaxed stance, with my arms mostly next to my side. Is that do-able with the stock RK bars? Would I have to swap them out for handlebars similar to the SD?
What is the style of handlebars called for both the SD and the RK?
Are there protectors that I can buy for the RK while I'm learning to ride such a large beastie? I plan on going to a huge empty parking lot in my area, and spending a lot of time doing maneuvers. My ego is healthy enough to be able to admit that I will most likely be laying this thing down... I just want to make sure I don't damage her when it happens.
Are there passenger backrests for the RK that are similar to the Electra Ultra Classic? Specifically, that has a trunk and armrest for the passenger? I want the wifey comfortable when the time comes that I'm confident enough to take her out with me.
And finally... I know this is going to make me sound like a damn sissy... but I prefer to drive my bikes well into the cold season... are there any good heating options available for the RK? I mean, outside of heated seats and grips.
Thank you all in advance!
Bill
After lurking/searching the forums for various information, I am going to post a couple of questions specific to the Road King.
I'm new to Harleys, but not new to motorcycles. I've set my sites on a January purchase, and after trying bikes from the Dyna, Softail and Touring group, I've settled on a Road King.
Although a large and intimidating bike for someone coming from a 1997 Honda Magna, I think I could get used to it quick enough. Just the short time I spent on it, I could tell that it's very nimble.
The questions:
I test rode a Softail Deluxe, and loved the arm/hand position that it put me in. Very relaxed stance, with my arms mostly next to my side. Is that do-able with the stock RK bars? Would I have to swap them out for handlebars similar to the SD?
What is the style of handlebars called for both the SD and the RK?
Are there protectors that I can buy for the RK while I'm learning to ride such a large beastie? I plan on going to a huge empty parking lot in my area, and spending a lot of time doing maneuvers. My ego is healthy enough to be able to admit that I will most likely be laying this thing down... I just want to make sure I don't damage her when it happens.
Are there passenger backrests for the RK that are similar to the Electra Ultra Classic? Specifically, that has a trunk and armrest for the passenger? I want the wifey comfortable when the time comes that I'm confident enough to take her out with me.
And finally... I know this is going to make me sound like a damn sissy... but I prefer to drive my bikes well into the cold season... are there any good heating options available for the RK? I mean, outside of heated seats and grips.
Thank you all in advance!
Bill
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 283
Likes: 22
From: Grand Prairie, TX
You will LOVE the Road King! As to the bars, if it's a new one I believe they now come standard with the "Heritage style" bars which is one mod quite a few people did with older models. Those bars can easily be adjusted to make the ride more comfortable.
The RK comes with engine guards and you can add bag guards which will keep the bags from hitting the ground in the unlikely event you drop it.
There are many different options for passenger comfort from padded sissy bars to tour pacs; it's all going to come down to what you want to pay.
Since you've already said you'll be riding with a passenger think about another seat to make it more comfortable for them. My personal choice was one from Mustang but there are quite a few to choose from.
There are a thousand ways to customize a Road King and make it yours and only yours. Good luck and don't forget to post a pic.
Ride Safe!
The RK comes with engine guards and you can add bag guards which will keep the bags from hitting the ground in the unlikely event you drop it.
There are many different options for passenger comfort from padded sissy bars to tour pacs; it's all going to come down to what you want to pay.
Since you've already said you'll be riding with a passenger think about another seat to make it more comfortable for them. My personal choice was one from Mustang but there are quite a few to choose from.
There are a thousand ways to customize a Road King and make it yours and only yours. Good luck and don't forget to post a pic.
Ride Safe!
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 424
Likes: 36
From: El Paso, TX
good choice on the Road King...love mine. What year RK are you purchasing? I have a 2015 and I find the stock bars to be comfortable for me. The bars were changed with the 2014 models to be more like the Heritage Softail, which are very comfortable.
I think you will do well after practicing on the RK. I went from not having ridden for many years to the RK and have not had any issues at all. For a heavy bike it is easily maneuverable but you are wise to practice low speed maneuvers.
You can buy either HD branded or aftermarket tour paks and backrests, which can be quick detach for days you want to run the stock RK but you will pay a pretty penny for them. After seeing a cousin's Ultra and his wife leaning back on the lazy boy in the back, my wife wants one too so I have looked into this as well and thus why I know it is $$.
On protecting the bike, there are many suggestions in the forum like wrapping the engine guards/saddle bag guards with old pieces of water hose. You can also remove the saddle bags themselves.
Good luck and congratulations! Post pics when you get it.
I think you will do well after practicing on the RK. I went from not having ridden for many years to the RK and have not had any issues at all. For a heavy bike it is easily maneuverable but you are wise to practice low speed maneuvers.
You can buy either HD branded or aftermarket tour paks and backrests, which can be quick detach for days you want to run the stock RK but you will pay a pretty penny for them. After seeing a cousin's Ultra and his wife leaning back on the lazy boy in the back, my wife wants one too so I have looked into this as well and thus why I know it is $$.
On protecting the bike, there are many suggestions in the forum like wrapping the engine guards/saddle bag guards with old pieces of water hose. You can also remove the saddle bags themselves.
Good luck and congratulations! Post pics when you get it.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 41
Likes: 1
From: Maine
It's most likely going to be a 2015... the reason I'm waiting until January, is that I want as much leverage for getting the best deal possible. There isn't much difference between that 15-16 models (other than color... which I prefer the color schemes of the '15 models better), so I see no reason to pay more for a '16.
As a matter of fact micmoren... is that the Mysterious Red Sunglo/Blackened Cayenne in your sig? The is one of the colors I'm seriously considering!
As a matter of fact micmoren... is that the Mysterious Red Sunglo/Blackened Cayenne in your sig? The is one of the colors I'm seriously considering!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,618
Likes: 5,144
From: Green Country
Looking forward to pictures of your new ride, sir. My RK is a '14, and the same MRS color you like, although it doesn't have the contrasting darker color. I believe engine and bag guards are standard. Most of those practicing use sections of water hose clamped to your guards; works well and is easily removed.
Removable options for passenger comfort and additional storage are plentiful; it's just how much you want to spend. The new bars are very comfortable, and they can be rolled forward or back to suit your specific needs. For me anyway, I would invest more in heated riding gear, and removable "chaps" for the front guards. Of course, you can order your RK with heated grips, etc., or have them put on before you roll it out the door. Good luck!
Removable options for passenger comfort and additional storage are plentiful; it's just how much you want to spend. The new bars are very comfortable, and they can be rolled forward or back to suit your specific needs. For me anyway, I would invest more in heated riding gear, and removable "chaps" for the front guards. Of course, you can order your RK with heated grips, etc., or have them put on before you roll it out the door. Good luck!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8,039
Likes: 1,305
From: Jayhawk Country
There may not be many 2015 bikes around in January but good luck and a great choice with the RK
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Banned
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 11,232
Likes: 16
From: Socialist Republic of the USA
The best time to buy a 15 is while they still have them and 16's arriving. One local dealer has been calling me saying that they still have a couple 15's and will sell MSRP out the door. Options are limitless on the Road King. Mine goes from stripped down solo to a fully (nearly) Ultra with a detachable Tour Pack and Memphis Shades fairing. Heated gear is the way to go IMO and I have everything Gerbings makes for a bike.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,832
Likes: 127
From: Coastal Carolina
You will love the Road King. As you say, it is very nimble.
The Road King comes with engine guards and bag guards, so most fragile stuff is protected in a lay down/drop. But if want to push the limits in parking lot practice what they suggest in Ride Like a Pro is to take an old garden hose the length of the crash bars, slit it lengthwise and put it over the crash bars and secure it with duct tape. You can also just take the bags off for your practice sessions.
Speaking of RLAP, I highly recommend the video for perfecting your low speed maneuvers (the only time that the weight of a Harley tourer comes into play). The handful of techniques they teach will have you whipping it around parking lots and pulling u-turns in no time.
Have fun with your RK!
The Road King comes with engine guards and bag guards, so most fragile stuff is protected in a lay down/drop. But if want to push the limits in parking lot practice what they suggest in Ride Like a Pro is to take an old garden hose the length of the crash bars, slit it lengthwise and put it over the crash bars and secure it with duct tape. You can also just take the bags off for your practice sessions.
Speaking of RLAP, I highly recommend the video for perfecting your low speed maneuvers (the only time that the weight of a Harley tourer comes into play). The handful of techniques they teach will have you whipping it around parking lots and pulling u-turns in no time.
Have fun with your RK!