Building a Road King
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 428
Likes: 17
From: U S of A
I'll put a disclaimer and say I haven't rode an Evo Road King yet. Also I'll bias myself by saying I think the RK is the best bike Harley builds.
If I could build my perfect factory Road King, I would merge a Rushmore 103/6spd/ABS/cruise onto an '07 or '08 chassis. Paint/wheels as desired. I don't know why, but the '08 and down feels a lot lighter than the scales tell. The linked ABS brakes on the '14+ are absolutely phenomenal. Hydraulic clutch, despite the recalls, is super smooth.
I actually ponder this build often on my ride in to work.
If I could build my perfect factory Road King, I would merge a Rushmore 103/6spd/ABS/cruise onto an '07 or '08 chassis. Paint/wheels as desired. I don't know why, but the '08 and down feels a lot lighter than the scales tell. The linked ABS brakes on the '14+ are absolutely phenomenal. Hydraulic clutch, despite the recalls, is super smooth.
I actually ponder this build often on my ride in to work.
Tourer
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 442
Likes: 30
From: Florida
jayhawkclint - That sounds like a cool bike.
I have limited riding experience spread over a lot of years and almost no wrenching experience. So knowing what I want and even less the ability to build it is a reach. But it is fun to ponder nonetheless.
I have also developed the feeling that the Road King would be the bike I would like the most. I like the idea of the EVO engine as something that connects to the rugged clunky Harley past but with reliability. A simple old engine without complex technology that will chug away for years and years.
I don't know if this is mythology or reality, but it appeals to me. I am currently riding a 92 FLSTC. It is underpowered and drives like a pickup truck from the 50's. But I like it. I feel like the touring frame of the Road King with the EVO engine would provide a similar clunking old feel, but a bit more comfortable ride, handle a bit better - scrape the foot boards a bit less easily.
I could see myself on a late 90's RK very happily. But I could also see myself getting such a bike and putting a new S&S EVO engine in it. But I am curious about what that would do to the title.
I could see myself riding the 92 FLSTC for a while, learning to maintain it and work on it. Then picking up an old RK and trying to rebuild it into a personalized bike for me.
New engine, new electronics, upgraded brakes, maybe ABS, LED lights, but still the old clunky EVO feel.
Although another part of me feels like I would like a bit of crustiness on the bike.
I have limited riding experience spread over a lot of years and almost no wrenching experience. So knowing what I want and even less the ability to build it is a reach. But it is fun to ponder nonetheless.
I have also developed the feeling that the Road King would be the bike I would like the most. I like the idea of the EVO engine as something that connects to the rugged clunky Harley past but with reliability. A simple old engine without complex technology that will chug away for years and years.
I don't know if this is mythology or reality, but it appeals to me. I am currently riding a 92 FLSTC. It is underpowered and drives like a pickup truck from the 50's. But I like it. I feel like the touring frame of the Road King with the EVO engine would provide a similar clunking old feel, but a bit more comfortable ride, handle a bit better - scrape the foot boards a bit less easily.
I could see myself on a late 90's RK very happily. But I could also see myself getting such a bike and putting a new S&S EVO engine in it. But I am curious about what that would do to the title.
I could see myself riding the 92 FLSTC for a while, learning to maintain it and work on it. Then picking up an old RK and trying to rebuild it into a personalized bike for me.
New engine, new electronics, upgraded brakes, maybe ABS, LED lights, but still the old clunky EVO feel.
Although another part of me feels like I would like a bit of crustiness on the bike.
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