Touring bike help
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 708
Likes: 15
Touring bike help
Hi guys.
I currently own a 2010 Fat Boy and am very seriously looking at moving into a touring bike.
Street Glides are everywhere and I hate to be lost in a sea of indistinct- all my money will be going into the stock bike, no money for customizing for a while.
I'm also looking at the Road King and my only experience on one is 5 years ago on a rental that was running lousy.
On the bike vs in the bike seating feel is important to me, and I like the idea of stripping down- I have a windshield but never use it, and my H-D quick release leather saddlebags are gathering dust in my basement.
I like the hard bags, just wish they dropped lower off the showroom floor.
The only extras I think I will be buying are an exhaust and an air filter.
You're thoughts ?
I currently own a 2010 Fat Boy and am very seriously looking at moving into a touring bike.
Street Glides are everywhere and I hate to be lost in a sea of indistinct- all my money will be going into the stock bike, no money for customizing for a while.
I'm also looking at the Road King and my only experience on one is 5 years ago on a rental that was running lousy.
On the bike vs in the bike seating feel is important to me, and I like the idea of stripping down- I have a windshield but never use it, and my H-D quick release leather saddlebags are gathering dust in my basement.
I like the hard bags, just wish they dropped lower off the showroom floor.
The only extras I think I will be buying are an exhaust and an air filter.
You're thoughts ?
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 320
Likes: 21
From: Central Iowa
Sounds like a road king is the perfect fit for you. Hard bags, removable w/s, touring frame. Tons of stretched bag kits out there to do some day if thats what you mean by "lower." Rent one for a weekend.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 440
Likes: 13
I had an '04 Fat Boy which I enjoyed very much. I now have a '14 Road King, and I am very happy with the bike. I think of the RK as a fat, Fat Boy. I bought it for the versatility...and the 103, touring frame and 6-speed. I'm even thinking of setting it up to go 'bagless' (no bags or rear crash bars) for the everyday, local riding. About 20-30 minutes of simple wrenching and you can install the bags, rear crash bars, and windshield for long trips if needed. Hence the RK is very versatile. No dis to the other Touring models...they're all great...just different flavors of the same frame/platform.
There are aftermarket saddles that can set you 'into' the bike more so, if you wish. I'm 6'0" with long legs. I bought the LePera Maverick "Daddy Long Legs" saddle which moved me back 2" and down 1" from stock seat position. I pulled the stock bars back a bit and it's perfect...very comfortable on long trips. The 'standard' Maverick saddle will drop you down 1" without moving you forward or back, if you prefer that position. I'm not promoting LePera, just making the point that a saddle change on these bikes can make a big difference.
If you like a leaner bike with the option to add detachable accessories for touring, the RK is hard to beat. Same ride as the other touring models without the extra weight.
Ride 'em all...good luck deciding.
There are aftermarket saddles that can set you 'into' the bike more so, if you wish. I'm 6'0" with long legs. I bought the LePera Maverick "Daddy Long Legs" saddle which moved me back 2" and down 1" from stock seat position. I pulled the stock bars back a bit and it's perfect...very comfortable on long trips. The 'standard' Maverick saddle will drop you down 1" without moving you forward or back, if you prefer that position. I'm not promoting LePera, just making the point that a saddle change on these bikes can make a big difference.
If you like a leaner bike with the option to add detachable accessories for touring, the RK is hard to beat. Same ride as the other touring models without the extra weight.
Ride 'em all...good luck deciding.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,084
Likes: 1,959
From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
Sounds like you're talking yourself into a King. I chose it for versatility as well. Makes a real nice cruiser w/o the shield or a great tourer with a tourpak and lower fairings for me. As mentioned, you can get stretched bags if you like that, or a detachable fairing to look like an SG. Lots of choices.
The touring bikes have a different frame than the Softails, so you do sit more on the bike. You'll also notice a bit more shake from the motor than your Fat Boy. Suggest renting one, and most all dealers will apply the rental to the purchase.
The touring bikes have a different frame than the Softails, so you do sit more on the bike. You'll also notice a bit more shake from the motor than your Fat Boy. Suggest renting one, and most all dealers will apply the rental to the purchase.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 440
Likes: 13
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
I have 2 kings so I am biased. The newer HO 103's run very well. Nice thing is with the king is they are largely unaffected by the issues the other touring models have like the hydraulic clutch.
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Don't discount the Dyna Switchback, it's fast ,light, and versatile like a Road King.
The windshield and Bags are removable that leaves a clean cruiser look when naked.
As the old saying goes, "Road King equals King Of The Road." What ever you get ride
it stock for a few Thousand Miles, and you will know what needs to be changed.
The windshield and Bags are removable that leaves a clean cruiser look when naked.
As the old saying goes, "Road King equals King Of The Road." What ever you get ride
it stock for a few Thousand Miles, and you will know what needs to be changed.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 6,154
Likes: 2,562
From: CT/FL
another vote for road king - I actually enjoy the 'sitting on' feel - it fits the nostalgic look of the bike. If you look at pictures of Harleys in the past the rider did sit upright on the bike, proper posture is easier on your back in the long run.