Thinking about a Road King
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 275
Likes: 64
From: So Cal
Thinking about a Road King
Hello, Been riding a 1200C Sportster for about a year and just love the bike but I'm thinking about getting a bigger bike for longer trips. I'm wondering about the size of the bike? I'm about 5 "5 and 140lbs. Is this a good fit? My second choice would be a Fat Boy.
Thanks
Thanks
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,066
Likes: 1,946
From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
Welcome to this side from NC.
First off, I'm an inch taller than you and I too went from a 1200C to a King. I still have the Sporty. You can lower the King and modify the seat to get you flat footed and comfortable, as I did. The King will be the more comfy ride on long runs. The Fat Boy now come with cruise and that comes in handy.
Both are good bikes, but I suggest renting each one for a day and putting them through your typical riding to get a comparison. The dealer can apply the rental price towards your purchase. IMO, the King would be the better bike, as it's more versatile than the Fat Boy.
First off, I'm an inch taller than you and I too went from a 1200C to a King. I still have the Sporty. You can lower the King and modify the seat to get you flat footed and comfortable, as I did. The King will be the more comfy ride on long runs. The Fat Boy now come with cruise and that comes in handy.
Both are good bikes, but I suggest renting each one for a day and putting them through your typical riding to get a comparison. The dealer can apply the rental price towards your purchase. IMO, the King would be the better bike, as it's more versatile than the Fat Boy.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 15,947
Likes: 7,042
From: Sandy Eggo's North County
Originally Posted by RKZen
....but I suggest renting each one for a day and putting them through your typical riding to get a comparison. The dealer can apply the rental price towards your purchase. IMO, the King would be the better bike, as it's more versatile than the Fat Boy.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,535
Likes: 780
From: Manitoba
I'm 60 years old about 5ft 9 a little over 200 lbs I switched in the fall from a sportster 1200XL to a new Road King. I love the King but do find I have to be extra careful in parking lots and shops and such.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,976
Likes: 49
From: Northern California
I see a lot of teeny tiny ladies riding Road Kings no problem. Make it fit you so you can flatfoot with a custom seat and you will be fine
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 307
From: Houston, Texas
New or used? If you can find a good used classic, they are a little shorter in the saddle. I'm 5'8" with a 30" inseam and have no problem. I love my RKC !!
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 2,412
From: USA
5'5" myself, with a ~28" inseam. I ride an 04 Road King classic with 13" shocks, heritage handlebars and a comfort stitch seat that might be an early reach type. It's a big bike. But manageable and a delight for long leisurely rides.
Installing a reverse gear, while not cheap, was arguably the best modification I made for short legged adventurous and carefree riding. Otherwise,the tedious care required to ensure backing ability was exhausting and greatly took away from relaxed and carefree riding.
I can also say that of the many bikes I have owned over my many years of riding, none have brought me the pleasure my Road King does. It is the one bike that I have no desire to replace. It is, for me, the bike.
Installing a reverse gear, while not cheap, was arguably the best modification I made for short legged adventurous and carefree riding. Otherwise,the tedious care required to ensure backing ability was exhausting and greatly took away from relaxed and carefree riding.
I can also say that of the many bikes I have owned over my many years of riding, none have brought me the pleasure my Road King does. It is the one bike that I have no desire to replace. It is, for me, the bike.
