How long does it take?
Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 769
Likes: 375
From: Bay Area
Before my Road King I'd only ridden FXRs and Sportys, so even a bigger difference than a Softail...
I test rode a few touring bikes before I bought my Classic in Los Angeles and rode it home 400+ miles to SF. It didn't take long to get comfortable with the size of the RK. Like everyone else says, you get used to it pretty quick. I rode my brother's FXR last week, and it felt like a toy compared to my bike.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 173
Likes: 10
From: Chattanooga,TN
To me it's all about speed. In parking lots and under 10mph it takes some getting used to. My body type closely matches yours.....5'10" 200lbs, 30" inseam. I sent my seat to mean city for a seat mod based on my body type. Made all the difference in the world. You want to be flat footed at a stop, I was NOT on my 12' FLHTCU. The mean city mod made a huge difference. It's affordable, and you'll have it back in a week, week and a half. You fill out their form of your measurements, and call and tell them what you're looking for. Hooked me right up first try. Don't be scared of a heavy bagger, you'll adjust FASTER than you think!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 9,384
Likes: 1,776
From: Central Texas
I went from a Dyna to a Road King and it took me a long long time, then one day I forgot how light the Dyna was or how heavy the Road King is, so just keep on riding, and forget about the weight.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
i think that model would be new to all of us ;D
stop thinking about it. that's what is holding you back. the more you think about it, the more it will continue to affect you. just ride it, and before you know it, it will feel like an extension of yourself.
stop thinking about it. that's what is holding you back. the more you think about it, the more it will continue to affect you. just ride it, and before you know it, it will feel like an extension of yourself.
What I do to take my Street Glide Special off the jiffy is to straddle the bike, turn the wheel straight ahead, and then push with the inside of my left thigh. Comes up slick as a whistle and completely under control.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 7,860
Likes: 4,420
From: Texas
Same here. Seems like I use my legs more than my arms.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1,531
Likes: 439
From: Texas
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 434
Likes: 14
From: Port Orange, Florida
Weight
I went from a 2003 Duece to a 2007 Streetglide to a 2010 Street Bob to a 2012 Ultra Limited. Back and forth a few times. It always takes some time to adjust. This Ultra though seems to be the heaviest of them all, even with the tour pak removed. I'm 5'08" with a 30" inseam. I can lift it okay, but coming from the Street Bob it sure feels heavy almost all the time. Dirt parking lots with my wife on the back are a lot of fun.
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