Dyna to Road King
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Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 939
Likes: 22
Dyna to Road King
Has anyone converted from a dyna to a road king? If so, what was your initial, pros and cons?
I have been without a bike since late 2013 and I am doing my research, hoping to purchase early next year. My last 2 bikes were an '09 Street Glide, which I traded in for an '09 Dyna Lowrider.
I am 47 years old and have partially torn rotator cuffs in both my left and right shoulders from playing hockey and a separated (healed) right shoulder from a previous motorcycle accident. Because of this, I found my Street Glide to be a bit top heavy. Additionally I feel like I was always riding on top of the bike and could not get the bike to sit low enough for my 5' 7" frame. I tried different shocks and seats, but always felt like it was a bit of a struggle to manuever.
I loved my lowrider, but one draw back was the lack of storage.
I'm thinking the Road King Special might be a good compromise between the 2 bikes, the stripped down front end with a larger diameter front wheel plus the hard bags for storage.
Thoughts?
Thanks.
I have been without a bike since late 2013 and I am doing my research, hoping to purchase early next year. My last 2 bikes were an '09 Street Glide, which I traded in for an '09 Dyna Lowrider.
I am 47 years old and have partially torn rotator cuffs in both my left and right shoulders from playing hockey and a separated (healed) right shoulder from a previous motorcycle accident. Because of this, I found my Street Glide to be a bit top heavy. Additionally I feel like I was always riding on top of the bike and could not get the bike to sit low enough for my 5' 7" frame. I tried different shocks and seats, but always felt like it was a bit of a struggle to manuever.
I loved my lowrider, but one draw back was the lack of storage.
I'm thinking the Road King Special might be a good compromise between the 2 bikes, the stripped down front end with a larger diameter front wheel plus the hard bags for storage.
Thoughts?
Thanks.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,122
Likes: 51,434
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
Buy the regular RK you won't regret it and just pull the windshield for the bare bones look. Saddlebags get good to you real quick. Found I like the fat tire on the RK also makes that bigger bike feel solidly connected to the road even pushing the lean angle limits.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 17,008
Likes: 14,675
From: in a cave at the foothills
I have more messed up body parts than I care to admit to include both shoulders, both hands, bad back and much more. My lightweight bike is the Road King. My main rider as of late is the 17 RGS. I have learned to live with the pain until it takes me out completely.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 166
Likes: 24
From: Washington
I have owned both (RK currently, Dyna in the past). I think the Road King is easy enough to handle in comparison, and you will really appreciate the added comfort. I would say go for a test ride on a Road King and you will probably fall in love!
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 209
Likes: 48
From: Indiana
I traded my Fat Bob for a 17 Road King a few months ago. You are correct that it is a little more top heavy. I only notice it when my feet are down. Once rolling it feels very well balanced to me. I'm 5'8" with a 30" inseam and I wish it was a little lower. I love the ride and the bike and have no desire to go back.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 592
Likes: 46
From: Connecticut
07 Superglide to 14 Road King. The FXD had forward controls. More leg room than stock RK.
I can't help you much, as I'm 6' 3" bike still felt small, even with the stock police seat, until I relocated the footboards and put on some apes.
Its still a great bike. I switched for the same reasons mostly as you. Don't want a fairing bike, but love the bags.
RK still carries its weight low, if you work out the seat height, and are comfortable stopped, you will have no problems with the RK.
I can't help you much, as I'm 6' 3" bike still felt small, even with the stock police seat, until I relocated the footboards and put on some apes.
Its still a great bike. I switched for the same reasons mostly as you. Don't want a fairing bike, but love the bags.
RK still carries its weight low, if you work out the seat height, and are comfortable stopped, you will have no problems with the RK.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,926
Likes: 185
From: Utah
I went from an '05 Super Glide to an '09 Road King when I started doing a lot more touring than I originally expected. I think I may have missed something about my Dyna for a little bit, but nothing I care about now.
It might have been the Big Radius exhaust. Looked and sounded sweet. Still love the looks (on a Dyna) but now I'm looking for the quietest exhaust I can find that performs well. I LOVE the Road King.
It might have been the Big Radius exhaust. Looked and sounded sweet. Still love the looks (on a Dyna) but now I'm looking for the quietest exhaust I can find that performs well. I LOVE the Road King.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 25
Likes: 1
From:
Switched from FXDWG to FLHR in 2012 and never looked back. Lighter bike handled a little better in town but on highway FL is the way to go.
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Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 939
Likes: 22
Thank you all for your responses. I will be taking a road king & road king special out for a test ride later this week. Most likely I will need to replace the stock seat with one that sits lower & replace the stock shocks.