Well, after much deliberation and a weekend rental, I have decided to buy a 2008 Road King Classic when I get back from Afghanistan. I just got back from my mid-tour trip home (Whoopie! Five months to go!) and my wife suggested we rent a Harley for our one "getaway" weekend. (This was to be only the third since we became parents seven years ago - the grandparents are shirking their duties...) We have been planning to get a bike since I got orders to deploy and we wanted a chance to "try it out" as a couple before taking the plunge on a twenty-thousand dollar motorcycle. I had some concerns: I had ridden/owned bikes before. My last was an '82 Honda CB750 that I thrashed around Washington State on a few years ago. While it wasn't exactly a small bike, it was no heavy-weight cruiser. I was alittle concerned about whether or not I would scare the S out of myself on interstate highway. Secondly, I wanted to make sure that motorcycling as a couple was going to work out. My wife can be fickle when it comes to "togetherness" activities. She comes by it honestly - her mother was notorious for shunning the campers and boats her father would bring home in an effort to get her out of the house. I wanted to make sure she wouldn't complain about her hair, spend the whole ride with white knuckles, or decide that this was "your thing" and feel excluded. I considered it a very positive thing that renting the bike was her suggestion. Although I did have "bikes on the brain" when I got home, I didn't think that it was fair for me to broadcast that factto her and the kids during the brief two weeks they would have me during leave. I had resolved to not make a peep about it, (Except to go to a '08 model demo event on "my day") so it was a great relief to have her ask "Have you thought about renting a bike for our weekend?"
"No, but that sounds likefun." I lied.
I called Blue Springs Harley in Kansas City, the evening before we were to go on the trip. I thought for sure that I would get laughed at. As it turned out, all they had left were a Road King Classic and a Road Glide. Now, I had pretty much ruled out a bagger at this point. I had firmly decided that I was too young (37) for a "geezer glide" and had put an order in for a Softail Custom. I was disappointed that there were no softails available (It looked like a Heritage Softail might come open, but I considered it another bagger.) but I was determined not to miss this rare opportunity so I opted for the Road King. I liked its looks - for a bagger - and had had some friends and neighbors endorse it as "The one you will want". After a few "familiarization" laps of the road by the dealership, I decided to take to the highway. First, I was astonished at the difference between it and my last bike. The Honda had felt squirrely and unstable at high speed. The 'King was utterly smooth and I was going seventy before I was even aware it. This may be a "duh" moment of recognition for you road warriors, but it was a revelation for me. The ride home to Leavenworth, Kansas was a sheer joy! It was a cool afternoon after a thunderstorm. Highway 70 had been scrubbed clean by the rain and a gorgeous sunset was shaping up over the Missouri river. The bike had all the touring "essentials": Windscreen, backrest and luggage rack. I was VERY happy to have the windscreen, even if it did end right in my line of sight. (Might try a shorter one when I get mine.) As a six foot-four rider, I was concerned that the floorboard set up might make me feel cramped, but I actually really liked the control it gave me. I found the ergos to be just about perfect, although I think a beach bar might be in my future as my long arms could have used alittle more room to spread out.
The second revelation came at home. I parked the bike in my driveway and cracked a cold Sam Adams. In black it looked gorgeous: God's own Harley Davidson. My neighbors - all m

 

You'll Love It.... CONGRATS
Now Hurry Back Home Safe & Sound...
Thank YOU for your service!

 

Man, I am so glad to hear a GREAT story. Now, make it back home safe and get your scoot to make the story perfect. I second the thanks for your service.

 

Great description of your weekend and of your decision on gettinga Road King. You are sure to have alot of fun when you return home and pick up your new bike. It's great that your wife is encouraging your to pursue the sport of motorcycling...nothing beats it. Thank you for your service to our great country.

 

Great story. Thanks for your service. You made the right choice, a Road king is made for 2up scootin'.You passed my house on I-70 just past independence center on the way Blue Springs H.D.
Staysafe.


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Good for you. I know, both, you and the wife will love the new bike. Everytime my wife and I go out for a ride, it is as great as the first ride. Stay safe, keep your soldiers safe, and I hope you all return safely to the families and friends, that miss you. [sm=americanasmiley.gif]

 

Great read! Come home safe bro!! Congrats on seeing the light. I think you are number 4 (that I've noticed) this month. Baggers Rule!!

 

You need tp start writing for some of the rags, you do a better job than their writers. You stay safe and come home whole. Thanks for your service to our country.
All that said, I have an '07 black Road King Classic with 4300 miles in 4.5 months, all pleasure riding (what else is there?)
I'm 6'2" and had to cut 2" from the top of the windshield and it got it out of my line of sight and has worked out great. Put some highway pegs on the crash bar and consider the forward footboards and controls down the road. And yes the handlebars could reach back to you a little more, but all that in time.
Go ahead and plan on a new air cleaner, race tuner, and pipes as soon as the budget allows. The RK has a lot of power but as you become used to it and especially riding 2 up, you'll want more low end torque. (mine gets it's new goodies this coming Tuesday)
Congrats on the connection you and the wife have, it's an elusive thing.

 

That's a great story - thanks.

Ihave an '07replica of "God's own Harley Davidson" in Black (happens to be an FLHR) and couldn't be happier with a scoot. I use mine as a "transition" type machine and decide whether or not to detach the windshield and/or pillion/sissy-bar based upon mood and mission for that day (around town here at "the beach" or maybe on a country road versus mile burning down the super-slab -company with my wife along for some fun too or solo, justletting my soul catch up with my body). For us, The King in either FLHR or FLHRC type is a perfect choice that providesan"all-purpose" heavy-weight that can do damn near anything and do itall very well too.

CongratsIronHorse66 and a big thanks for your service,
Steve

 

Congrats on your choice. I know it can drive ya nuts in the decision process. You do a great job of communicating what feels so right not only as a brother on 2 wheels, or the beauty of a solid loving relationship, but as a man in this world today. I swear you made me a touch misty there! <grin>

From a guy with a son in service and a family of old naval aviators...thank you for being there.

SG