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Awesome. Congratulations on your new bike. May I know why you traded in your brand spanking new 2021 goldwing DCT ? I was just looking at it yesterday and thought of test riding it.<snip>
The Goldwing is an astonishing motorcycle with the smoothest suspension of any bike I've ever ridden. The DCT is an engineering marvel and works perfectly, every time. The main issue I had was totally subjective: I just could not get comfortable on it. I tried an RDL seat, handlebar risers, a backrest, Wingsoft seat mod, and few other things all if which left me with the same basic problem: moderate to severe mid back pain, severe tailbone pain, and the RDL made ground reach more difficult. Fifteen minutes out of my house heading to Birmingham it all started. You might buy one and have none of these ergonomics issues, but it is also hot. The radiator exhaust is right there at your knees and there's really nothing you can do about it. That big fairing doesn't let much air in to cool you either.
Then there's the technology: Bluetooth, GPS, Radio, DCT shift paddles, FWD-REV mode switch, windshield up/down, volume, high beam, horn, voice-command, home button, return button. Man-o-man. All those functions on just the left cluster. I had lots of ongoing issues getting my Cardo Packtalk Bold to connect reliably. Carplay worked very well but without a touch screen, everything is done using a four-way cursor toggle (also on the left cluster). Left alone, it works great but is downright dangerous if you want to do anything with it. Then there's a "if the headset disconnect, Carplay dies" issue.
Over all the bike was very fiddly and I just got sick of playing speed tic-tac-toe on its gaming console.
The R-K on the other hand, isn't a tech-rich electric-like mongo scooter. It's just a motorcycle and that this stage of my life, that's all I want. I didn't realize how much I'd miss a clutch, and now that I have one, it's Nirvana.
The only improvements I'm looking for are a shield that doesn't cause turbulent flow. The OEM part sat right in my line of sight and at night reflected the instrument panel lighting making it a legit safety issue. There a lot of aftermarket ones out there and I'd be happy for any recommendations. So far Freedom Shields looks pretty good. I'd also like a handlebar that sat a couple of inches lower.
The R-K has the range I want and plenty of power for any situation. It's nimbler than the Wing (which really surprised me) and MUCH better at low speed handling like in parking lots. Motorman was right!
Love the Road King, enjoy! I have a Freedom Shield on my Ultra. Great quality and I got 10% off as a forum member. Very knowledgeable if you call them and let them know your requirements. They even let you try the shield and return it as long as you don't remove the protective wrap.
I bought a new (to me) 2022 H-D Road King! Only 716 miles and utterly spotless. This is my first-ever Harley and I traded my 10-month old 2021 Goldwing DCT Tour in to buy it. The team at Rider's Harley-Davidson were fantastic. I rode it home to Collierville, TN yesterday afternoon and I've been busily added a few items and modifying the shield to fit my height (or lack thereof...lol). I also adjusted the clutch lever position so the friction zone would be closer to the grip. It already needs it's first service.
I'll trade you a kentucky long rifle, two steel traps and a coon skin cap....EVEN.
Let me know
Truth is I've been considering a Gen-5 or Gen-6 Wing but based on your description of the reasons for trading I'm prolly gonna abandon that idea and keep on loving my 30k miles Road King Special.
Look at Freedom Shields, that's all I buy anymore, but if you have thoughts about a different seat wait until after that selection before choosing the shield. If you plan on sticking with the seat you have looks to me like a 16 inch recurve will suit you just fine.
As far as bars I really don't have any recommendation. Mine are 12" and I could stand 14" but it's not killing me by any stretch.
So, ride it a bit then check back in tell us what ya think...not saying its better or worse than a Goldwing but Id bet its definitely different ,different but puts a smile on your face... enjoy!
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