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Hi Guys
I would greatly appreciate your help as I am considering RK and RKS and I am torn apart and have few general questions.
1. I really like the look of RKS with AUX lights (or stock RK look) but I coudnt find aux light in catalog while I see some RKS have it. How to pull this upgrade?
2. Does RK or RKS really doesnt have USB port close to handlebars? How do you guys run this set up?
3. Each video I watch mention that rear suspension is trash. Is it that bad? I would hate to throw $1000 right after purchase to do this upgrade. I am 200lbs wife is 115lbs so we are not that much out of the norm so I wonder if this will be needed.
4. Is handlebar of RKS really bad and uncomfortable due to wrist position? Does RKS and RK have different handlebar profile (I know thickness is different)
5. Does a bit of extra size of RKS saddlebags (extended) really make a difference?
I currently ride 2019 Heritage 114 with Stage 2 and this bike really rocks so I am not sure what to do. I like classic look of RK but 107 is hard to swallow after having 114. If RK would have 114 I would probably go with RK but it doesnt so I wonder if it wouldn't be better option to go RK road and upgrade engine but again No ABS? Damn safety is important for me. Seat and passenger boards on RK are nice upgrade for wifey so here again RK advantage.
Lookwise RKS is a killer look (I would just need to figure out these aux light) power is here.
No matter which model I choose I feel suspension will have to be upgraded, most likely handlebar at minimum these are not cheap upgrades.
Any advice would be great as I am tempted to wait for 2023 in hope HD will get 114 engine in all bikes but who knows these days.
This is an older video, but the comparison was as accurate then as it is now. As far as the suspension, it's not great, but riding solo is less of an issue than two up. I have Ohlins and it's a deciding factor why I won't but another bike. I don't want that purchase again, but I'd make it. Bars too, but those are easy enough to do yourself.
First off, I do not ride either of your choices. BUT, if I was going to look at either one, personally, I would go for the RKS. You're starting with a good amount of power and a great platform. A lot riders opt for different bars, seats and pegs/boards to get their triangle to a comfortable position anyway. At least with the RKS your bar clamps are easy to get to and would make that swap a simple one.
I was looking this morning on how I could move or rewire the USB port on my Ultra Limited. I decided to say screw it. I'm just going to reroute it out of it's "cubby" and run my coiled cord up the front brake hose to my phone mount.
Good luck with your decision.
With the RK Standard you are getting a very good windshield, front and rear crash bars and passing lights. You get great chrome OTOH with the RKS you get the 114 engine and stretched bags and the "blacked out" theme look.
I went with the Standard. The crash bars are an absolute essential. The 107 engine with Stage 2 is a great engine.
It is a tough choice. I can see the attraction of the Special.
First off, I do not ride either of your choices. BUT, if I was going to look at either one, personally, I would go for the RKS. You're starting with a good amount of power and a great platform. A lot riders opt for different bars, seats and pegs/boards to get their triangle to a comfortable position anyway. At least with the RKS your bar clamps are easy to get to and would make that swap a simple one.
I was looking this morning on how I could move or rewire the USB port on my Ultra Limited. I decided to say screw it. I'm just going to reroute it out of it's "cubby" and run my coiled cord up the front brake hose to my phone mount.
Good luck with your decision.
Jes
Thanks with the difference in price I somehow feel I could way more out of RK motor as Fuel Moto would squeeze some nice power for $5K
I think you would be happier with the RKS after having a 114 on the Heritage. Some will say the difference is minimal, but knowing you've had a 114 and stepping down to something lesser won't cut right.
As far as the aux lights, it's the same as what is on the Ultra Limited. Someone can chime in but only thing you'll need are the bushings for the windshield, or if you decide to get a detachable batwing later.
The suspension is one of the first upgrades, besides the seat, bars, and pipes. It's subjective, but you'll have to decide after you've ridden the bike for a while. Some like the H-D suspension. Same thing on the bars.
As far as USB, you have an ACC plug behind the left side cover. I think the RKS has has two toggle switches behind the nacelle, one for the aux lights and the other the ACC for that plug. At least the RK standard has those. I have them on my '13 King, but the ACC plug is under the seat. It's a deutsch plug and I just run a USB power port from the plug to the bars to power my phone and GPS.
If you plan on changing the bars, do the seat first then the bars.
My bike is a tad more expensive than the RK or RKS, but I got a Standard, blacked out everything I wanted black, changed the seat and upgraded the suspension. I'm less in than I would have been to buy a Special. In the case of the RK or the RKS, the RK is a far better value. I don't like the stretched bags.
I was in the same spot last year, but I was considering the Glides & just took the advice from the salesman to take a RK for a test ride. After that ride it was all I wanted. After a lot of thought I picked the RK over the RKS. Besides the engine, the RK is better equipped for less $$ as Redlegvzv pointed out. The RK also has more rear suspension travel than the RKS right off the bat. The gearing is different between the Softails & Touring bikes too.
Unless you're chasing power, the 107 gets around fine. If you suddenly start thinking you need more, a cam will get you to 114 level power. My cousin is thinking about trading for a Glide right now. He was sure he "needed" the 114 until he took my RK for a ride. Now, he has a lot more options & he's considering the Glides in the 107 range too. Take the 107 for a test ride, you're likely to be surprised.
ABS come factory installed on the Specials. The RKS come with 12" shocks like the other Specials, so yes you can put on 13" shocks. Most 13" shocks have a 3" travel. I have Ohlins 12" shocks on my King and it has a 3" travel like most of the 13" shocks.
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Road King - please help me make right decision
