From a Road King to ??
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 2,198
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From: The boonies of northern New England
Well, that's what I'm trying to figure out. People that say they have no buffeting on the Road King seem to have a set up similar to what I currently have -- yet I still have buffeting. Maybe this bike just doesn't work for me? I don't know what kind of windshield I would need to try next...if the 24 inch (with a recurve!!) high and 1.5 inches wider per side ClearShield isn't working, what's the next step up? Or did I go TOO BIG? I already have the fangs and they helped a lot. Maybe I shouldn't have gotten the recurve on such a large windshield? Would a non recurve windshield produce less turbulence at the top of the air bubble going over my head? I did verify that is where the turbulence seems to be coming from. It's not from the sides or below the gas tank. Maybe I'm just too damn tall and I need to get a seat that drops me down an inch and see if that helps...I don't know...
Look, I come from sport bikes, so I'm used to WIND. Wind is one thing, but this crazy vision-vibrating buffeting is quite another. I've been 143 mph before (in Mexico, of course) and didn't have anywhere near the issues I have on my RK at 80 mph!
And, if I'm being honest, I feel like the TC103 could use a little more passing power on the highway at 70. Maybe my HUGE windshield is holding it back! Either way, a Road Glide Special with the 114 would probably be all the power I'd ever need, and if not, I could go to Stage 2 or something. I'm trying to think long term and have a bike that can do long road trips with passing power to spare, but still be great for commuting to work every day. Whatever I get, I'd plan to do full suspension -- and that's kind of why I don't want to put any more money into this RK if I'm not going to keep it for the long haul.
So here's my plan: I've decided to keep the RK until Christmas. The economy is getting worse, which means slower bike sales and lower prices on bikes across the board. I'll have a Christmas bonus from work (hopefully, lol!) and prices should be lower on new and used bikes. There will also probably be a lot of bikes for sale as people encounter financial hardships and let their bikes go, which means more choices. We'll just see what happens. Until then, I might try putting the stock windshield back on this RK. I didn't have the fangs when I had the stock windshield on the bike, so I'm curious if THAT combo is any better...
Look, I come from sport bikes, so I'm used to WIND. Wind is one thing, but this crazy vision-vibrating buffeting is quite another. I've been 143 mph before (in Mexico, of course) and didn't have anywhere near the issues I have on my RK at 80 mph!
And, if I'm being honest, I feel like the TC103 could use a little more passing power on the highway at 70. Maybe my HUGE windshield is holding it back! Either way, a Road Glide Special with the 114 would probably be all the power I'd ever need, and if not, I could go to Stage 2 or something. I'm trying to think long term and have a bike that can do long road trips with passing power to spare, but still be great for commuting to work every day. Whatever I get, I'd plan to do full suspension -- and that's kind of why I don't want to put any more money into this RK if I'm not going to keep it for the long haul.
So here's my plan: I've decided to keep the RK until Christmas. The economy is getting worse, which means slower bike sales and lower prices on bikes across the board. I'll have a Christmas bonus from work (hopefully, lol!) and prices should be lower on new and used bikes. There will also probably be a lot of bikes for sale as people encounter financial hardships and let their bikes go, which means more choices. We'll just see what happens. Until then, I might try putting the stock windshield back on this RK. I didn't have the fangs when I had the stock windshield on the bike, so I'm curious if THAT combo is any better...
By the way, if I was in the market for a second bike, I would be willing to negotiate a deal for your ZX-14.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,686
Likes: 4,294
From: Northeast, NJ
Well, that's what I'm trying to figure out. People that say they have no buffeting on the Road King seem to have a set up similar to what I currently have -- yet I still have buffeting. Maybe this bike just doesn't work for me? I don't know what kind of windshield I would need to try next...if the 24 inch (with a recurve!!) high and 1.5 inches wider per side ClearShield isn't working, what's the next step up? Or did I go TOO BIG? I already have the fangs and they helped a lot. Maybe I shouldn't have gotten the recurve on such a large windshield? Would a non recurve windshield produce less turbulence at the top of the air bubble going over my head? I did verify that is where the turbulence seems to be coming from. It's not from the sides or below the gas tank. Maybe I'm just too damn tall and I need to get a seat that drops me down an inch and see if that helps...I don't know...
Look, I come from sport bikes, so I'm used to WIND. Wind is one thing, but this crazy vision-vibrating buffeting is quite another. I've been 143 mph before (in Mexico, of course) and didn't have anywhere near the issues I have on my RK at 80 mph!
And, if I'm being honest, I feel like the TC103 could use a little more passing power on the highway at 70. Maybe my HUGE windshield is holding it back! Either way, a Road Glide Special with the 114 would probably be all the power I'd ever need, and if not, I could go to Stage 2 or something. I'm trying to think long term and have a bike that can do long road trips with passing power to spare, but still be great for commuting to work every day. Whatever I get, I'd plan to do full suspension -- and that's kind of why I don't want to put any more money into this RK if I'm not going to keep it for the long haul.
So here's my plan: I've decided to keep the RK until Christmas. The economy is getting worse, which means slower bike sales and lower prices on bikes across the board. I'll have a Christmas bonus from work (hopefully, lol!) and prices should be lower on new and used bikes. There will also probably be a lot of bikes for sale as people encounter financial hardships and let their bikes go, which means more choices. We'll just see what happens. Until then, I might try putting the stock windshield back on this RK. I didn't have the fangs when I had the stock windshield on the bike, so I'm curious if THAT combo is any better...
Look, I come from sport bikes, so I'm used to WIND. Wind is one thing, but this crazy vision-vibrating buffeting is quite another. I've been 143 mph before (in Mexico, of course) and didn't have anywhere near the issues I have on my RK at 80 mph!
And, if I'm being honest, I feel like the TC103 could use a little more passing power on the highway at 70. Maybe my HUGE windshield is holding it back! Either way, a Road Glide Special with the 114 would probably be all the power I'd ever need, and if not, I could go to Stage 2 or something. I'm trying to think long term and have a bike that can do long road trips with passing power to spare, but still be great for commuting to work every day. Whatever I get, I'd plan to do full suspension -- and that's kind of why I don't want to put any more money into this RK if I'm not going to keep it for the long haul.
So here's my plan: I've decided to keep the RK until Christmas. The economy is getting worse, which means slower bike sales and lower prices on bikes across the board. I'll have a Christmas bonus from work (hopefully, lol!) and prices should be lower on new and used bikes. There will also probably be a lot of bikes for sale as people encounter financial hardships and let their bikes go, which means more choices. We'll just see what happens. Until then, I might try putting the stock windshield back on this RK. I didn't have the fangs when I had the stock windshield on the bike, so I'm curious if THAT combo is any better...
Curious, are you looking through the windshield or slightly over it? IIRC, LRS and FS both mention having the top of the windshield kinda lining up with your mouth/just under your nose?
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Joined: May 2023
Posts: 79
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From: Dallas, TX
FWIW, I have the stock 18 inch Harley windshield for my RKS, and combined with the fangs, works for me. Like you said, maybe your current windshield is too tall? Trying the stock windshield with the fangs is a good idea, since you haven't tried that combo yet. If that doesn't work, maybe your plan to eventually get a RGS would be the way to go. I think you are spot on to wait until the end of the year or early next year to buy a bike, I also believe the economy will continue to sour, and bike prices should go lower, along with more variety of inventory of both new and used bikes. There will be a whole lot of like new garage queens out there for sale.
By the way, if I was in the market for a second bike, I would be willing to negotiate a deal for your ZX-14.
By the way, if I was in the market for a second bike, I would be willing to negotiate a deal for your ZX-14.
The only downside to waiting to buy a Road Glide is whatever bike I sell or trade in will bring less money for all the same reasons...it'll be a buyer's market. I'll probably get fleeced on either bike I sell. If I were smart and could make up my damn mind, I'd sell NOW and hold my cash until Christmas. I think the ZX-14 will eventually start going up in value, especially if I keep the miles low, but not sure I'll keep it long enough to see that happen. Kawasaki has already discontinued making the ZX-14 for certain markets, and hypersports with large frames are going extinct. And my current Road King would be all the bike I'd ever need if I didn't plan to get on the highway very often. It's a blast commuting to work on it everyday.
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Joined: May 2023
Posts: 79
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From: Dallas, TX
Looking through it. When I had the stock one on the bike, I did the "duck down until you can't feel anything anymore" posture and concluded I'd really need to look through it, not over it, to achieve that calm "bubble" I was looking for on the highway. But that little experiment can only tell you so much, and there's a good chance I got it wrong (clearly).
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Joined: May 2023
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From: Dallas, TX
A little update on this issue:
Thursday night, I switched back to the stock RK windshield and went on a 30 min ride on the highway. Then I came home, switched to the custom 24 inch windshield and rode another 30 mins on the highway to compare them back to back. The 24 inch one was definitely better...and it seemed different somehow, like there wasn't as much buffeting as I recall.
So the wife and I took our trip down to Waco on Friday. I still get a little buffeting, but it was honestly nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be. We did the whole two hour ride with no issues. Same on the ride back Saturday. I am hooked on road trips now and am already planning another long ride somewhere. I don't know if I put the windshield back together differently and it now has less buffeting because of that or what, but it was very enjoyable and I love my Road King on the highway. Cruise control is awesome too.
The only thing the RK needs is a better suspension and possibly better seat for longer rides. But the stock seat is fine for a 2 hour ride currently.
Do I still want a Road Glide? Well, yes...that 114 motor and built in GPS would be REAL nice...LOL. We'll see...
Thursday night, I switched back to the stock RK windshield and went on a 30 min ride on the highway. Then I came home, switched to the custom 24 inch windshield and rode another 30 mins on the highway to compare them back to back. The 24 inch one was definitely better...and it seemed different somehow, like there wasn't as much buffeting as I recall.
So the wife and I took our trip down to Waco on Friday. I still get a little buffeting, but it was honestly nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be. We did the whole two hour ride with no issues. Same on the ride back Saturday. I am hooked on road trips now and am already planning another long ride somewhere. I don't know if I put the windshield back together differently and it now has less buffeting because of that or what, but it was very enjoyable and I love my Road King on the highway. Cruise control is awesome too.
The only thing the RK needs is a better suspension and possibly better seat for longer rides. But the stock seat is fine for a 2 hour ride currently.
Do I still want a Road Glide? Well, yes...that 114 motor and built in GPS would be REAL nice...LOL. We'll see...
Last edited by Sirgilbert357; Jun 4, 2023 at 07:34 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 612
Likes: 329
From: Athens, Alabama
A little update on this issue:
The only thing the RK needs is a better suspension and possibly better seat for longer rides. But the stock seat is fine for a 2 hour ride currently.
Do I still want a Road Glide? Well, yes...that 114 motor and build in GPS would be REAL nice...LOL. We'll see...
The only thing the RK needs is a better suspension and possibly better seat for longer rides. But the stock seat is fine for a 2 hour ride currently.
Do I still want a Road Glide? Well, yes...that 114 motor and build in GPS would be REAL nice...LOL. We'll see...
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Joined: May 2023
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From: Dallas, TX
I did a 253 mile jaunt this morning on my 17 Road King Special which is the longest trip since I had Mean City Cycles rebuild my seat. I couldve easily kept going for another 100 miles and would have if not for a couple honey dos and threat of summer pattern storms. Highly recommend calling MCC and having them talk you through recommendations for seat modifications. As far as shocks I replaced the stock premium? 12 inch shocks with Bitubo and I love em. Not sure if the 13 inch would be better than the 12s but some say the 1 inch extra travel is a definite advantage.
Good feedback on the seat. I'm already looking at Mean City Cycles and Russell Day Long seats when the time comes, so its nice to see real world feedback on those products.
I definitely want the 13 inch shocks. I'm still looking at the different options, but I'm thinking the Bitubos from DK Customs for $575.00 is reasonable. I have not even started looking at options for the front of the bike yet, but I'm seriously leaning towards getting the front and rear done at the same time. I think I'd like to do the rear shocks myself if it's not too crazy, but I don't have a lift. Guessing that would be necessary to do the job. I'm less interested in attempting the fronts myself, but I need to read up on it and see how hard it is. I prefer to do my own work when possible to save money and get to know the bike better (and hopefully know it was done right, LOL).
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 612
Likes: 329
From: Athens, Alabama
Man, that sounds nice. Wish I could just pick up and go like that.
Good feedback on the seat. I'm already looking at Mean City Cycles and Russell Day Long seats when the time comes, so its nice to see real world feedback on those products.
I definitely want the 13 inch shocks. I'm still looking at the different options, but I'm thinking the Bitubos from DK Customs for $575.00 is reasonable. I have not even started looking at options for the front of the bike yet, but I'm seriously leaning towards getting the front and rear done at the same time. I think I'd like to do the rear shocks myself if it's not too crazy, but I don't have a lift. Guessing that would be necessary to do the job. I'm less interested in attempting the fronts myself, but I need to read up on it and see how hard it is. I prefer to do my own work when possible to save money and get to know the bike better (and hopefully know it was done right, LOL).
Good feedback on the seat. I'm already looking at Mean City Cycles and Russell Day Long seats when the time comes, so its nice to see real world feedback on those products.
I definitely want the 13 inch shocks. I'm still looking at the different options, but I'm thinking the Bitubos from DK Customs for $575.00 is reasonable. I have not even started looking at options for the front of the bike yet, but I'm seriously leaning towards getting the front and rear done at the same time. I think I'd like to do the rear shocks myself if it's not too crazy, but I don't have a lift. Guessing that would be necessary to do the job. I'm less interested in attempting the fronts myself, but I need to read up on it and see how hard it is. I prefer to do my own work when possible to save money and get to know the bike better (and hopefully know it was done right, LOL).
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Joined: May 2023
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From: Dallas, TX
Wow, that is cheap. Much more reasonable than I thought it would be. Thank you! I'll probably get one of those this coming weekend. I'm due for an oil change too, so gotta figure that out. I'm guessing I don't need a jack for an oil change, but I guess we'll see. I just know the dealer was supposed to have changed all three oils when I bought the bike, which was 2,500 miles ago.
So, I rented a Ultra Limited and rode it to Sturgis. It saved me a bunch of money on the wrong bike. For tall guys the Bat Wing sits too close. I am now on my second Road Glide and have taken both on long trips (Ca. to Fl. multiple Sturgis and Idaho) and always fare better than my Bat Wing brothers. I know in Texas you have some long stretches where you can run at 80 (we always do 90 across Wyoming) And the Road Glide eats it up. A lot less weight on forks also. The only thing I change is the windshield. I run a 12" Windvest which throws the air above my head. Renting one is the best advice I have seen on this thread. It will be money well spent.