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Most copied by the metrics? Seriously, or are you just checking to see if we are paying attention?
Lets see, Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Moto guzzi, BMW, Suzuki, and triumph, and others all have basic touring machines. 5 years ago they looked just like RKs. Today, maybe more look like Road Glides with snazzy tiny shark fairings. Many of these come with hard bags and some more like the RKC. Today, many newer versions come with a small fairing so true to your comment, they are now trying to copy a modded up RK, with a batwing or shark fairing. I guess some riders just cant even see another brand of motorcycle, even when its parked in the same parking lot. So, I hold true to my observation and grant that you see a very different world.
Let’s see, Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Moto guzzi, BMW, Suzuki, and triumph, and others all have basic touring machines. 5 years ago they looked just like RKs. Today, maybe more look like Road Glides with snazzy tiny shark fairings. Many of these come with hard bags and some more like the RKC. Today, many newer versions come with a small fairing so true to your comment, they are now trying to copy a modded up RK, with a batwing or shark fairing. I guess some riders just can’t even see another brand of motorcycle, even when it’s parked in the same parking lot. So, I hold true to my observation and grant that you see a very different world.
Let's see, H-D introduced the RK in 1994. Guzzi introduced the California in 1971. Below is a '79 California. I'm guessing Guzzi did not copy the RK. I have a feeling the metrics did not spend a lot of energy copying the RK either. Kawasaki probably makes 30+ models. One over the years, one has looked like a RK.
Last edited by tngarren; Jan 28, 2024 at 06:56 PM.
Let's see, H-D introduced the RK in 1994. Guzzi introduced the California in 1971. Below is a '79 California. I'm guessing Guzzi did not copy the RK. I have a feeling the metrics did not spend a lot of energy copying the RK either. Kawasaki probably makes 30+ models. One over the years, one has looked like a RK.
okay, you are stuck on the name, not the concept. My EVO FLHS electric glide sport was a road king. My FLH shovel was a hard bagged touring bike. But you win, you think the name defines the genera. I dont, I think the RK was simple the best form of an evolution of a touring bike. I also believe that many metrics tried to duplicate this niche. You dont think that. Okay, you hold your beliefs. I was not trying to change you, just to point out how influential the Road King, ElectraGlide sport and FLHS were to motorcycling. My 1961 R61 had hard bags and would ride across America. That is not what I was talking about. Therefore, I concede in this forum discussion that in Name, the Road King is a new bike and that those models leading up to it dont matter to you in this discussion. You have the floor and the win.
It has saddlebags and windshield. That describes many old bikes.
Personally I don't consider it a touring bike, despite having toured across the cross the country on one. To me a touring bike has to have a fairing, and should have a trunk. Other people disagree.
Someone mentioned Jack of all trades, good description. Master of none. Big cruiser, small touring bike. Not saying I would not buy newer one someday.
Again as for copying it has saddlebags and a windshield.
Marketing groups seem to focus on the trendy thing. Why, they are even becoming Chiefs fan since they are Swiftys. The Roadglide has become very popular since they redesigned the fairing. I admit they look a little better but not enough for me to own one. Just like the big wheel and the blackout, the trend will slow down in the next year or two and maybe they will bring out the chrome accent Roadkings again. The next trend will probably be retro FL's and Roadkings. They are testing the retro's with some special paint and such. Maybe it will catch on and entice some purists to roll their old school FL's and RK's out of the barn and refurb them.
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