Are the 2008 upgrades worth the price on RK
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 227
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From: North Carolina
Are the 2008 upgrades worth the price on RK
I own, and very much enjoy a Softail Deluxe, but I find that riding without bags, as one person put it, is like wearing pants without pockets. When I get where I'm going I'd like to lock up my gear and that means a bagger with locks. Since I like the Softail, I'm leaning to the RK, not the classic, since the standard version has locking bags.
The question is which model to get. After hearing all the problems with the '07 models before the new "cog" was added in 2008, I'd rather avoid that year entirely. That leaves me with the older engine and transmission, which should be fine for my occasional use (2500 miles or so a year), but the idea of Brembo ABS brakes is a very big issue - I've had Brembo brakes on other bikes and they were exceptional. And since I'm getting older and slower, the idea of ABS - especially in rain - is also very attractive.
There are lots of '03-06 RKs around, and many are very well priced in the used market, but is it worth the extra $4-6K for the upgrades?
Thanks in advance.
The question is which model to get. After hearing all the problems with the '07 models before the new "cog" was added in 2008, I'd rather avoid that year entirely. That leaves me with the older engine and transmission, which should be fine for my occasional use (2500 miles or so a year), but the idea of Brembo ABS brakes is a very big issue - I've had Brembo brakes on other bikes and they were exceptional. And since I'm getting older and slower, the idea of ABS - especially in rain - is also very attractive.
There are lots of '03-06 RKs around, and many are very well priced in the used market, but is it worth the extra $4-6K for the upgrades?
Thanks in advance.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,144
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From: Mass
RE: Are the 2008 upgrades worth the price on RK
....why don't you just get a set of soft-bags for your Softail?....they'll hold a lot more than my Hard-bags(still have the tour-pak though), and you'll still be ridin the bike you love!...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,876
Likes: 3
From: Washington State
RE: Are the 2008 upgrades worth the price on RK
Just made the same move from the same bike. If your only using it for 2k/ yr don't bother. I do miss my Deluxe, it was a very fun and easy bike to ride. Bought Boss Bags for it and they held a ton of stuff and were lockable. Exceptional bags. But if you like the look of the Deluxe and end up witha RK, why not get the Classic? They have a lot of the same Nostalgic features and the bags are easy on/off and I'm sure you could make them lockable if needed. I just bought bag liners to carry my stuff in so I don't have to take the bags off to remove my stuff. Keep the Deluxe and buy a good set of bags. Check out my gallery and see how my bags looked on my Deluxe. Very good quality bags, a little spendier than most but you get what you pay for.
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 227
Likes: 12
From: North Carolina
RE: Are the 2008 upgrades worth the price on RK
Thanks all for the very quick and useful replies. JonnyD - Do you have the original HD exhaust pipes, or did you change them so that the bags would fit? How much were they, and are they waterproof?
The problem with soft bags is that they don't lock and aren't secure. If I go somewhere I need the locking bags to stow the gear.
I've also been thinking about the large HD top loading storage (like on the Ultra) - has anyone tried that as a solution for the Deluxe? - It seemed too big looking at it in the dealership, but I'd like to hear from an actual owner.
Thanks again to all - I look forward to more comments.
The problem with soft bags is that they don't lock and aren't secure. If I go somewhere I need the locking bags to stow the gear.
I've also been thinking about the large HD top loading storage (like on the Ultra) - has anyone tried that as a solution for the Deluxe? - It seemed too big looking at it in the dealership, but I'd like to hear from an actual owner.
Thanks again to all - I look forward to more comments.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,876
Likes: 3
From: Washington State
RE: Are the 2008 upgrades worth the price on RK
No, I changed to the vance & hines big shot longs. Ordered the pipes, fuel pak, and S/E air kit from Eastern Performance for around $800 and installed myself. No Deluxe with stock pipes will allow for any decent size bags. The Boss Bags were about $850 with my 10% disc. at my dealer. The bags are different from 100% leather bags in that they are leather but lined with thick abs top to bottom to hold the shape and protect from the elements. I rode through driving rain for 100 miles and not a drop of liquid on my stuff. And as for locking, yes they locked and came with a master lock, but the bottom line is this; if they want your stuff their going to get it. The bags came off with a quick disconnect feature similar to an air fitting on an air compressor. I should also tell you mine were the boss 42's, the biggest they make and they looked awesome on a Deluxe. Looked for a long time before I bought and thought I'd be taking them off and on, but once I got them I never took em off. check out their site www.bossbags.comthey make a new size bag now just smaller than the 42. But I loved mine and the size was great, held lots of clothes, a half helmet on each side with room for more. If i had to do it over again I would go with the same set-up. Good Luck
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