RK Custom questions
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 754
Likes: 1
From:
RK Custom questions
Hey all,
I was planning on trading my ST deluxe on a new dyna but am now considering trading on the RK. My dealer has 2 2005 RK customs.
1. I'm 5'10" and it looks to be a long reach from the seat to the bars (compared to other HD's), especially making slow corners, it looks like i'd be completely stretched out because of the wide bars. (sorry for the horrible sentence/question structure) Is it as bad as it looks?
2. What are the handling characteristics like? I've owned an Eglide standard and I assume they'd be pretty similar.
3. Any other good/bad opinions
I was planning on trading my ST deluxe on a new dyna but am now considering trading on the RK. My dealer has 2 2005 RK customs.
1. I'm 5'10" and it looks to be a long reach from the seat to the bars (compared to other HD's), especially making slow corners, it looks like i'd be completely stretched out because of the wide bars. (sorry for the horrible sentence/question structure) Is it as bad as it looks?
2. What are the handling characteristics like? I've owned an Eglide standard and I assume they'd be pretty similar.
3. Any other good/bad opinions
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From:
RE: RK Custom questions
I'm 5'8 and I own a Road King Custom. I haven't had any problems with control, reach, etc... I have apes on mine and honestly, the setup is very comfortable for me. I had a EG Standard before and to me they handle the same. Basically, it's the same bike, except I have different bags and no fairing.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 535
Likes: 0
From: By the Ocean ...SoCal
RE: RK Custom questions
I have a 05 RK Custom and have no problems. I am 5’11”. It is a great bike and very easy to handle. Anything that weights 750 lbs. will take some practice and skill to handle at low speeds. With the beach bars you will stretch a bit while making a U-turn but not really an issue. Great for cruising around town, and awesome for the long haul. Did round trip 1200 miles this past summer 2 up with no issues (except the trip ending). 
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 412
Likes: 1
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
RE: RK Custom questions
I'm 6' and love the Beach Bars. Very comfortable for me. I've ridden it on 13 hour days on the interstate without any fatique. But, some guys change them out. The comfort depends on the individual.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 521
Likes: 0
From: Greenwood, IN
RE: RK Custom questions
i have a rkc with beach bars on it, i am about 5'7" and i love the set up, it works great for me, it does totally stretch you out on a slow short u turn, but really how often do you do that?
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 189
Likes: 0
From:
RE: RK Custom questions
I have an '05 RK Cust. I personally didnt care for the stock bars....seem too much like I was holding a wheelbarrel. So I opted for the Extended Reach RK bars.....they are a perfect fit for me. I love the bike....the handling is good....the ride is great.....and its got a great low profile. I've always said that is looks like a fatboy and a RK Classic got together and this is what you get.
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,495
Likes: 4
From:
RE: RK Custom questions
Exactly! The reach on the beach bars wasnt/isnt the issue it the hand position. Well that and i just wanted Apes [8D]
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,204
Likes: 1,192
From: Anywhere we stop
RE: RK Custom questions
I looked and rode a RK before I purchased the TC and then the Ultra. I am 6'1", but have short arms and legs. The RK bars made me hunch forward to the point of uncomfortable after a period of time, but bars can be changed. As for the the way it handles, I felt no difference from any other tour model.