I am a newbie to Harley and my '05 Road King Custom...I just purchased it with only 800+ miles on it and it's amazing to ride...I didn't have experience with something that large and took offon it without missing a beat...but I've been spending more time in the garage bringing back to life as well as upgrading...just thought I'd update a few of my experiences for anyone else who's also a newbie out there...

a) Don't be afraid to purchase a Harley on Ebay...but...as always...buyer beware...in my case the seller was amazing from start to finish and afterward...the downside was the shipping...it took forever going from TX to MD...that was ok in my case because I wouldn't have ridden it in February and early March anyway...I used Haulbikes...all in all...they really took care of it...with the cost of gas and diesel these days...you may want to stick with bikes closer to home...

b) Remember that the true cost of your bike isn't just the purchasing price...you should sit down and make a list of every expense...including shipping and MVA costs...you'll be surprised!...again, buyer beware!...know what you're getting into...and for god's sake clear it with your spouse...

c) Paperwork...before the bike arrives...set up your insurance (Progressive in my case)...you can set the date it begins so you can do it in advance...get yourself one easily tranportable folder for all your documents...this helps with movement between MVA and your home...and make copies of everything between you and the seller and get online to download the paperwork you need...I filled out all I could beforehand and printed it out...when I had all the info. I filled out the rest by hand or MVA did it...the folks at MVA appreciated it...saves time...

Upgrades and/or improvements on my bike and other items:

d) Sundowner Seat...a great seat and my wife loves the larger passenger area...no problems with install...very easy to do...

e) Removable Tour Pak...ok...this took some time...you have to get the docking hardware...my issue was that I couldn't get the "bolts" out of the Harley even with TORX wrenches...they stripped out quickly even with TLC...I had to use a bolt extractor kit to get them out (a great investment from Sears)...during the manufacturing it looks as though the person on the line didn't line up the hole and literally forced the bolt in...[:@]...aggravating for something so expensive...I got it out but I think bikes are like rooms in homes...they're not always "square"...meaning it may not always fit as described in the instructions...IT WAS A TWO PERSON JOB putting the docking hardware on...my partner and I had to shim out some of the components to get it to fit using thin washers...

f) Bling...I put on the skull package...air cleaner...timing...and derby...looks great...no real issues...just follow directions

g) FuelMoto Exhaust set up...Rush slip-ons, Power Commander, and K&N air filter...WOW...what a great upgrade over stock...love the way it sounds...not too loud...definitely not stock...just right...I have absolutely no issues after install...very smooth...no popping on decel...I simply loosened up the clamp...loosened up the first chrome exhaust cover clamp...and slightly twisted the stock exhaust off...I got some Permatex Copper Silicone gasket sealer...puta good bead around the inside of the slip-ons...pushed them on...(made sure they were aligned the way I wanted them vertically)...got NEW clamps from Harley (recommended)...placed the clamps at the very end of the slip on...and clamped it down...to help the silicone set I let it sit for a full 24 hours...in the meantime I simply followed the directions for both the power commander and the new air filter...no issues...after 24 hours I started her up...and the smile has yet to leave my face.

 

Great post! THanks for the heads up on the sticker remover...I have some work to do!

 

nice ride, i'm sure your gonna love riding her this spring.

 

Congrats on new bike. Can't go wrong with a RK. Now for some dry weather and warm temps.

 

The RKCustom is a great bike, they ride lighter then they look. I lowered the front end 1 inch when I put on the chrome lower front forks. My wife loves the sundowner seat, we have put one on our old Lowrider too. Windshield is a plus for long rides, and longvacation trips 4 to 5 hundred milesa day.

 

had 1 st RKC stolen.went to buy new one found out some idot at moco decide to drop them from line up.I bought 2006 Rkc off ebay also.Shes getting bigger lungs now and some new skins. Tookj last one on 6500 mile trip this ones getting ready for 8000 miler in may.have fun and ride it like you stole it or like and ex is paying for it.

 

Congrats on the purchase. Thanks for some useful tips[sm=smiley20.gif]

 

Congrats................good post!!!!!!!!

 

Your right, they are a really nice bike, i've got a 02 Heritage, and a 05 RK/custom, i find myself riding the Custom more and more all the time, but, i'll keep the Heritage, and maybe strip it down just a little.