Congrats and .......... [sm=welcomesign.gif]

 

I went from a Vmax to an FXR4 my first Harley just something about them.....would never buy anything else. Sold the FXR4 made $2500 on it bought an 01 RK with 3,000 miles on it sold it and made $1500 kept all the chrome that would fit on the 07 RKC and the following year I bought a Nite Rod Special.....yeah I am hooked on Harleys!

Just need the weather to get better so we can ride! Good luck with you new bike!

 

Welcome to the family. I rode Hondas for years and they were just 2 wheeled transport but after I bought my first Harley, I realized it is something way bigger than just the bike. You certainly won't find the "brotherhood" at a metric shop. Congrats!

 

Welcome... I couldn't resist the Fire Red / Black Pearl either. Soft bags and spokes for me though. Enjoy.

Dan

[IMG]local://upfiles/51089/E281C7678A40459DB4CBEDBFE4FDF952.jpg[/IMG]

 

Congrats on the new RK. I moved from a Yamaha to HD in 1996, and there's no going back either.

 

Great that you finally got the bike you wanted! We all went through the period of wanting but not having. One of those periods for me went decades, but I also ended that down time with an 07 RK.
I changed the handlebars, seat, and added floorboard extenders, to list a few things to improve fit.
The handlebars will probably be the biggest change and you might want to start with them. They also are somewhat adjustable so if the seat is changed or floorboards, you can re-adjust the bars a little if needed. When changing the bars I ran the wires inside. There are extension kits with all end pieces in place which make the job much easier. However, you have to learn how to unhook the current wires from their connectors. Not real easy. A dealer parts guy might be the best way to get instruction on doing this and to get a heads up on the best tool to use.
The seat (for long distance tourning) is much more subjective. I ended up ordering a comfort stitch from Zanotti (remember that name!) and having it sent directly to Mean City Cyles (another name to keep handy). The seat makes touring much more comfortable, but I will leave it on at all times, though it is very large, especially for the passenger portion.
The floorboard extenders were to shift the boads outward to give me more clearance. Much more comfortable. You probably will want to move yours forward as well and add forward controls. My guess is that will make a big difference in comfort. Possibly you might want to make that your second or even first change.
My last, significant "fitting" change was to cut the windshield down, to allow me to look over it. Eventually I ended up with an entirely new shield, from Cee Bailey (great supplier) and I just switched the stock hardware to the new shield. The new shield is two inches wider and two inches shorter and works great. Looks great also.
Like you I love the classic look of the RK. But it is nice to know, someday if I want to add a bat-wing and sterio etc., I can easily do that and not have to re-do the wiring, etc. And, it will pop off and on quickly, just like the shield. The RK is the most flexible platform of all in my view and also is a great riding and handling bike. You can lower the shocks easily and make lots of changes to ride characteristics. Get a shop manual and do as much of the work as you can. It'll save money and may help if you or a friend has an issue on the road or even at home.
You've got a great bike and a great father in law. Sounds like the good life!

 

Thanks for the advise. yeah life is pretty good. That could change tomorrow which is why we do it now while we can. I finally realized that after years of stress and worry about everything. really hit home last year when I lost a good friend, old school biker, next door neighbor to cancer at the young age of 54. He lived hard but it puts things into perspective. He was only 17 years older than me. Might sound like a lot but if you think about it 17 years goes quick. No more stress and worry for me man. Go with the flow and live brother!!

 

eddie

Great choice of bike and honestly Danbury Harley IMHO is a great dealership. I have bought 2 bikes there in the past 2 years, and have never felt pushed, walked away from or anything. Next time your in the dealership speak with Al (one of the co-owners) tell him your dismay with not getting a T-shirt (bet you will have a shirt in 2 minutes)

The Road king is one sweet bike, and I also was riding a V-star 1100 before the King. It does take some tweeking (bars)(Seat Change) Mustang for my liking.

Good luck and it you have any issues with the bike, Speak with the Service Manager Bob. Great guy and wont BS you at all. Might I also sugest getting friendly with Lynn or Stephinie in Motoclothing.

Welcome to the "dark Side"

Frank

 

Congrats on your new RK. I too started on an 1100 V-Star and really liked it. I rang up 31,000 miles on it and then got my '05 Electra Glide. Felt like a big step up in size that first ride but wow what a wonderful machine a H-D is. The RK is a VERY classy bike and a true classic.

I've been very impressed with H-D and am sold for life. The fit, finish, quality, accessories, etc are unequaled in any other bike. The saddle bags on a Harley touring model in particular are the best made. Very sturdy, very roomy and well designed in every way.

 

LOL, Congrats! I am new to the Road King '08, but not to harley. I popped my cherry on a sportster... I love my King! infact I was riding the other morning and it was 28 degrees and I stopped to get a cup of joe at my local stewarts, and this guy says "little cold out for riding don't ya think?"... I replied "is it? I had not noticed." LOL It just snowed again this morning. Old man winter needs to go to sleep now...