Road King handling
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,391
Likes: 10
From:
RE: Road King handling
I have a '05 rk custom. The suspension is factory lowered. I seem to scrape the boards, when leaning into a tight corner. Just today, I actually drug the heel of my boot on the pavement. That was a bit scary, as my leg wanted to stay in the turn, LOL. Thing was, my foot was on my highway peg, LMAO...
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 655
Likes: 0
From: Monroe, LA
RE: Road King handling
I owned a sportser before my dyna and prefer the dyna any day over the sporty. I picked up my RKC friday afternoon; road 200 miles Saturday and 300 yesterday. Most of the miles were on Louisiana backroads, which if you've ever had the experience is pretty rough, curvy and at times tough to handle. I bought the RK for road trips (kept the dyna) and was surprised and very pleased with the way the RK handled the twisties, but it takes a little more work and thought than the dyna, but sill an easily controlled bike.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 459
Likes: 13
From: Cincinnati, OH
RE: Road King handling
I'm fairly new to riding but have already had a sporty, dyna, and now a RKC. For me the RKC is as easy, if not easier, to ride than the first two. I don't do a lot of twisties, or if I do it's fairly slow, but I have been amazed at how easy the RKC is to handle. I was afraid that the RKC wouldn't be as much fun as the other two, but so far I love it.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 869
Likes: 1
From: New York
RE: Road King handling
ORIGINAL: YodaddyKeith
I've got both and alternate themon same roads every day.....The RK is just as capable as the sporty once you learn to push on the bars and gain confidence.....She reacts to a firm push, but tends to remain going where you pointed her.But the RK is not as forgiving once you commit to an aggressive lean angle at speed or attempt power braking her down while in tight corners that vary in slope and radius.....You need to see/think ahead farther with the King or you will drive her beyond your ability when compared to the sporty.......Simply look father ahead and be more agressive on the bars and you will be ok
I've got both and alternate themon same roads every day.....The RK is just as capable as the sporty once you learn to push on the bars and gain confidence.....She reacts to a firm push, but tends to remain going where you pointed her.But the RK is not as forgiving once you commit to an aggressive lean angle at speed or attempt power braking her down while in tight corners that vary in slope and radius.....You need to see/think ahead farther with the King or you will drive her beyond your ability when compared to the sporty.......Simply look father ahead and be more agressive on the bars and you will be ok
Well said
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Road King handling
Interesting comments. You have the sporty camp saying "you'll be sooorrrryyy", and the RK camp saying "oh yeah.. go for it". I really like ctmedic's comparrison. The "roll into the curves" is a great discription for rining the King. I have a 05 Ultra. I have riden 2 up, fully loaded with luggage, thru the draggon (318 curves in 11 miles) on a once up, turn around and go back, turn back around and ride 2 more hours to the motel, and never felt and soreness, tired or fatigued.
2 weeks ago, I took a demo ride on an 883, 1200, 1125R, and RK standard. I'm looking to add a new king to the stable!! [sm=smiley20.gif] I just got my Ultra paid off, and I'll probably wait on the '09's to see what they do. There should be some deals available on the '08's when the '09's come out... there always is. If I can steal an '08 black std with ABS... that works just fine with me!
2 weeks ago, I took a demo ride on an 883, 1200, 1125R, and RK standard. I'm looking to add a new king to the stable!! [sm=smiley20.gif] I just got my Ultra paid off, and I'll probably wait on the '09's to see what they do. There should be some deals available on the '08's when the '09's come out... there always is. If I can steal an '08 black std with ABS... that works just fine with me!
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 2
RE: Road King handling
It'll take you about five minutes to get used to it. bout like hopping off a go cart into a pretty good handling pick up truck. The RKs aren't bad at all. I love mine been thru the dragon several times, no problems but I don't attack it, I just ride thru. My RK will do a lot more than I am willing to ask it to.
