Road King handling
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 422
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From: Connecticut
Road King handling
OK, I'm gonna ask a dumb question: How do the new King's handle in the twisties? I'm real close to giving into the lust factor and adding a 2008 Road King to the barn and wonder how they feel - since I also own a Sportster which begs to be thrown around the tight curves. Thanks for the advice.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,680
Likes: 602
From: South Florida
RE: Road King handling
Well its definately not a Sportster.They handle pretty good considering the weight.I think if you would run twisties for any lenght of time,a RK would wear you out.
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 422
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
RE: Road King handling
I'm looking to travel longer distance with more comfort, and ride more 2-up. But I usually take the back roads rather than interstate here in new england and there are often lots of zig zags - I certainly don't expect Sportster handling. Maybe I can find a dealer will let me borrow one for a a month-long road trip!!!
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Road King handling
I did the same transition from Sportster to Road King and found that the Road King was pretty nimble in the twisties, but as mentioned it does tend to wear you out after a few miles. I then went to the Road Glide. I honestly can't tell any difference in performance from my '05 Roadster to my '08 Road Glide. I recently ran 280 miles of twisty California roads on the Road Glide and was ready for more. The Road Glide is heavier, but the available torque more than makes up for the difference in weight between it and the Sportster Roadster. My Roadster is gone so I don't have the opportunity to go back and run those same roads for an actual comparison. My impression is that the Road Glide is right up there in handling ability. I am very satisfied and the friends leading me on that trek who were riding BMWs were very impressed with my Road Glide. ................. BC
Banned
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,777
Likes: 3
From: Fugitive from justice
RE: Road King handling
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
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Road King handling
Its not a bike to get if you plan to do twisties.......
If thats what you are looking for, youre going to be dissapointed and bored.
With that being said, it handles better than I thought it would. But its nothing like the bikes I have owned in the past.
Dave
If thats what you are looking for, youre going to be dissapointed and bored.
With that being said, it handles better than I thought it would. But its nothing like the bikes I have owned in the past.
Dave
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 588
Likes: 2
From: Naugatuck, CT
RE: Road King handling
Heres my take. My Sporty I "throw" into the twisties and WOW does it respond!!!!
My Road King I "Roll" into thetwisties with lots of lean. What a great feeling. Best part is if ya aint scraping boards your not rolling low enough
Frank
My Road King I "Roll" into thetwisties with lots of lean. What a great feeling. Best part is if ya aint scraping boards your not rolling low enough
Frank
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,750
Likes: 2
From: Bucks County PA
RE: Road King handling
I'd look really carefully at the suspension. I think you'll be amazed at what proper forks and proper shocks can do. (Call Howard at Motorcyclemetal.com). My Road King hadles beautifully; however, a Road King is a Road King and a Sportster is a Sportster, to attempt to get the out of both is a bit unrealistic.
