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When I made my jump from the metric world, I was convinced I wanted a Heritage. After talking to a few Harley riders, I was swayed to look at the Road King. I eventually bought an '08 EG Standard w/ABS. Its all personal taste, you'll have a great bike with any decision you make.
I've got the Classic. I never clean the wheels or tires, the leather hasn't been treated in over a year / 16k miles (never, actually) and the bags hold more than the hard ones. Yeah, it's all personal taste.
I liked the classic looks of the FLHRC, but the bags were a pain to keep clean, as were the whitewalls. I loved the cruise though - I think if I had to do it over I'd get the standard, but add cruise (and definitely ABS).
The leather bags on my 05 Road King Custom are quite a bit
smaller in capacity then the hard bags on my 05 Electraglide.
I could fit my HD half helmet in my hard bags, but it won't
even come close to fitting in the leather bags.
Maybe the new ones are larger?
I thnk I will be changing my bags to hard bags soon, mostly
to be able to fit my helmet in there.
Either bike is a great bike!
Rags
ive owned both....with the leather bags, you dont scuff them when you throw your leg over, due to the lower profile...... many people buy a harley for its looks... just ask a non-motorcycle owner which is a better looking motorcycle and ill bet they will go with the classic...
you have a good plan - it's personal preference. I have the 07 RKC and love everything about it's looks. Sure it's a PITA to keep clean (spokes, whitewalls, leather bags) but it all looks good when it is !
I am thinking of going to hardbags as a change of pace and to use at large gatherings, rallies, etc. I found that Kuraykin makes a nice looking filler for the gap between the fender and bags, something I've found a little unattractive.
I am in the process of researching and am planning to leave the metric world and get my first Harley soon.
I really like the looks of the RKC, especially with the leather bags, but also like the RC lockable, larger, and more weather proof bags for long hauls. I am considering getting the 09 RK, with cruise control and laced wheels, then picking up a set of RKC leather bags off ebay. That way I would have both sets of bags and according to the MSRP would still have less money in the bike.
I would value any comments or thoughts on that idea??
Thanks Kindly!
Personally I don't mind cleaning the bike. Wheels, whitewalls and all (I do have a jack). Sure looks pretty when you get done and when parked side by side with a standard RK...well the classic is classy looking. I thought a lot about which one to go with when I bought mine in the spring of 07. 17000 miles later, I think I picked the right one.
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