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Old Mar 30, 2006 | 02:09 AM
  #1  
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Default Road King Questions

Would appreciate your input. 1. On the standard RK are the nylon hard bags the same size as the Ultra? 2. Are they the same size bags as my 85 FLHTC? 3. Are the leather covered hard bags on the Classic the same size as the the new nylon locking hard bags on the standard RK? 4. In rain, does the leather Classic bags slip, sag, seperate, or get out of shape from the plastic bag it is wrapped around? 5. Not counting the Classic bag looks, would you recommend the bags? 6. Is the factory Cruise on the Classic the same as the dealer installed CC if I get a dealer to install it on a standard RK? 7. Would you recommend laced wheels, since they are harder to keep clean and may get out of round? 8. Are the tank mounted speedos all the same on the three RK models? 9. If the tooled leather seat on a Classic is not real comfortable, and has to be replaced, is a Standard RK a better value?

Thanks Mucho
 
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Old Mar 30, 2006 | 02:32 AM
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From: Glendale, AZ.
Default RE: Road King Questions


ORIGINAL: HogBack

Would appreciate your input. 1. On the standard RK are the nylon hard bags the same size as the Ultra? 2. Are they the same size bags as my 85 FLHTC? 3. Are the leather covered hard bags on the Classic the same size as the the new nylon locking hard bags on the standard RK? 4. In rain, does the leather Classic bags slip, sag, seperate, or get out of shape from the plastic bag it is wrapped around? 5. Not counting the Classic bag looks, would you recommend the bags? 6. Is the factory Cruise on the Classic the same as the dealer installed CC if I get a dealer to install it on a standard RK? 7. Would you recommend laced wheels, since they are harder to keep clean and may get out of round? 8. Are the tank mounted speedos all the same on the three RK models? 9. If the tooled leather seat on a Classic is not real comfortable, and has to be replaced, is a Standard RK a better value?

Thanks Mucho
I bought the FLHRI RK Standard because I like the lockable hard bags and also the tubeless cast wheels, I didn't want laced wheels with tubes. I think the bags are the same size as the Ultra.
 
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Old Mar 30, 2006 | 02:39 AM
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Default RE: Road King Questions

The bags on the FLHR/ FLHRI are exactly the same as the Ultra. They lock and seal very well against moisture and dust. I ride with a guy that has a RK Custom ...those bags are nice but they do let dust in.

Cast wheels are good looking and easier to clean than spokes...plus no tubes !

Good luck.
 
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Old Mar 30, 2006 | 09:19 AM
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Default RE: Road King Questions

exacly why I went with the standard, no spokes, locking bags, no tubes, and IMHO just looks cleaner
 
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Old Mar 30, 2006 | 09:40 AM
  #5  
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Default RE: Road King Questions

I bought the RK standard,and agree with the rest,cast whells are better and the bags are better IMO the leather ones on the classic can get scratched and need extra care ,be sure to get a sundowner seat.[sm=biker2.gif]
 
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Old Mar 30, 2006 | 10:01 AM
  #6  
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Default RE: Road King Questions

I like the hard bags as they keep the water out in the rain and are lockable. Laced wheels are nice, but hard to keep clean.

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Old Mar 30, 2006 | 10:15 AM
  #7  
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Default RE: Road King Questions

I had the cruise control installed by the dealer - the Firefighter Special Edition RK does not come with it installed. The unit is the same one as the factory installed unit. It works flawlessly, the throttle servo keeps a constant speed uphill and down hill.

I like the cast wheels. If you ge a nail in a tire, you can plug it and get to more permanent trpairs. With a tube type tire, it is a cell phone and the HOG card.
 
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Old Mar 30, 2006 | 10:52 AM
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Default RE: Road King Questions

I have gotten my leather bags wet on my classic with no ill effects, no sagging and no moisture inside, they have a pretty good rubber seal that also keeps out all the dust. The tubeless tires are much better in the event of a flat as far as a warning is concerned on the mags, with tubes it is pretty fast before your flat. HOWEVER in the defense of the classic, IMHO the laced wheels are hard to beat for looks and nostalgia if that is what you are in to. As far as cleaning them, I have had both and if not kept up with on the cleaning, they are both hard to clean off the road grime and brake dust. Harley makes a cool spoke wheel brush for cleaning that makes it a snap. The stock seat for me was pretty decent and comfortable, but for my wife, the passenger pillion was less than desireable so I went with the Sundowner. One thing to consider with the hard bags is that they dont give if you are trying to shove in that last layer of clothes as the day warms up, the non-rigid bags are a lot more forgiving when it comes to that. Just my .02
 
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Old Mar 30, 2006 | 11:06 AM
  #9  
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Default RE: Road King Questions

On the Classic here. I love it. I prefer the look of the leather over the paint anyday. Laced wheels are not the easiest to keep up with, but who really complains about washing their bike?

On the tubes? I haven't gotten a flat tire in the last 15,000 miles of riding, so I am not too worried about it. If I get one...pull over and pick up the cell.

I love my cruise and wouldn't trade it for the world.

My bags have a few scuffs on them from the old lady hitting them with her shoes, but again, shows a little character. I have never had water or dust problems with the bags. Only thing I would change from the stock version would be a locking mechanism. These can be found as aftermarket, but it just isn't that big of a deal to me.

 
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Old Mar 30, 2006 | 11:29 AM
  #10  
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ricoman
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Default RE: Road King Questions

05 RKC, no problems with leather covered bags. installed the HD bag lock on them and really like that option. there are a couple tricks with that install. if anyone does it let me know, i can give some hints to make the job easier.
I believe all hard bags are the same size.
cruise is a very worthwhile addition to your scoot. Carmell makes a good point for the Sundowner seat. the next 15 off sale at the local dealer will get me one.
the RKC is a good value considering cruise is standard and if you like the bags.
 
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