Hello: After not owning a bike for 40 years or a new one (1965 BSA) for 44 years, I picked up my 2009 ROAD KING CLASSIC last week. I ordered it in November from Treasure Coast Harley Davidson in Stuart, Florida. What a fantastic dealership they are and everyone was helpful and super friendly. It is two tone Teal and Antique White. She has ABS with cruise control. This is one WONDERFUL machine. Once underway, at highway speeds, it felt as or more nimble than my BSA Lighning Rocket. Have experimented with the ABS and it brings the bike down to a stop....like now! This is one super CLASSY motorcycle. Because of all the '09 upgrades and being both a cruiser and a tourer it certainly (in my opinion) is the best value bike that Harley has...and unlike some other cruisers it has bags, lights and windshield. Who would have ever thought that I would be riding a motorcycle again. Not me.
It all started last June when I met a guy riding a Harley that appeared older than me. Have no idea what model it was but it had bags on it and semingly a lot of chrome. Mentioned to him that I used to ride a long time ago and he said something to the effect, 'You should get back into it, the new bikes are so much better.' That started a pilgrimage (upstate Nw York at the time) of reading, talking, going to bike events and visiting dealers. Looked into 'metrics' for a short time but by August the decision was made that I only wanted a Harley Davidson. Others I entertained were the Fat Bob, the Fat Boy, the Softails Delux and Heritage. By early October my choice was down to two: The FLHR or FLHRC. The retro style of leather bags and old school 1950's two tone paint of Teal/Ivory
made the final decision. Some people had advised to buy a used Japanese bike first but I did not like that idea for a number of resons.
I am sure glad I stuck by my convictions as it turned out to be Royal Flush. Now I need a lot of practice and riding time and "searching" and "seeing." Motorcycle training and published books are a far cry from when I had 15 minutes "training" at the BSA dealership before they sent you on your way. Ride With Pride and Ride Safe. The Blue Marlin.

 

I was away for 27 years and now I am loving every ride once again.
Take a riders safty course, it will help.

 

Welcome to the Forum Blue Marlin... This is by far the best forum of it's type on the net. You'll learn ALOT about your bike and riding here if you check in daily.

CONGRATS on your new bike, I just got a new FLHR in December so know how you feel about the Road King. It's a fantastic bike in every way. I know as for me I couldn't be more pleased with it. ZERO complaints and it's an ear to ear smile every moment I'm on it. The RK is IMHO the classiest of the H-D line. It's retro look is what I love best.

I love that two-tone paint scheme on your bike by the way. I needed hard bags of the FLHR so had to go with the colors available for the standard as I didn't want to spend the extra $$$ to have hard bags on a Classic at the time or I would have gone with your two-tone colors. I do like the Red Hot Sunglo though and find the new features of the '09 to all be great improvements on an already great machine.

Ride safe and enjoy your new bike.

 

Congrats! I bet we will not see you much around here ;-) You will bw riding :-)

 

Congrats I know the feeling good for you, enjoy. This is a great site to explore, I have found most of my answers just by searching.

 

Great story.

Welcome back!

 

Welcome back to riding. Gotta love a Road King. +1 for taking a safety course.

 

+1 on what he said

 

I'm 62 and ride the RG 15-20K a year. This summer will be a bit more. I just learned my neighbor will be 72 this year and still rides his Goldwing!

 

Congrats on the Bike, Take the Safety Course, Ask Plenty of Questions if not sure of something, Poke around here for info also, these Guys are Great and that is what we are here for, To Help Each Other. Post Some Pics of the New Bike!