Considering a Road King Classic
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 351
Likes: 0
The saddlebags don't lock, which I think is absolutely criminal. Fortunately, there was a vendor at Bike Week in 2003 who had the perfect solution for me: www.lockyourleathers.com. Harley now sells a locking kit, so you have the option to secure your stuff. Otherwise, I actually like these bags better than the hard ones.
The shift linkage broke at 28K miles. Not hard to fix, so I wonder why Harley doesn't provide a decent one with a heim joint in the first place. I've read about these things breaking anywhere from 10K miles on up. Fortunately for me, mine broke in my garage as I just returned from a long ride. Most people probably aren't so fortunate. I've since crafted my own repair kit to take with me (zip ties and a roll of duct tape).
As with all Harley's, the stock power output of the bike is not optimum. At the least, I would suggest improving the air flow with a stage I air cleaner and some better flowing exhaust (slip-ons should suffice).
A minor quibble with the mirrors. The stock ones ghost a little bit. I replaced mine with the Twin Cam mirrors and they provide a much better view of things I've already left behind me.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Beary
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 550
Likes: 8
From: Twin Cities,Mn.
Mine is a 2003 model, but the stock saddle still royally sucks. Plan on swapping it out with something from Mustang or Corbin.
The saddlebags don't lock, which I think is absolutely criminal. Fortunately, there was a vendor at Bike Week in 2003 who had the perfect solution for me: www.lockyourleathers.com. Harley now sells a locking kit, so you have the option to secure your stuff. Otherwise, I actually like these bags better than the hard ones.
The shift linkage broke at 28K miles. Not hard to fix, so I wonder why Harley doesn't provide a decent one with a heim joint in the first place. I've read about these things breaking anywhere from 10K miles on up. Fortunately for me, mine broke in my garage as I just returned from a long ride. Most people probably aren't so fortunate. I've since crafted my own repair kit to take with me (zip ties and a roll of duct tape).
As with all Harley's, the stock power output of the bike is not optimum. At the least, I would suggest improving the air flow with a stage I air cleaner and some better flowing exhaust (slip-ons should suffice).
A minor quibble with the mirrors. The stock ones ghost a little bit. I replaced mine with the Twin Cam mirrors and they provide a much better view of things I've already left behind me.
The saddlebags don't lock, which I think is absolutely criminal. Fortunately, there was a vendor at Bike Week in 2003 who had the perfect solution for me: www.lockyourleathers.com. Harley now sells a locking kit, so you have the option to secure your stuff. Otherwise, I actually like these bags better than the hard ones.
The shift linkage broke at 28K miles. Not hard to fix, so I wonder why Harley doesn't provide a decent one with a heim joint in the first place. I've read about these things breaking anywhere from 10K miles on up. Fortunately for me, mine broke in my garage as I just returned from a long ride. Most people probably aren't so fortunate. I've since crafted my own repair kit to take with me (zip ties and a roll of duct tape).
As with all Harley's, the stock power output of the bike is not optimum. At the least, I would suggest improving the air flow with a stage I air cleaner and some better flowing exhaust (slip-ons should suffice).
A minor quibble with the mirrors. The stock ones ghost a little bit. I replaced mine with the Twin Cam mirrors and they provide a much better view of things I've already left behind me.
I was in the middle of South Dakota on a late Sunday afternoon no less! I used some wire as well as some of my wifes hair ties! A mess,but it got us home!
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 231
Likes: 0
From: TX
I have an 08 RKC. I love it, but the only minor issue I have is the leather wrapped bags. They are starting to show some "character" or some people call it scuff marks and scratches. Anyway you can't lock them and they start to look a little worn after some time, even with regular leather dressing applied.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
No complaints, no wobble. Only thing to mention is you might change out bars right away.
If your atleast 5'8 or taller, chances are you'll hate the stock bars. I'm 5'11 & felt as if I was leaning over & tightening my stomach too much while riding. I went with the Heritage Style bars- problem solved! I'm also gonna be changing out my white walls for black wall tires soon too. I love EVERYTHING about the bike...just not crazy about the white walls and think the bike would look better with blacks.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,272
Likes: 83
From: Southern California
Renting is definitely the best way to go. That will give you an idea of how the bike handles, performs, etc.... The '09's have a built in stabilizer bar that previous years don't which will mitigate any speed wobble that shoudl develop. As for '08 and earlier years, like mine you can buy an aftermarket stabilizer bar which is just as effective.
In terms of fit and finish...there's nothing better. I've owned Yamaha's, Honda's, BMW's and Kawasaki's and Harley is by far the best. BMW does come close in some respects, but Harley has them beat. As I mentioned, renting is the best idea because it will give you an idea of whether the bike suits you. You might not even like riding a Road King, much less even a Harley Big-Twin.
In terms of fit and finish...there's nothing better. I've owned Yamaha's, Honda's, BMW's and Kawasaki's and Harley is by far the best. BMW does come close in some respects, but Harley has them beat. As I mentioned, renting is the best idea because it will give you an idea of whether the bike suits you. You might not even like riding a Road King, much less even a Harley Big-Twin.
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Collections Hold
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 307
Likes: 3
From: Gardnerville NV
I have a 07 SERK. I have found the high speed wobble.
(The same frame as yours).
I only found it while front and rear wheel lock up at speed. I didn't like the feeling. I will not get the bike to lock up anymore if I can avoid it.
(The same frame as yours).
I only found it while front and rear wheel lock up at speed. I didn't like the feeling. I will not get the bike to lock up anymore if I can avoid it.