RK Custom - Advice needed
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 731
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From: Leesburg, VA
RK Custom - Advice needed
OK.. so I am trying to figure out which order I need to make changes in.
I recently did the Laughlin run (from Tacoma, WA) and during the trip back my arms started getting seriously fatigued. (I am 6'1")
So far I have the stock seat, riders adjustable backrest, highway pegs, and I installed cruise control shortly after purchase.
I felt I was a little cramped to begin with, however after installing the riders backrest I think I was pushed another 1" or so forward (something that I know has been discussed on this forum).
Our return trip included 2 consecutive days of over 550 miles and I noticed that at roughly 325 or so that my elbows and joints were in serious pain.
My guess is that I will need to change out both the bars (Heritage? Wild1 518's?) and also do something about the seat (Either Corbin or a custom seat shop like Rich's here locally).
My question is.. since I can't find a shop that has these options installed, what do I do first? The seat? The bars?
Also, at this rate keep your eyes open for a new posting in the classified section as I may be selling the adjustable riders backrest soon (unless I can get someone to fabricate a new bracket that allows the backrest to be moved back.)
Any help would be appreciated.
John-
I recently did the Laughlin run (from Tacoma, WA) and during the trip back my arms started getting seriously fatigued. (I am 6'1")
So far I have the stock seat, riders adjustable backrest, highway pegs, and I installed cruise control shortly after purchase.
I felt I was a little cramped to begin with, however after installing the riders backrest I think I was pushed another 1" or so forward (something that I know has been discussed on this forum).
Our return trip included 2 consecutive days of over 550 miles and I noticed that at roughly 325 or so that my elbows and joints were in serious pain.
My guess is that I will need to change out both the bars (Heritage? Wild1 518's?) and also do something about the seat (Either Corbin or a custom seat shop like Rich's here locally).
My question is.. since I can't find a shop that has these options installed, what do I do first? The seat? The bars?
Also, at this rate keep your eyes open for a new posting in the classified section as I may be selling the adjustable riders backrest soon (unless I can get someone to fabricate a new bracket that allows the backrest to be moved back.)
Any help would be appreciated.
John-
Banned
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,499
Likes: 2
From: CANADA
RE: RK Custom - Advice needed
Hey John, I took apart my backrest apart and bent the support frame back (with heat). It was far too upright, even all the way back (stock). I have it at the perfect angle and what a huge difference it makes, no longer feel pushed up towards the tank. The Sundowner was also a dramatic change, now I feel like I sit IN the bike and not on it. Cruiseboards are also fantastic for comfort, much better than hi-way pegs. This combo works very well for me at 6'3".
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 680
Likes: 1
From: Seattle area
RE: RK Custom - Advice needed
I'm 5'11" and also get arm fatigue on the Custom. In my case, my right forearm aches after an hour or so. I added the Sundowner seat, which I highly recommend, and I have the Chubby 518s to put on as soon as I get the time. Stretching-out seemed to help a lot and the 518s don't have as much pull-back as the stock bars. I don't use a backrest, but rather a Kuryakyn Grantour on the passenger seat which doubles as a backrest.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 731
Likes: 0
From: Leesburg, VA
RE: RK Custom - Advice needed
In reposnse to the answers thus far...
Bountyhunter - Two things... 1) Thanks for not giving me a rash of **** for the Rineharts =) and 2) I had been thinking of having someone fabricate a new mounting bracket (longer bracket, with the angles built in).. but it sounds like you were able to achieve what you did by simply bending the existing bracket. That might be a good option.
Stile45 and Gunkholes - Seems both of you went with the Sundowner seat.. does that seat bring you further away from the tank? or raise/lower your seating position? I think that without a modification such as bountyhunter mentioned above that the change in seat will not help? (the backrest seems to have pushed me forward towards the tank).
I appreciate the comments.. keep em comig.
John-
Bountyhunter - Two things... 1) Thanks for not giving me a rash of **** for the Rineharts =) and 2) I had been thinking of having someone fabricate a new mounting bracket (longer bracket, with the angles built in).. but it sounds like you were able to achieve what you did by simply bending the existing bracket. That might be a good option.
Stile45 and Gunkholes - Seems both of you went with the Sundowner seat.. does that seat bring you further away from the tank? or raise/lower your seating position? I think that without a modification such as bountyhunter mentioned above that the change in seat will not help? (the backrest seems to have pushed me forward towards the tank).
I appreciate the comments.. keep em comig.
John-
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 680
Likes: 1
From: Seattle area
RE: RK Custom - Advice needed
The only change I noticed on the Sundowner was the higher back (more comfort) and slightly wider. I think that the padding is a little better, as well. There didn't seem to be any difference on the reach or height. My arm issues (and position) were the same with either seat, so the bars will hopefully be the fix for that. If you feel like the ride, Eastside HD in Bellevue has a 06 RK Custom with a bunch of add-ons, including the Chubby 518s that you could try for fit. Plus, you'd get to see the beautiful new 40,000 sq ft store! Major barbeque/music every Thursday night.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 731
Likes: 0
From: Leesburg, VA
RE: RK Custom - Advice needed
Perfect.. I actually work in Issaqhau so I can jump over there on my lunch break. I had been meaning to check out the new store anyhow.
Thanks for the tip.
Thanks for the tip.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2005
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From:
RE: RK Custom - Advice needed
Mustang plain solo seat ( I also have the detachable 13.5" passenger pillion) and Wild1 509 16" ape hanger handle bars. Im 6'1 and very comfy even on looooong hauls.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,015
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From: Alaska
RE: RK Custom - Advice needed
Thinkin' of putting the HD Tallboy seat on my Ultra. Supposed to move you back and up. And I had reached the same conclusion about putting a bend in the backrest but have not gotten around to it as yet.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 680
Likes: 1
From: Seattle area
RE: RK Custom - Advice needed
John -- If you make it to the store, the Custom is black, with around 7K worth of new chrome and other goodies. You'll recognize the bars by the lack of external wiring.
I frequently do the ride to/from Issaquah on one side of Lake Sammamish or the other -- nice riding.
I frequently do the ride to/from Issaquah on one side of Lake Sammamish or the other -- nice riding.