Buying a Road King!
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 449
Likes: 1
From: The Woodlands, TX
I've had mine RK for 2 months now and love it. My wife just asked me "when does the spending on this thing stop?" I told her the purchase of the bike was just a down payment. I love how comfortable and easy it is to ride.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 8,423
Likes: 2
From: Ellenwood, GA - The Ghetto Part
1. Congrats on the new ride. They named it "Road King" for a reason. Had a 2001 and loved it.
2. I have a 2007 Electra Glide Classic with stock 96" and it's fine for me & the wife.
As far as the 103", sounds like a good plan if you want more power. Now as far as comparing it to the 110", look at the HP/Torque figures between the 2 kits and the money for each. I believe you get better value for the money going 96" to 103" than 96" to 110". The cost for what you get regarding HP/Torque just doesn't make sense. Look at figures from stock to 103 to 110. The 110" is almost twice the cost but doesn't give you as big of a percentage bump in power as the 96" to 103" does.
3. Get a better seat. Most stock seats aren't that great for long distance. Or send the seat to one of the sponsors here - Mean City Cycles - to have work done. Save some money and people swear by the quality of work & customer service from these guys.
4. Upgrade your grips and possibly the handlebars. Some people go with Heritage Softail handlebars. Not sure if the same can be done for 2010 models but probably can.
5. Can't comment on ABS as I don't have it. But will say I do wish I had the cruise control and may add it someday when wallet permits.
2. I have a 2007 Electra Glide Classic with stock 96" and it's fine for me & the wife.
As far as the 103", sounds like a good plan if you want more power. Now as far as comparing it to the 110", look at the HP/Torque figures between the 2 kits and the money for each. I believe you get better value for the money going 96" to 103" than 96" to 110". The cost for what you get regarding HP/Torque just doesn't make sense. Look at figures from stock to 103 to 110. The 110" is almost twice the cost but doesn't give you as big of a percentage bump in power as the 96" to 103" does.
3. Get a better seat. Most stock seats aren't that great for long distance. Or send the seat to one of the sponsors here - Mean City Cycles - to have work done. Save some money and people swear by the quality of work & customer service from these guys.
4. Upgrade your grips and possibly the handlebars. Some people go with Heritage Softail handlebars. Not sure if the same can be done for 2010 models but probably can.
5. Can't comment on ABS as I don't have it. But will say I do wish I had the cruise control and may add it someday when wallet permits.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,160
Likes: 62
From: GA.
Ditto on the seat. The seat on my '01 is okay for local cruising around town. On the road it starts to get uncomfortable at around 50 miles, really annoying at 100 miles, and at 150 miles you want to throw it in the trash. While the newer bikes are likely more comfortable overall than mine, I'll bet that the seats still suck.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 676
Likes: 1
From: NOVA
Change the seat if your riding two-up. We added the comfort stitch, which I believe has been replaced by the Sun Downer. I wanted it lower and more leg room so I sent the saddle to Allen at www.meancitycycles.com Allen adjusted my area and added the triple decker memory foam to the wife's area. We can go for miles!
I chose Vance and Hines Basic slip ons with the V&H Fuelpak. She runs great and I like the sound. Pipes are a personal preference. Be patient or you can end up with a garage full of pipes that didn't sound just right. To bad you're not buying a used '05. I could sell you some slightly used,... never mind...
Did I do any of this in any sort of logical order? Shoot no. The wife got a sore a$$, we got a new saddle. The early '05s had an issue with the lifter seals, the wrench had to break the heads to fix the problem, and I thought, "well, while he's in there might as well make her a 95". And the wife wanted the deeper throaty sound of, "a Harley" (not that I didn't, mind you). So we got new pipes.
We've riden our "King" for almost five years and really love how she handles and runs.
Congrats with your purchase and enjoy the miles.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 820
Likes: 1
From: Sunny Saint Petersburg Florida
Congrats. You'll love it. I love mine. The 103' is a good option, although you would get more hp out of reworked heads by a well known company mentioned all over here. But the seat is the first item for sure. Everyone has an opinion. I love my Mustang.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,325
Likes: 12
From: SE Florida
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 898
Likes: 66
From: Slidell, Louisiana
Nice choice. My brother-in-law bought a new Ultra Classic and upgraded to the 103 during the purchasing process and said it was a good upgrade.
I have the 07 RKC which is my first HD and added Rhinehart True Duels as an upgrade from the dealer and overall have been really pleased the purchased.
The guys here who comment from past purchases have good ideas and insight.
Send out the obligatory pics when you take delivery.
I have the 07 RKC which is my first HD and added Rhinehart True Duels as an upgrade from the dealer and overall have been really pleased the purchased.
The guys here who comment from past purchases have good ideas and insight.
Send out the obligatory pics when you take delivery.