new guy trying to learn about road king
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 537
Likes: 0
From: Columbus, Ohio
I am new to Harley myself. Picked up my 08 king standard a month ago. I love this bike! My previous rides were a Honda 750C and a Kaw KZ1000. The King is heavy by comparison and I realize this the most when coming to a stop. Other than that it is a well balanced bike. I am just now getting comfortable putting a good 'lean' into her- worried about hitting those floor boards. Riding in the city in slow traffic can be dicey at first especially if your 2 up- especially on the stops. I have not experienced wet riding on the RK yet- been lucky on the days I have picked for riding!Read your manual! Something most may not be aware- do not use your typical gas station air hose to fill your shocks! The higher compression can blow the resevoir- I ended up buying the HD pump kit- similar to a bike pump. I did my homework before buying this bike. For one, it is very versatile for detachable luggage, tour pack, windshields, etc. The other is that it seemed to better fit my 6' 4" 230lb frame. It also, for me, is a perfect example of what a Harley should be. If you get a chance, take advantage of test rides at local HD dealers. Harley actually came in with a semi trailer with around 10 different models and allowed free test rides on a predetermined , 10 mile route. This was an awesome way to get a feel for the model that fits you best. Congrats and ride safe!
Last edited by Devo6684; Jul 15, 2009 at 10:31 PM.
Thread Starter
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3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: florida
Wow Guys this is great! I went to work yesterday (24 Hrs shift),
Get home today and find four pages of responses.
I just gotta tell you, I am a member of three other boards ( mostly firearm boards) and I have never had such a great response.
Thanks to all of you this must be a great forum and I already appreceate you guys for it.
That being said, I am even more excited to get a hold of this bike now.
It seems like this bike is going to be just what I need it to be.
I put about 24,000 miles a year on my old bike just going to work, yea I live out in the sticks.
You guys have all given such great advice and I feel much more comfortable with the thought of moving up to a bigger bike, my enduro was just about 380 pounds loaded.
Even though I took a riding course about six years ago I might take another riding course for a refresher just to be that much more confident.
The highway pegs sound like something I should look into also.
Thanks again for making me feel welcome and all of your help.
Ned
Get home today and find four pages of responses.
I just gotta tell you, I am a member of three other boards ( mostly firearm boards) and I have never had such a great response.
Thanks to all of you this must be a great forum and I already appreceate you guys for it.
That being said, I am even more excited to get a hold of this bike now.
It seems like this bike is going to be just what I need it to be.
I put about 24,000 miles a year on my old bike just going to work, yea I live out in the sticks.
You guys have all given such great advice and I feel much more comfortable with the thought of moving up to a bigger bike, my enduro was just about 380 pounds loaded.
Even though I took a riding course about six years ago I might take another riding course for a refresher just to be that much more confident.
The highway pegs sound like something I should look into also.
Thanks again for making me feel welcome and all of your help.
Ned
Thread Starter
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3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: florida
Well, today was the day. I took the bike down to MVD registered it and rode it for the first time.
I put right about 235 miles on it today, it is sure different from my old bike but what a nice ride, I think this bike will be racking up some serious mileage quickly!
Thanks again for all of the input you guys have given.
I put right about 235 miles on it today, it is sure different from my old bike but what a nice ride, I think this bike will be racking up some serious mileage quickly!
Thanks again for all of the input you guys have given.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 680
Likes: 0
From: springfield, mo
Congrats on your first ride with the king. You will not be dissapointed. If you can stop riding long enough, like when you go out in the morning to make sure it really is there, you need to take a pic and get it posted. Again, congrats and enjoy.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 718
Likes: 1
From: Panama City, FL
Hi...welcome to the HD family!
Just peruse this site often to learn about options...do's and don'ts, and other chatter about our bikes. The mufflers and A/C will be the first to go...and replaced with a Fuelmoto power package. (SE A/C, Dyno mufflers, PCV)
As you see from my signature, I don't even have a RK yet...but I have learned more from this site in 2 weeks, than 5 years owning my Fatboy....when I lived in Maine. I only rode 3-4 months out of the year...
Now I reside in Panama City, FL and ride year round.
Best of luck with your New RK!
As you see from my signature, I don't even have a RK yet...but I have learned more from this site in 2 weeks, than 5 years owning my Fatboy....when I lived in Maine. I only rode 3-4 months out of the year...
Now I reside in Panama City, FL and ride year round.
Best of luck with your New RK!
Last edited by dohadex; Sep 16, 2009 at 08:18 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 106
From: Colorado Front Range
Welcome. There is nothing like the King. I went from a Street Glide ('07) and ended-up with a Road King ('09). Can't beat the versatility...plus it seems like every T,D, & H is riding a Street Glide anymore (not that the RK is rare, by any means!)...just my opinion.
Have fun!!
Have fun!!
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 6,146
Likes: 471
From: along the Front Range in Colorado
............ whatever you do, do NOT get a copy of the HD Parts & Accessories catalog. It will cause you to lose valuable hours of late evening sleep & may contribute to selective blindness after looking @ all the shiney stuff. ;-)
........ enjoy your new ride.
........ enjoy your new ride.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 418
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
My only regret about buying the RK is that I didn't do it ten years ago. Have fun.