RK "Custom" input
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Joined: Apr 2006
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RK "Custom" input
I really like the looks and feel of the Custom. Some time ago, it was posted that the Custom would not make a good long hauler for two. After re-grouping and now realizing that the wife will not be on the open road all that much, we would like to consider the Custom. After talking, it sounds as if I would be making 1 or 2 long hauls solo (Sturgis & The River Run) and the rest of the time would stay in Oregon for weekend trips. We like the leather saddle bag look and the cast wheels. As for the colors, it will either be white or black. Also decided to go EFI and to stay away from the big bore kits. More inches can be added later down the road, way down the road when my machanical skills and confidence are at a higher level. So with this said, I would like to hear from some Custom owners???
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 680
Likes: 1
From: Seattle area
RE: RK "Custom" input
Love mine -- I'd do it over again. It's as comfortable as any of the tourng bikes, IMHO; with the Sundowner seat, two could go a l-o-n-g ways. It's a Road King......enuf said!
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 680
Likes: 1
From: Seattle area
RE: RK "Custom" input
Presuming we're still talking about motorcycles, most 2-uppers love the Sundowner. 400+ mile days have proven to be no problem. Some go further. The Custom Stitch is also supposed to be pretty good.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
RE: RK "Custom" input
Hmmn...where to start.
When I purchased I had narrowed my choices to a Fat Boy and a Road King.
Loved the FB look but wanted saddlebags and greater comfort for longer rides.
Since I didn't want a windshield (at the time), and liked the uncluttered front end of the custom, I was sold.
With less than 500 miles, I installed a windshield.
Too tall. Should have gone with the 4 inch shorter (and smoked) W/S.
At the same time I installed lights for greater safety.
I rarely use them. Ride with high beams 90%+.
Consider them money wasted, but I'll leave them on for now cuz it gives the right switch something to do.
Colors...I considered black and white as well and would be happy with either.
White shows less dirt, but will never shine like the darker colors.
Choose Black Cherry for additional speed
The front brakes squeal. Inherent problem with the hubs.
Dealer "fixed" with spray foam (yea, the stuff from Lowes).
Floating rotors are the permenent fix.
I've heard complains about the Beach Bars, and their "wheelbarrow" posture.
I like them. but may need to raise them an inch (can hit knee).
As for long distance cruising...I haven't yet.
A few hundred miles on a day trip and no complaints.
And that's two up on the stock seat (added sissy bar).
The stock exhaust is quiet. Too quiet for me. I added slip ons.
I don't like the license plate holder.
I'll either get a lay back one or more likely will just add a luggage rack.
I hope this rambling post is of some value to you.
Cheers.
When I purchased I had narrowed my choices to a Fat Boy and a Road King.
Loved the FB look but wanted saddlebags and greater comfort for longer rides.
Since I didn't want a windshield (at the time), and liked the uncluttered front end of the custom, I was sold.
With less than 500 miles, I installed a windshield.
Too tall. Should have gone with the 4 inch shorter (and smoked) W/S.
At the same time I installed lights for greater safety.
I rarely use them. Ride with high beams 90%+.
Consider them money wasted, but I'll leave them on for now cuz it gives the right switch something to do.
Colors...I considered black and white as well and would be happy with either.
White shows less dirt, but will never shine like the darker colors.
Choose Black Cherry for additional speed
The front brakes squeal. Inherent problem with the hubs.
Dealer "fixed" with spray foam (yea, the stuff from Lowes).
Floating rotors are the permenent fix.
I've heard complains about the Beach Bars, and their "wheelbarrow" posture.
I like them. but may need to raise them an inch (can hit knee).
As for long distance cruising...I haven't yet.
A few hundred miles on a day trip and no complaints.
And that's two up on the stock seat (added sissy bar).
The stock exhaust is quiet. Too quiet for me. I added slip ons.
I don't like the license plate holder.
I'll either get a lay back one or more likely will just add a luggage rack.
I hope this rambling post is of some value to you.
Cheers.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From:
RE: RK "Custom" input
I'm really pleased with mine, had to make it fit me and all is good.
The bike really came to me once I got rid of the stock bars, I'm 6.2in
Gene
The bike really came to me once I got rid of the stock bars, I'm 6.2in
Gene
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 680
Likes: 1
From: Seattle area
RE: RK "Custom" input
That Black Cherry attracts to many fruit flys...bound to slow you down!
I also added the short windscreen & lowers -- dead air behind it now. My only real complaint is the bars -- I have some 518s sitting in the garage awaiting installation.
I also added the short windscreen & lowers -- dead air behind it now. My only real complaint is the bars -- I have some 518s sitting in the garage awaiting installation.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 71
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From:
RE: RK "Custom" input
ORIGINAL: venture33
Hmmn...where to start.
When I purchased I had narrowed my choices to a Fat Boy and a Road King.
Loved the FB look but wanted saddlebags and greater comfort for longer rides.
Since I didn't want a windshield (at the time), and liked the uncluttered front end of the custom, I was sold.
With less than 500 miles, I installed a windshield.
Too tall. Should have gone with the 4 inch shorter (and smoked) W/S.
At the same time I installed lights for greater safety.
I rarely use them. Ride with high beams 90%+.
Consider them money wasted, but I'll leave them on for now cuz it gives the right switch something to do.
Colors...I considered black and white as well and would be happy with either.
White shows less dirt, but will never shine like the darker colors.
Choose Black Cherry for additional speed
The front brakes squeal. Inherent problem with the hubs.
Dealer "fixed" with spray foam (yea, the stuff from Lowes).
Floating rotors are the permenent fix.
I've heard complains about the Beach Bars, and their "wheelbarrow" posture.
I like them. but may need to raise them an inch (can hit knee).
As for long distance cruising...I haven't yet.
A few hundred miles on a day trip and no complaints.
And that's two up on the stock seat (added sissy bar).
The stock exhaust is quiet. Too quiet for me. I added slip ons.
I don't like the license plate holder.
I'll either get a lay back one or more likely will just add a luggage rack.
I hope this rambling post is of some value to you.
Cheers.
Hmmn...where to start.
When I purchased I had narrowed my choices to a Fat Boy and a Road King.
Loved the FB look but wanted saddlebags and greater comfort for longer rides.
Since I didn't want a windshield (at the time), and liked the uncluttered front end of the custom, I was sold.
With less than 500 miles, I installed a windshield.
Too tall. Should have gone with the 4 inch shorter (and smoked) W/S.
At the same time I installed lights for greater safety.
I rarely use them. Ride with high beams 90%+.
Consider them money wasted, but I'll leave them on for now cuz it gives the right switch something to do.
Colors...I considered black and white as well and would be happy with either.
White shows less dirt, but will never shine like the darker colors.
Choose Black Cherry for additional speed
The front brakes squeal. Inherent problem with the hubs.
Dealer "fixed" with spray foam (yea, the stuff from Lowes).
Floating rotors are the permenent fix.
I've heard complains about the Beach Bars, and their "wheelbarrow" posture.
I like them. but may need to raise them an inch (can hit knee).
As for long distance cruising...I haven't yet.
A few hundred miles on a day trip and no complaints.
And that's two up on the stock seat (added sissy bar).
The stock exhaust is quiet. Too quiet for me. I added slip ons.
I don't like the license plate holder.
I'll either get a lay back one or more likely will just add a luggage rack.
I hope this rambling post is of some value to you.
Cheers.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 412
Likes: 1
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
RE: RK "Custom" input
I have one and rode it from Dayton, OH to Horn Lake, MS in one day last year. (650 miles) Also rode it to the Dragon's Tail in NC. At this moment, I'm in Cocoa Beach, FL having ridden down here from Dayton. (1000 miles) Will ride it to Eureka Springs, AR next month. I have a Corbin Classic Solo seat and have retained the beach bars. It's as comfortable as can be expected. Doesn't ride as well as a standard RK, because the shocks are lowered in the back. An Electra Glide would be more comfortable, but I'm not interested in the fairing and radio.