Talk me into a Road King
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
I ride above 70 and 80 all the time and the five speed is not a problem. When passing semi's etc, I drop down into 4th and I have zero problems keeping up with my friends 96". Many HD riders are afraid of using a few RPM's, trust me, it won't hurt it. So in my book the 88 has no negatives to the 96.
Beary
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,437
Likes: 80
From: currently an Okie
One thing you should be aware of is the lean angle on the Heritage is 26/29° and 31/33° on the Road King. The lean angle is a [U]BIG[U] deal. It's something that's easy to overlook until you're stuck with a bike that doesn't corner worth a darn. I've got a friend that has one and he's hating it when he rides with us baggers because he can't hang with us in the corners.
It's worth thinking about.
It's worth thinking about.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 760
Likes: 1
From: Mesa, AZ
I lust after every model Harley makes, because I love them all. Since I can only have one I just cannot imagine a better all-around package than my Road King. They can be built up into hardcore touring mode or stripped down to muscle cruiser mode. I've never done a long, multi-day trip on mine, but once a month I ride from Mesa, AZ to Vegas. I can ride 170mi non-stop to Wikiup, take on some gas and drink some water, then ride 170mi non-stop to Vegas.
(I'm weigh in 280 lbs, btw)
(I'm weigh in 280 lbs, btw)
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
From: Coolidge AZ
One thing you should be aware of is the lean angle on the Heritage is 26/29° and 31/33° on the Road King. The lean angle is a [U]BIG[U] deal. It's something that's easy to overlook until you're stuck with a bike that doesn't corner worth a darn. I've got a friend that has one and he's hating it when he rides with us baggers because he can't hang with us in the corners.
It's worth thinking about.
It's worth thinking about.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,878
Likes: 17
From: The Desert SouthWest
Definitely a Touring frame. With a guy your size it's much better suited. Those big hard bags hold ALOT of stuff and are very very handy once you get used to having them you'll never be happy without them!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,413
Likes: 17
From: eastern oklahoma
having owned softails, and touring models, i would not go back to a softail for any reason. sure, they look cool, but the suspension sux compared to the real touring harleys. the only harley i would consider trading in my 08 streetglide for would be an 09 roadglide. once you have a fairing, stereo, cruise control, the 96" motor and especially the six speed trans, you'll be wondering how you ever got along without that stuff. i have two friends with roadkings, one has an 03, the other an 05. i've swapped bikes for a while on the road, and believe me, you'd miss that sixth gear a lot. and ipods just don't cut it compared to the stock harley stereo/mp3/cd player. no more earbuds for this kid. in 08 they made some great changes that are worth mentioning in the touring line. the six gallon tank is a huge improvement, but now you can get an 09 for just a little bit more and it has the newer frame, and the 180 rear tire. which i think you can use a 200 on that rim, though i'm not sure. it's your money though. good luck with your choice.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,325
Likes: 12
From: SE Florida
Go with a KING!!
The ride and versatility is what's fantastic.
cbears, the hardbags and the w/w tires will look great with that color combo. Go for it!!
The ride and versatility is what's fantastic.
cbears, the hardbags and the w/w tires will look great with that color combo. Go for it!!
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,932
Likes: 4
From: 46th State, USA
Here's my Road King Classic with a solo setup. I notice you said you ride solo 95 % of the time. It takes me about 10 minutes to change the seating arrangement on my RK for 2-up riding.
Last edited by shortride; Aug 31, 2009 at 03:56 PM.