Talk me into a Road King
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
this guy belongs on a touring bike. im buying a 09 roadking classic very soon and he weighs more than me and my passenger. i would think anyone 240+ would always be better off on a touring frame. im 5'5" and about 175 and an 883 for a guy his size, he deserves a medal.
it only took a trip around the block on a roadking and a heritage to sort out my choice. i wanted a crossbones and now im days away from plunking down on the rkc
good luck with whatever you choose, my lasting impression of the road king is i may never need to buy another bike. but i hope the driveway keeps multiplying bikes anyway...
it only took a trip around the block on a roadking and a heritage to sort out my choice. i wanted a crossbones and now im days away from plunking down on the rkc
good luck with whatever you choose, my lasting impression of the road king is i may never need to buy another bike. but i hope the driveway keeps multiplying bikes anyway...
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 171
Likes: 1
From: central Texas
I wanted a FB for twenty years, but when I tried one on, it didn't fit. And the Softtail Deluxe is gorgeous, but it didn't fit, either. So, when I tried the King, it fit (almost) juuuuuust right. And I liked the looks, too. I'm 6-1 and put some 'Heritage' bars on the King and I love it. Comfortable, looks good, versatile with/without the winshield, storage space. I still love the FB and the ST Deluxe, but the King is the right one for me. I average about 300 - 400 miles a week. Get what you want and ride!
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 474
Likes: 47
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Another vote for the King. Mine is a 2004 Road King Custom. I always like the clean look of the custom. Just a sleek looking ride that can take you any where you want to go. Leather and chrome always looks good together. As was said above, everything is detachable. I have the leather tour pak that I can put on if I need additional storage. Mine will get 48 mpg when I am out on the freeway and cruising. In town and back and forth to work I get around 44mpg.
Jim
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 493
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
I've had a Fat Boy and I loved it. I traded it in for a Street Glide because I wanted more comfort and storage. I would never go back... The Touring bike is so much more flexible and usable than a Fat Boy. That's my personal experience.
Theo.
09 SG
Theo.
09 SG
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 702
Likes: 1
From: U.S.S.A.
Two years ago, I went shopping for a RKC because I think it's the best look bike Harley makes, by far. I've never liked bikes with any type of fairing (bat-wing or sharknose). The functionality of the Ultra won me over though -- tons of storage for trips, snug little passenger seat, great tunes, etc. I learned to love it.
Of the three bikes on your short list, I'd vote for the Road King - hands down. Think about an Ultra though when you go for your test ride and good luck.
Of the three bikes on your short list, I'd vote for the Road King - hands down. Think about an Ultra though when you go for your test ride and good luck.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,555
Likes: 119
From: Brockport, NY
I started out with a Sporty. of course, I was broke at that time going through an ugly divorce. Nice training bike as I upgraded it towards to Mild Custom with 240 wide rear tire. Still have it for my bad/moody days.
2nd bike was Road King Classic cuz I truly loved the nostaglic looks especially the WWW's and leather saddlebags. Have the option to take off the windshield or not. Only thing I was disappointed was that it didn't have more storage to keep my ol' lady happy so I trade it on...
3rd bike currently an Ultra...Extremely pleased with the bike as a whole. Not regretting one a bit. Has everything I wanted especially all the unimaginable storage it provides.
For a guy your size...You'd want a Touring Bagger. 47 miles one way to work is alot of riding so you'd want comfort with all the storage you need. Cold Mornings, Hot Afternoon and Rainy Days can mess you up real good by carrying leather jacket, 2 set of helmets (half for nice days and full face for rainy days), raingear, sunscreen lotion, tools and other little things you could never think of, LOL.
My last famous words...Buy a Ultra and get it over with !.
Good Luck with your choice,
Thorey
Banned
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 771
Likes: 2
From: Hurricane,WV
I think by the time you put floor board extensions on the Road King, and get used to the high way bars, you will be evry comfortable. I noticed that you didn't put any negatives under the Fat Boy, but it does have some. That just tells me that you want the Fat Boy. You have to buy what you want. But, if I were using it as transportation to and from work, I would want to be comfotabe. Tha Road King is the choice for me.
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Joe Kucinski
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,389
Likes: 26
From: Windham,Maine
A Road King was the perfect machine for me to Hot Rod.Both of my machines were built over Maine winters,one with an Evo,the other a TwinCam.These bikes are considered Convertible Sleepers,with the bags and shield they look docile,without, they transform into street brawlers.It's like having a garage full of different rides.Good Luck
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 915
Likes: 2
From: nw alabama
ust get what you can afford and ride!!! the fatboy isnt really designed for 300 + payload... sporty is waay undersized for you .... touring bike will carry you ,wife and lots of extras just fine... plus you will be comfortable too