Before buying a RKC...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 9,384
Likes: 1,776
From: Central Texas
Grizzwold I also went from a dyna to a rkc.
Right off the bat, I had to go with the heritage
handle bars, and that cost around 50 bucks, you
dont have to change out the cables or brake line.
I have had my rkc for three years and I am just
now about to concider a new seat for two reasons
it is starting to get uncomfortable and it is ripping
Right off the bat, I had to go with the heritage
handle bars, and that cost around 50 bucks, you
dont have to change out the cables or brake line.
I have had my rkc for three years and I am just
now about to concider a new seat for two reasons
it is starting to get uncomfortable and it is ripping
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 929
Likes: 0
From:
I just went from a Dyna to my RK. I agree with you about the bars, seat, and general different feeling when sitting on the RK, but I bought it knowing that I would change the bars and seat. For now I'm going with the heritage style bars and an HD Badlander seat. Later I will have my stock seat modified my Mean City Cycles and I will also be putting on 16" apes.
The overall ride, handling, and comfort are still far superior to Dynas or Softails IMO.
The overall ride, handling, and comfort are still far superior to Dynas or Softails IMO.
Stage I
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
I hear you grizzwold - just traded my 08 SB dyna for 09 RK on the theory of 2 up and longer distance comfort - wasnt able to test ride before making the decision (a long story but a good trade in price), then when RK delivered the 1st 15 minutes on it were indeed a shock as all the negative issues that are often raised came out :
- seat issue : can be much improved (took a sundowner as it was available there and then), now feel a bit more in and lower, much better
- stock handlebars : way off from suiting me, hoping that new apes will bring back the old feeling
- engine heat : praying stage 1 will make it acceptable
- turbulance behind shield - cant go over 20 mph without discomfort - work in progress or its just off for good
- floorboards - loved my forwards, boards just too crampted for me (5'11)
So seemed to get all the bad points badly Day 1. However other than the above it is indeed the plush ride I wanted, the wife is happy, and I dont miss the dyna that much now.
- seat issue : can be much improved (took a sundowner as it was available there and then), now feel a bit more in and lower, much better
- stock handlebars : way off from suiting me, hoping that new apes will bring back the old feeling
- engine heat : praying stage 1 will make it acceptable
- turbulance behind shield - cant go over 20 mph without discomfort - work in progress or its just off for good
- floorboards - loved my forwards, boards just too crampted for me (5'11)
So seemed to get all the bad points badly Day 1. However other than the above it is indeed the plush ride I wanted, the wife is happy, and I dont miss the dyna that much now.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 511
Likes: 0
I have to agree and disagree a bit. You can put a new seat on or mod the stock seat but you can only go so low without changing shocks or such. Im around 5'11 to 6' and have tried the stock seat ( actually the lowest) A comfort stitch modified by mean city, and now have a mustang solo. The solo suits me best but is a little higher than stock. One thing to remember I think is the comfort level goes WAY up when you take off and put your feet on the boards. It always surprises me when I see someone shorter than me riding a RKC cause its at about my comfort limit for holding the bike stable at a stop with a passenger on the back. Just as you feel the high center of gravity alone its even more pronounced with a passenger ( only at a stop). This is just my opinion of course. If I was your height I would seriously be thinking of a lowering kit.
I loved the look and sound of the RKC, and went back many times and sat on it hoping it would fit better. the short story was I would have had to get a new seat, new handle bars in order to make it comfortable. plus buy a backrest for the wife, or a tour pack. I just couldn't see having to put all that on a brand new bike to make it confortable. If you want a good two up bike I would go with the Classic or the Ultra. In my mind, nothing beats the Ultra and my wife loves the back seat and all the goodies that come on it stock. I haven't had to change anything on it, other than adding some more bling, and that's just because I wanted to.
Exactly my reasoning. Went from an FXDC to an FLHTC and lovin' it
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: So Cal - Orange County
I agree, went from a Softail to a RKC & the ride & comfort was night & day. just paid off the bike & got a new seat as well. If your not ready for the bigger step to an Ultra, the Road King is your best bet. I hope to trade-up in a year or 2 myself.
I too came from a Dyna Fat Bob to the Road King. That was 5 weeks ago and I'm almost at 7000 kilometers. Changed the bars and seat and never looked back. Poor FB is just collecting dust in the garage.
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 898
Likes: 66
From: Slidell, Louisiana
I have to agree, the RKC is a great bike. It is probably the best buy for the price. I noticed some dealers have come down on the price. The ride is very comfortable. I need to upgrade to the heritage bars. So the earlier posts from BIGGDAWG are well received.
The stock seat seems fine, but this is my first HD. The more veteran owners really know the difference.
Go to a bike night somewhere and see if you can do some comparisons and talk to the owners about the pros and cons.
Good luck. (PICS of my 07 are on the blog below.)
The stock seat seems fine, but this is my first HD. The more veteran owners really know the difference.
Go to a bike night somewhere and see if you can do some comparisons and talk to the owners about the pros and cons.
Good luck. (PICS of my 07 are on the blog below.)
Last edited by J2X; Sep 2, 2009 at 09:16 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 275
Likes: 4
From: MA
I am 5' 7" with a '98 RKC. I have installed 12" shocks, a MCC altered Sundowner and soon the Heritage-style bars. I feel much more comfortable solo and more secure with my SO on the back. I'm thinking of 11 1/2" shocks next. I have been looking at a new Heritage or Deluxe but the Wife really likes the comfort of the RKC and I like the engine better. I think fitting the RKC to "Me" gives me more of what I want in a bike such as the bags and the convertible nature. Maybe a SG fairing in the future? Who knows. YMMV. Good Luck with whatever you choose.