I've got myself a bit of dilemma. I've got a RKC that currently has a Mustang solo seat. It had the stock seat when I got the King. I really like this Harley and would love to keep it but due to a combat injury from Vietnam I'm still plagued with a couple of significant pains that keep me from riding very far if I can't get comfortable and in a particular position while sitting on the Road King. As most of you know with RK's the handlebars don't have enough reach for a few riders with short arms. I realize everyone is built differently but somehow I've got to figure out how to relieve some of this pain by doing something with success. I can't afford to buy several different set of handlebars to find the right one. I've already bought a new solo Mustang seat that didn't do the trick. If I could get 1-1/2" closer the handlebars by way of a different seat or different handle bars. What I do know is that the cost of having the handlebars changed plus the cost of the bars is a bit expensive for me. In 4 months that I've owned this bike, I have yet to find a Road King at a dealer with different handlebars or seat or the combination of both to sit on to find out what I should do.
So here's the question that I would appreciate some advice on. If I have to save some money for a while to afford it. Should I try an HD Reach seat that is suppose to move me forward 1-1/2" or have the handlebars changed to RK Highbar handlebars that is suppose to have 1-1/2" more reach. One thing I can tell you for sure, is the '03 Ultra Classic that some of you may have seen a picture of was without a doubt the most comfortable long distance ride I've ever experienced. And it had the stock seat and handlebars. The problem is, I don't know how to duplicate that onto my RKC. Right now, if I can do an hour ride at a time I consider that a long ride. I know this is another one of those lame question that next to impossible to answer for someone on the other end of the key board but any input would be appreciated.

 

You have an 07? Id get the bars. Of course I wouldnt get the HD brand bars. Probably kromeworks or Wild 1's.

 

Just asking, but can't you put pullback risers on a RK?

 

If you were an 1 1/2 forward on the seat would your legs and knees be comfortable still?
If so it would be easier to replace the seat then the bars.

 

I don't have any advice for you but I would like to thank you for your service to our country. I have nothing but respect for our veterans, especially the ones injured fighting for our freedom. If I lived near you I would gladly come help you put on your new bars to help save the cost of installation.

 

Bikes,
Thank you for your service to our country.
I had a 02 RK that I put the Heritage handlebars on. I believe they pulled the handlebars back about a 1". The benifit to the heritage handlebars the are fairly cheap and you do not have to change out any of your cables out for the swap. Please do a search for this on the forum, I cant remember the details, that was 8 yrs. ago. IMHO I would not go with the reach seat, it will make you fill like your sitting on top of the tank. Give that mustang seat a chance, I had the same seat, you'll be hard pressed to find another more comfortable. On long trips, I use a seat pad you get from walmarts automotive section ($17), it will fit perfect on your mustang seat, the pads very popular with GWers...

 

From experience, ok, been there and done that.

You can go up to 10" apes on your RKC without swapping cables and wires-all you do is bend the brake line a little and it will reach and still look good.

The nice thing about HD 10" apes is they only cost 50-60 bucks and you can roll them backwards or forwards to meet your reach requirements, plus they come in polished stainless which almost looks like show chrome.

If you deide to attempt different seating, I strongly suggest you look up C&C seats. C&C makes whatever seating style you want and will work with you to fit it perfectly-padding it and sculpting it exactly the way you need it at a very, very decent price...You can either send them your seat or they will provide a complete seat to your specs...Check them out....you might need to swap bars and change seats, so keep your options open.

Hey, I served 20 myself. I didn't get wounded, but I appreciated my brothers who did and what they suffered. Ride safe, bro.

 

I have a set of small apes off a Street Bob that you can have if they would work. I don't know enough about the RK to say yes or no on the fit. I placed a link for the ultimate solution at the bottom of this post but it's pricey. PM me your info if you want the small apes and I'll send them to you as a miniscule thanks for your service to our country. Somebody on here will surely live close enough to help you with the install.

http://www.helibars.com/proddetail.php?prod=HZ825

 

Harley does make a set of bars that have about 6 more inches of pullback than the stock bars. I had them on my 98 Ultra, and found them to be very comfortable on long rides. They were about $75 new. The stock risers can only be used, because of the riser cap that goes over the nacelle on the Road King. Hope that helps.

 

No help here, but you have my sincere thanks for your service to our country. I hope you find a solution soon.