thinking new road king
I will watch this thread closely. I have my heart set on a 2011 RK as well. This will be my 2nd bike and I plan on doing all kindsa stuff to it. Tastefully.
I also agree that the current stock bars are uncomfortable, question I have, why the heritage bars? What do you suggest if one wants more pull back, I am considering beach bars, I found these Wild 1 Chubby's anyone have these?
My apologies to GPHDXLC, not trying to highjack your thread.
I also agree that the current stock bars are uncomfortable, question I have, why the heritage bars? What do you suggest if one wants more pull back, I am considering beach bars, I found these Wild 1 Chubby's anyone have these?
My apologies to GPHDXLC, not trying to highjack your thread.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 241
From: Highlands, NJ
My answer was short before because there is no comparison between a Dyna and a Road King.
The ride is absolutely the best ride I've had in 38 yrs of riding.
Comfort is great...the 2011 handlebars and seat are fine
Handling...I can make tighter turns than I did on my Fatboy and zip through traffic better.
My bike vibrated quite a bit after I changed the pipes and slipons, but after I got it tuned, it's as smooth as an unbalanced Harley motor can get.
As you can tell, I'm very happy with my choice. I went for the Classic instead of the Std solely for the Power Pak option. Not a big fan of spoke wheels, but changing over to Std RK wheels (thank you Santa) is a lot cheaper than upgrading to a 103", Cruise, ABS, and Sec Sys.
The ride is absolutely the best ride I've had in 38 yrs of riding.
Comfort is great...the 2011 handlebars and seat are fine
Handling...I can make tighter turns than I did on my Fatboy and zip through traffic better.
My bike vibrated quite a bit after I changed the pipes and slipons, but after I got it tuned, it's as smooth as an unbalanced Harley motor can get.
As you can tell, I'm very happy with my choice. I went for the Classic instead of the Std solely for the Power Pak option. Not a big fan of spoke wheels, but changing over to Std RK wheels (thank you Santa) is a lot cheaper than upgrading to a 103", Cruise, ABS, and Sec Sys.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 33
From: Illinois
I've had 4 Road Kings as well as 7 Softails. You are on the right track. The Road Kings are excellent. Great comfort and handling. Starting in 2010, they have a catalytic converter in the headpipe, so get a good, true dual exhaust and eliminate it. I've always had to change my Road King handlebars to suit me, but it's a small price to pay for the ride of the King.
I'm building a new Black one right now for myself, as I just sold my Smokey Gold '04 in my sig. Check it out-
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/gener...-the-king.html
I'm building a new Black one right now for myself, as I just sold my Smokey Gold '04 in my sig. Check it out-
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/gener...-the-king.html
Last edited by TW; Dec 4, 2010 at 09:42 AM.
Thread Starter
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,599
Likes: 421
From: Lansing mi
Thanks guys.
Today My Dealer said they have a 11 RK coming in this Tuesday but it has cruise control and that added with tax just over $300 to the price. I told him I have always wanted cruise and I would have bought it in time anyway. He is going to have it prepped as soon as it gets there so I can test ride it, if I like it I will buy it on the spot. So if nothing goes wrong I will own a new Harley buy the end of this coming week.
As for handling if it's like my friends 09 RG I will be happy. One thing that bugs me is when I'm on a RG I seem to get my feet on the ground easier then when I'm on a RK. I see in the book the seat is higher from the ground on the RK and that is a concern because I'm not that tall. At this point I have not 100% ruled out a V-Rod Muscle, I might test drive one of them too and it's about $1800 cheaper, but I would have to buy bags and a shield plus different handlebars, and I'm told they are harder to deal with, so in the end no real big savings. But I got to say the Road King is my dream bike.
Today My Dealer said they have a 11 RK coming in this Tuesday but it has cruise control and that added with tax just over $300 to the price. I told him I have always wanted cruise and I would have bought it in time anyway. He is going to have it prepped as soon as it gets there so I can test ride it, if I like it I will buy it on the spot. So if nothing goes wrong I will own a new Harley buy the end of this coming week.
As for handling if it's like my friends 09 RG I will be happy. One thing that bugs me is when I'm on a RG I seem to get my feet on the ground easier then when I'm on a RK. I see in the book the seat is higher from the ground on the RK and that is a concern because I'm not that tall. At this point I have not 100% ruled out a V-Rod Muscle, I might test drive one of them too and it's about $1800 cheaper, but I would have to buy bags and a shield plus different handlebars, and I'm told they are harder to deal with, so in the end no real big savings. But I got to say the Road King is my dream bike.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 4
From: Fennario
Depends on what kind of riding you do. The RK and your friend's RG are different than the V-Rod. Just adding bags and a shield to a V-Rod will not make it a touring bike, if that's what you're after.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,344
Likes: 173
From: Watertown, CT
I kept my DYNA and bought a '10 king at my girls suggestion. She an I are happy with this decision. The King is everything the Dyna isn't. Ride and handeling is so much nicer. I did do a stage 1 with head pipes to get a little more power though. Glad you are looking at the '11 as you won't have the compensator problem. I changed mine out at 3k miles but was the only "flaw" the bike had.
Still like my Dyna for solo riding and feeling of the road and wind .
Still like my Dyna for solo riding and feeling of the road and wind .
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 472
Likes: 0
From: New Kensington, PA
A Road King is an excellent bike. They're very versatile, and you can strip them down for running around town, or deck them out for touring. Not everyone wants or needs a street glide, although you really should ride the fairing bikes, too, before you make up your mind. It's an expensive purchase, and you don't want to be 4 months into it, and start thinking you bought the wrong bike.
You will feel the extra weight. I think the touring bikes should all get the 103 as standard equipment. Then it's just a matter of doing the stage I upgrades and swapping in some decent cams and you've got a good running scoot.
You will feel the extra weight. I think the touring bikes should all get the 103 as standard equipment. Then it's just a matter of doing the stage I upgrades and swapping in some decent cams and you've got a good running scoot.
Uh, someone correct me if I am wrong, BUT, Cruise on a RK 2011 is standard and should NOT add to the price of your bike!?