Do I really need to mod?
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,979
Likes: 2
From: Northern Colorado
So, let me explain. I am picking up a 2009 RKc with under 500 miles and it is pretty much brand new. It also completely stock. This is my dream bike and a serious upgrade from what I was riding - a 750 Shadow.
I get that many change out exhausts and cams and such like for more power and better sound....but, man, look at where I'm coming from here. I should be OK with power, ride, and sound.
However, are there necessary things that I NEED to do that would be better for my bike?
Thanks.
IMFletcher
I get that many change out exhausts and cams and such like for more power and better sound....but, man, look at where I'm coming from here. I should be OK with power, ride, and sound.
However, are there necessary things that I NEED to do that would be better for my bike?
Thanks.
IMFletcher
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,598
Likes: 14
From: navarre ohio
my 2001 electraglide standard is stock mechanicly..just cosmetic/comfort mods..do what you want..most of the problems people have with their bikes is caused by moding the engine looking for more power
changing the stock seat and lowereing the rear an inch is the best thing i ever did
changing the stock seat and lowereing the rear an inch is the best thing i ever did
Supporter
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,196
Likes: 10
From: Shenandoah, TX
My last bike, an 05 EGC. I did everything, chrome to the helt, 100hp 110 tq, 13" apes, different seat( I think 3 or 4), numerous pipes and muffers.
Now the 2010 EGC, changed the bars to 16" apes and the seat to a air ride cop seat with a back rest, and a pair of Samson slip-ons. Thats it, I'm done. Yea I know, thats what they all say. The older I get, the less I need the speed, but I still need to be comfy when riden.
Now the 2010 EGC, changed the bars to 16" apes and the seat to a air ride cop seat with a back rest, and a pair of Samson slip-ons. Thats it, I'm done. Yea I know, thats what they all say. The older I get, the less I need the speed, but I still need to be comfy when riden.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,022
Likes: 60
From: Greer, South Carolina
The cheapest thing to do is ride it the way it is and never ever come back to this website!! However, I'm sure when you're out riding you'll see or hear another RKC and you'll say, "man, I gotta have that" (piece of chrome, mufflers, or whatever). When that happens, then come back to this website, because it's a wealth of information.
The people here are intelligent, experienced and have a lot of really good information to share. Matter fact, I spend most of my bike money because I'm on this website all the time looking for information. However, I make good informed decisions because of the folks here.
I wish you best with your new Road King Classic. They are one beautiful bike.
The people here are intelligent, experienced and have a lot of really good information to share. Matter fact, I spend most of my bike money because I'm on this website all the time looking for information. However, I make good informed decisions because of the folks here.
I wish you best with your new Road King Classic. They are one beautiful bike.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 517
Likes: 0
This is what I did and will do.
Performance- Stage 1- slip ons, intake and PCV
Safety- Fog lights, run-stop-turn module, run-stop tri bar, air horn (soon)
Comfort- nostalgia grips, Airhawk (soon)
Accessories- 8" recurve Clearview windshield, 4 point mounting hardware, HDQR low chickee bar and pad, HDQR Stealth rack, (mostly for looks) Bag covers (Mustang)
Performance- Stage 1- slip ons, intake and PCV
Safety- Fog lights, run-stop-turn module, run-stop tri bar, air horn (soon)
Comfort- nostalgia grips, Airhawk (soon)
Accessories- 8" recurve Clearview windshield, 4 point mounting hardware, HDQR low chickee bar and pad, HDQR Stealth rack, (mostly for looks) Bag covers (Mustang)
Last edited by Willy G.; Feb 5, 2011 at 04:41 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56,052
Likes: 88,324
From: Western South Dakota
Congrats on the new bike!! Does it still have the new bike smell? I love that smell!! This is my first one too, and I love it too. However, I thought that the factory does not love it as much as I do as it run so terribly hot that I had to be proactive and attempt to alter those stock hot settings.
I put on a PC-V from Fuel Moto configured with and for the Rinehart slip-ons and the Arlen Ness Stage 1 AC. I think that heat is the enemy of air cooled motors and will inevitably due them harm. So any mods that I do is to increase the longevity of my beloved..
Whoops forgot the oil bud cooler too. That was pricey as well, but I figure this will be my last bike that I ever have soooo, gotta take care of it..and make it last..
I put on a PC-V from Fuel Moto configured with and for the Rinehart slip-ons and the Arlen Ness Stage 1 AC. I think that heat is the enemy of air cooled motors and will inevitably due them harm. So any mods that I do is to increase the longevity of my beloved..
Whoops forgot the oil bud cooler too. That was pricey as well, but I figure this will be my last bike that I ever have soooo, gotta take care of it..and make it last..
Last edited by lionsm13; Feb 5, 2011 at 05:00 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 8
From: Detroit, the asshole of America
Agreed with one add on..The Stage 1 download brings the air/fuel mixture closer to what the engineers wanted when they designed the motor. (EPA made them sell it leaned out.) Download it, change the air filter or exhausts (only if you want to,) and enjoy a slightly stronger, cooler running bike.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,011
Likes: 143
From: Albuquerque New Mexico
So, let me explain. I am picking up a 2009 RKc with under 500 miles and it is pretty much brand new. It also completely stock. This is my dream bike and a serious upgrade from what I was riding - a 750 Shadow.
I get that many change out exhausts and cams and such like for more power and better sound....but, man, look at where I'm coming from here. I should be OK with power, ride, and sound.
However, are there necessary things that I NEED to do that would be better for my bike?
Thanks.
IMFletcher
I get that many change out exhausts and cams and such like for more power and better sound....but, man, look at where I'm coming from here. I should be OK with power, ride, and sound.
However, are there necessary things that I NEED to do that would be better for my bike?
Thanks.
IMFletcher
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 8
From: Atlanta, GA
Ride in the warm weather. Mod in the cold. But to answer the OP's question, comfort items first. The rest of the madness comes later.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 875
Likes: 1
From: Rochester, NY
Nope nothing you will NEED to do and starting off enjoy the new ride... you will figure out what you WANT to do. We all do!