RK vibration...and questions
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 241
From: Highlands, NJ
I can't speak as to an 05 RK but I can tell you this. I was a big fan of Softails, I had two Heritages, a 2000, the first year they did the counterbalanced enging and a 2009. I just traded the Heritage for a 2011 RK. I got my first ride on it last weekend and the differences between the 2 bikes was night and day. Yes, the RK shakes a bit more at idle because the softail is counter balanced where the RK is rubber mounted. All that dissapears at about 2000 RPM and the RK is as smooth as a sewing maching. Plus, I like the little bit of shake at a stop light. It reminds you you are riding a big american made V twin. At highway speeds the RK is simply fantastic. I also think the lower speed handling is better with the RK. I assume it is a combination of different rake and trail and the different frame.
To each his own, but for me the RK is head and shoulders more fun to ride. Like I said earlier, this is coming from a guy who thought only Heritages (which is very similiar to the FB) was the way to go.
To each his own, but for me the RK is head and shoulders more fun to ride. Like I said earlier, this is coming from a guy who thought only Heritages (which is very similiar to the FB) was the way to go.
First thing I noticed when I got on the RK was the "Shake". After getting it up to speed, I couldn't get the smile off my face. Other than the shake at idle, it is far superior in handling and ride comfort, than my Fatboy was.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 173
Likes: 6
Have a CVO Springer and a 2011 Deluxe (103) in the garage, but my Road King Police (103) is my favorite Harley. Yes, the bike shakes at idle. But in 40-plus years of riding, I've never thrown a leg over a bike so smooth once you start to move. It defines comfort, will run all day at 75-80 (though it goes faster) and doubles as a cool retro cruiser with the shield off.
I've ridden 1995 and early 2000 RK's and they seem to vibrate/buzz at speed, too. I highly recommend a 2009 or newer RK (if you can afford it) due to the new frame and other improvements.
About a month ago, I was seriously interested in a CVO fatboy. Test rode it a couple times. Ultimately, passed on the bike. RK rides way nicer under all conditions than the softtails - in my experience. But each bike offers a different attitude and is fun in its own right.
Hope this helped
I've ridden 1995 and early 2000 RK's and they seem to vibrate/buzz at speed, too. I highly recommend a 2009 or newer RK (if you can afford it) due to the new frame and other improvements.
About a month ago, I was seriously interested in a CVO fatboy. Test rode it a couple times. Ultimately, passed on the bike. RK rides way nicer under all conditions than the softtails - in my experience. But each bike offers a different attitude and is fun in its own right.
Hope this helped
Last edited by Fuji; Feb 18, 2011 at 11:40 AM.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Fuji, FDHog, Idaho...thank you for your thoughts. I am really wanting to nail this purchase as my wife would like me to stop buying and selling bikes every year or two.....
I like the shake at idle - has lots of character and is unique. I am glad to hear the RK is smooth at speed, I'm not surprised as who would/could ride it if it shook at 3000rpm. I like the shake of my Nightster too but wouldn't want to ride it all day.
Thanks for your help gang...I'll keep you posted.
I like the shake at idle - has lots of character and is unique. I am glad to hear the RK is smooth at speed, I'm not surprised as who would/could ride it if it shook at 3000rpm. I like the shake of my Nightster too but wouldn't want to ride it all day.
Thanks for your help gang...I'll keep you posted.
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