Road King Classic, Standard, or Custom?
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 261
Likes: 3
From: Marquette MI.
My first choice would be a custom for it's looks and the lower center of gravity. I really like the look of the classic but would not want to have to clean those wheels. I bought a standard because it was cheaper. Now I'm glad I have it because I'm a low maintenance type of person. I'd rather ride my bike than clean it. Try to get a bike with cruise on it, it's sweet.
As for looks, I think the Classic is King. But, there are a few things that led me to buy a "standard" '09 Road King. One of the main things was it was the only one available in my area at the time and the price was right. I also don't like spoke wheels (yes, they look nice, but so do other styles). I also don't like tube tires which is what you get on a Classic with spoke wheels.
My King has Heritage handle bars and was lowered about 1-1.5 inches (I haven't really measured the amount of lowering). I do like the locking bags, and the ease of cleaning this bike. Mine also has cruise control which is a necessity IMO. It is a pure pleasure to ride (with the exception of the stock seat which I haven't replaced yet). Road Kings are amazingly nimble motorcycles for their size. I also do like the way my Road King looks, plus it's painted in the fastest color.
You won't go wrong choosing any of the three styles of Kings, but as has been pointed out, the Custom is no longer in production. I also concur with the recommendation of getting an '09 or later model for the various changes and improvements available. Nothing wrong with an older model, but the new frame is really that good IMHO. My other suggestion is to get one sooner rather than later - you won't regret it.
My King has Heritage handle bars and was lowered about 1-1.5 inches (I haven't really measured the amount of lowering). I do like the locking bags, and the ease of cleaning this bike. Mine also has cruise control which is a necessity IMO. It is a pure pleasure to ride (with the exception of the stock seat which I haven't replaced yet). Road Kings are amazingly nimble motorcycles for their size. I also do like the way my Road King looks, plus it's painted in the fastest color.
You won't go wrong choosing any of the three styles of Kings, but as has been pointed out, the Custom is no longer in production. I also concur with the recommendation of getting an '09 or later model for the various changes and improvements available. Nothing wrong with an older model, but the new frame is really that good IMHO. My other suggestion is to get one sooner rather than later - you won't regret it.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 908
Likes: 96
From: Red Deer, AB
Looked at them all when I bought my 07. I sat too low on the custom. I'm 6' with a 35" inseam. Just wasn't comfortable. I do a lot of long distance trips and hate to have my riding day end because of a flat. You can fix a tubed tire roadside but it isn't fun and is time consuming. I can throw in a plug & air up. Good to go. Hence spoked wheels were out. I hate cleaning them anyway. I added bag guards to my hard bags & they have saved me countless dings wheeling in & out of the garage amongst kids bikes, hockey nets, etc., I also added cruise when I ordered it but it hasn't worked since day 1. Truthfully they are all great bikes. You will enjoy it whichever one you choose. Also 07 is the first year of the 6 spd in the Touring chassis. In O6 only Dyna's had 6 spds.
Rev
Rev
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,334
Likes: 17
From: Rosamond, Cali
Sticking with your plan for an 04-07, get a Progressive Touring Link, or a similar frame 'stiffener' and you'll greatly reduce, if not eliminate, the tendency of these models to 'rear steer', i.e., 'wobble' in turns.
As for the bags, I have an 04 custom, but I bought some hard bags for it. I like the looks of the hard bags, also they hold a little more. I got Police bags off eBay, $240 shipped. If all you do is paint them, around here that's another $600. If you do latches, too (get rid of the 'pucks' and put a keyed or push-button flush latch), you're looking at another $50 to 60 bucks.
As for model, the Classic has Cruise-Control standard. It'll cost at least $400 to add it. And if you're like me, you want it. I've got a Custom, but I added the bags and cruise.
The 05's had some issues with valve guide seals leaking. The valve springs are also 'beehive', first year for this. The headlight on the 05's is upgraded, too. The 06's had 'new/improved' heads... Your best bet is to plug in the various years on Yahoo/Google, or ever right here, and read up on the differences between the years.
Alan
As for the bags, I have an 04 custom, but I bought some hard bags for it. I like the looks of the hard bags, also they hold a little more. I got Police bags off eBay, $240 shipped. If all you do is paint them, around here that's another $600. If you do latches, too (get rid of the 'pucks' and put a keyed or push-button flush latch), you're looking at another $50 to 60 bucks.
As for model, the Classic has Cruise-Control standard. It'll cost at least $400 to add it. And if you're like me, you want it. I've got a Custom, but I added the bags and cruise.
The 05's had some issues with valve guide seals leaking. The valve springs are also 'beehive', first year for this. The headlight on the 05's is upgraded, too. The 06's had 'new/improved' heads... Your best bet is to plug in the various years on Yahoo/Google, or ever right here, and read up on the differences between the years.
Alan
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Mansfield TX
I have a 2006 Road King Custom and have been very happy with it. I've put about 8k miles a year on it in the 2 and a half years that I have owned it. I've never had a problem with it. I happen to like the 88 motor / 5spd combo. I think it has plenty of power and I can run 80 mph 2 up all day long. I dont think it runs quite as hot as my buddys 96 motor does. (?)
I have always felt the "less is more" approach is the better choice so the Custom was on my wish list for a long time before I found this one.
I have always felt the "less is more" approach is the better choice so the Custom was on my wish list for a long time before I found this one.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 620
Likes: 61
From: Castle Rock, CO
I liked the looks of the leather covered bags. But, I like the locks on the hard bags. I know you can add locks, but really didn't want to pay the extra $180 for the locks. (&240 for HD locks)
I also like the alloy wheels. I want to spend more time riding and less time washing, and spoked wheels are tough to keep clean.
I also like the alloy wheels. I want to spend more time riding and less time washing, and spoked wheels are tough to keep clean.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 539
Likes: 7
From: Indiana
We all went through this decision. For me, the standard with the lockable hard bags was the choice. I will give you that there is more nostalgia "cool" factor with a Classic. But, I liked the lockable hard bags. I also bicycle and know spokes can be a PITA, so I preferred the cast alloy wheels w/ tubeless tires. I tour so it seemed to reduce puncture risk to me. The downside was not having cruise control, but I considered it a good investment to add that, and did so.
Mine is an '05 and has no problem (yet?) with valve seals. It is tight as a drum and uses no oil. However, if I was in the market now and had the cash, I'd confine my search to the new frame. I rented out west last fall, and the new frame rides so much better than mine.
Best wishes to the OP for your decision. Be practical, but don't ignore what makes you smile.
Mine is an '05 and has no problem (yet?) with valve seals. It is tight as a drum and uses no oil. However, if I was in the market now and had the cash, I'd confine my search to the new frame. I rented out west last fall, and the new frame rides so much better than mine.
Best wishes to the OP for your decision. Be practical, but don't ignore what makes you smile.
Last edited by Captain Bligh; May 22, 2011 at 10:25 AM.
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