I am going to buying my first bike, and first Harley in Aug. when i return home to the states. I have ridden quite a bit, so no worries. I am looking at the Road King. I plan on going to rent one first, maybe also rent a Heritage. Anyhow, what's everyone's opinions on the different Road Kings? I like the look of the classic the best. Are the bags leather, or leather with hard bag inserts? How are they to maintain? Do some of you prefer the hard bags of the standard, and if so, why? What differences does the custom have to the classic and standard? Basically what is everyone's preference, and why? Oh, BTW, i am most likely going to buy used, probably 04'-07' Thanks



Ok, so this is an addition after the first 32 replies. Thanks for all the input. I am now as confused as ever. haha Not really though. First I plan on going and renting a newer Road King when i get home. Then i may see if they have any pre-09 models in the dealership. I am really curious to see how much difference there is in them. I got a quote while over seas here on a 2012 RKC for just a hair over $20K. I guess that's not bad, but i didn't think that it is all that great of a deal. Not to mention the fact that i really can't afford or justify 20 G's on a bike i am going to ride 5, 6 months out of the year. That's all our riding season consists of here in PA. I would really like to stay around $13K at most.
I love the look of the classic. I don't like the idea of tubed tires. Why do they do that? Also, and some of you may say i am crazy, but i live on a dirt road. Am i asking for a nightmare if i buy a classic? Whitewalls, and spokes? I really am not crazy about mags. I love the look of the classic with spokes, whitewalls, and leather. I guess no matter what i buy, unless i putt putt down the road at 3 mph, i am going to be doing a lot of cleaning. What can you do, such is the sacrafice made to live a nice quiet, remote dirt road. I have given up on having clean vehicles. If it ever gets paved, i am sure some idiots will do 50 mph down it! Anyhow, i am sure i will know when i find the right one. I have been waiting many years to have my own ride! Thanks for the opinions.

 

if something changes and you can swing it get a (new) Road King Classic

 

I am partial to the RKC, love the nostalgic look and the ease of converting from geezer glider to more of a sporting look without the shield, backrest and luggage rack. The bags are hard inner box wrapped in leather outer. Maintance is a snap, just treat them once in a while with a leather conditioner. Lot of changes you can do with the RKC with different upgrades, not to mention the comfortable ride the bike gives. jmo

 

I had an 09 Road King Classic and it was unbelievable. The looks are what a Harley is supposed to look like, at least to me.

 

+1 on the new thing, or at least get into the 09 and up because of the frame change.

 

Yes the bags are rigid and leather wrapped. They are pretty weather proof. I've been in several rain storms and the bike has sat in the rain overnight before with nothing getting wet. They don't lock like the standard bags.

The classic came standard with cruise control which I liked. Wide white walls and spokes on the classic, typically black wall/wagon wheels on the standard, black wall/mag wheels on the custom. I think '06 was the last year for the custom.

I'd probably shy away from an '05 model unless the valve guide seals have been replaced. Known for leaks and oil consumption. Relatively easy fix but why deal with it if you don't have to. Really can't go wrong with any of those choices. They are all great bikes.

 

Differrences: Classic has leather bags, spoke wheels and cruise control.
Leather bags for me was easier to take car of and held a lot more stuff than my hard bags. But spoke wheels are harder to clean.

I think choosing between the depends on the style of bags that you like. The other difference are small and easy to change.

Beary

 

They're all cool. I think I like all three about equally. The RK Custom is an inch lower, which means less shock travel, less smooth ride, cooler stance maybe. You can add the two passing lights to it, if you really like that, for $350 or so.

 

I love the look of the Road King Custom, but after 2007 there are no more available from HD.

The Road King rocks!!

 

+1 on the RK Custom. '07 is the last year for that model (and only year with the 96 and 6 speed). It is lowered 1" from the factory like the Street Glide. No complaints here on the ride--the Mrs. loves it as well. 20,000 trouble-free miles so far. My second choice would be the Classic. If you can swing it, a new one with the 103" power pack would be sweet.