I recently bought an 09 RKC from a guy in Virginia Beach andi finally got the opportunity to put some miles on it. While 700 certainly isn't "Iron Butt" worthy; i got to ride in various conditions and with a group of 4 other guys. We had an awesome time; here is my bullet point review of the ride and of my completely stock bike.

Rode with 4 other guys:

1. 09 tricked out Goldwing - that baby can haul ***.
2. 09 chromed out Street Glide. Just wow. Rineharts sound great on that bike!
3. 06 Road King Custom with V&H Monster Ovals. Also pretty quick.
4. 11 Ultra Classic with a lot of performance upgrades.

All of the bikes had some work done to them to enhance their quickness, sound, and overall performance. I could tell as I often had to play catch up...I was too slow on the throttle, I guess. I also realized for the first time that I want to start modding my bike. While it's a major upgrade over my 750 Honda Shadow, the stock RKC has room for improvement. I want some more rumble and I want a little more quicks off the start. I'm not talking crotch rocket type of quicks; just a little more oomph. Someone told me the stock 96 would feel somewhat puny after I got used to it and, while I wouldn't go that far, I can see why many would feel that way.

The fifth gear whine was evident, but I used the search function and learned that was normal and what could be done to reduce the noise. Love the 6th gear.

Handles rain like a champ.

Rode on two lane roads, Blue Ridge Parkway, I-81, some winding West Virginia roads...went from Fredericksburg to Blacksburg. Hit a Biscuit World in WV (BTW - GREAT riding in WV...beautiful scenery) for breakfast.

Curvy roads are way fun and the bike handles beautifully on them.

Bike is filthy as we hit some rain, but oh well. I will just have to clean it...

That's all I can think of for now....

IMFletcher

2009 Road King Classic completely stock....for now...

If

 

Nice, ride that thing,,,don't let it be a garage queen!

 

Congrat on the "new" bike! 700 miles on the first ride is not bad at all.
You will have a different feeling while riding on a Harley now, regardless there are many foreign parts on it.
Road King is a nice bike.
Enjoy!

 

Great thread, and kudos to you on three points
1-Actually admitting a Goldwing looks nice (They kick ***, especially the 2012 1800)
2. Getting that thing out there and RIDE!
3. In spite of all the other bikes being quicker, you, being kinda new on that ride, stayed within your comfort level.

Enjoy the new (to you)ride, and be safe!