I read many of the threads on the Touring forum regarding all the engine/pipe mods with great interest. I think it is perfectly cool to do all this, if that is what gives you a kick. There are so many threads about these kind of mods it almost seems like no one is leaving their bike stock.

So am I the only one that is happy as a clam with the engine setup as it comes from the Factory?

I have been riding for 40 years and have had many bikes, but this RK ranks right up there with the best. I have no plans to change a thing, enginewise, and almost nothing else otherwise.

I am very happy with the power of the stock 96 engine. It pulls like a freight train everywhere. 6th gear hammering up hills - plenty of power to spare. The fuel injection map seems to be spot on - driveability is excellent with no noticeable flat spots or hesitation anywhere. A very creditable job by the factory here, because not all new bikes of other manufactures are set up this well out of the chute

It sounds very good to me also. I would not want it any louder, especially on an all day ride. I sold my 2002 RK (awesome bike) to a friend at work before buying the 2011. I bought the 02 RK used and it came with V&H classic slip ons. Those V&H would wear down my eardrums after a couple of hundred miles. I am enjoying the quieter experience, but can still hear a nice rumble when out on the road, perfect!

I have ridden it in 95 degree heat and have not been bothered by engine heat either. You can tell there is an air cooled engine between your knees, but nothing objectionable while wearing a good pair of jeans.

Up until last year I always had a high performance sport bike, so I am no stranger to bikes with arm stretching power. Of course the RK is not anywhere near the screamer my CBR was, but it can still make me grin whenever I pull the go stick!

Anyone out there happy with their stock engine? Or am I the only oddball out there?

 

Except for some cosmetic / comfort changes, my 2009 RK is also stock.

I have about 17,000 miles on it now and it is solid as a rock - I have no plans to make any changes to the engine.

This motorcycle is a blast to ride as is: I say if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

right there with ya, only gripes with me are cosmetic thingys like the tapered pipe ends...hate them. the football, hate that. may add a tuner to get rid of the lean setting from the factory and cool her down alittle but thats it really. love the sound.

 

Have A 08UC, completely stock with 36K and I am happy with it.

 

My '09 RK is bone stock at 48,500 miles. Other than a 4-point docking kit and detachable H-D accessories for that it's all as I got it off the showroom floor. I even like the factory mufflers as I've had my fill of loud exhaust and actually enjoy being able to hear my iPod with earbuds and just a soft tone from the exhaust.

It's been a pleasure and a 100% reliable bike. I ride it all year around and it's my primary transportation. It's been San Diego to Illinois twice in the past 12 months and just runs like a champ.

With that said, I am in the process of making some minor changes however with the idea of cooling it down. I've not found it to FEEL overly hot to me while riding but the oil temp gauge I have is very accurate and I do want to cool it down a bit from the 250-260* temp ranges it runs in. A PC-V is the only thing I've done to it so far just to richen up the A/F mixture. I also have a set of V&H Power Dual exhausts that are in my garage waiting for the time to install (to get rid of the CAT Converter as Step #2 in my cooling quest).

I guess these planned changes amount to a Stage I upgrade, but my goal is not for power or sound it's for cooling. Otherwise the bike is wonderful as-is. I ride the hell out of my bike and it's never let me down even one time.

 

2010 Roadking with just a Mustang Seat, electric hookup for winter riding and Garmin GSP - otherwise perfect!

 

I was happy with mine stock...........but you will soon catch the sickness ! Good Luck on staying stock !

 

I agree... my bike is still all stock and just cannot find a reason to make any changes. Very happy!!!

 

Just hit 3000 miles on my '11 RKC!

The only change I have made is the H-D Wind Deflectors. They work very very well and I recommend them to you.

I came off a 2007 Gold Wing that was boringly perfect and I have never looked back. It was just a bike and my RKC is a real motorcycle!

My RKC will remain stock with the possible exception of a H-D Hammock Seat somewhere down the road.

D

 

As Doc Holiday said to Wyatt Earp in the movie Tombstone......Wyatt, you are an Oak !