Attention Road King owners.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,187
Likes: 11
From: Ladera Ranch, CA
I decided to go with the classic, that way I can add a faring if I desire. I toss the pillion and backrest on for her when we take off together and if its a road trip, I put on the rear rack and load up the TBagz, strap it on and we're set. I dig the cruise control too!! Makes it pretty nice to go on long trips. Good luck!!
Advanced
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: DFW, Texas
I went from a Deluxe to a RK. I traded mainly because my wife said she would never get on my Deluxe again after a 100 mile poker run one day. Then after I got the RK, I hated the way it felt. One thing you really have to think about is how tall you are. The stock RK is set up stock for big people. Your Deluxe is not like the other Softail models; it is already very low w/ pulled back handlebars. Going from a Deluxe to a stock RK, the seat and handlebars will put you several inches higher and the handlebars will stretch your upper body forward. If you are my height (5'9") you may have a lot of trouble handling in a parking lot or at low speeds, especially with a passenger, and the handlebars will cause extreme pain in your neck/ back after a few miles. Eventually, I modified my RK to more of a Street Glide type rear end, with a low profile seat and lowered rear shock, and Heritage style handlebars, which reach further back. Mods are relatively cheap, but something you should consider before making a decision. I love mine now.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 324
Likes: 3
From: Florence,Ky
I went from a Deluxe to a RK. I traded mainly because my wife said she would never get on my Deluxe again after a 100 mile poker run one day. Then after I got the RK, I hated the way it felt. One thing you really have to think about is how tall you are. The stock RK is set up stock for big people. Your Deluxe is not like the other Softail models; it is already very low w/ pulled back handlebars. Going from a Deluxe to a stock RK, the seat and handlebars will put you several inches higher and the handlebars will stretch your upper body forward. If you are my height (5'9") you may have a lot of trouble handling in a parking lot or at low speeds, especially with a passenger, and the handlebars will cause extreme pain in your neck/ back after a few miles. Eventually, I modified my RK to more of a Street Glide type rear end, with a low profile seat and lowered rear shock, and Heritage style handlebars, which reach further back. Mods are relatively cheap, but something you should consider before making a decision. I love mine now.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 324
Likes: 3
From: Florence,Ky
I went from a Deluxe to a RK. I traded mainly because my wife said she would never get on my Deluxe again after a 100 mile poker run one day. Then after I got the RK, I hated the way it felt. One thing you really have to think about is how tall you are. The stock RK is set up stock for big people. Your Deluxe is not like the other Softail models; it is already very low w/ pulled back handlebars. Going from a Deluxe to a stock RK, the seat and handlebars will put you several inches higher and the handlebars will stretch your upper body forward. If you are my height (5'9") you may have a lot of trouble handling in a parking lot or at low speeds, especially with a passenger, and the handlebars will cause extreme pain in your neck/ back after a few miles. Eventually, I modified my RK to more of a Street Glide type rear end, with a low profile seat and lowered rear shock, and Heritage style handlebars, which reach further back. Mods are relatively cheap, but something you should consider before making a decision. I love mine now.
Absolutely love my RK. No comparison for me. But that's me. She's a beautiful and comfy bike. My wife loves it too. She's comfortable riding all day with me.
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Info@LongRideShields.com
Sales and Marketing:
Sales@LongRideShields.com
Phone:
775.331.3789
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,465
Likes: 62
From: Port St. Lucie, FL
I have a '09 FXDC with a 103" Stage lll build with a Mustang Vintage seat as a 2nd bike to my former '06 Gold Wing Trike with all sorts of comfort, luxury and safety upgrades to the tune of $42K.
My wife didn't favor the FXDC, no matter what I did to it for comfort. A fellow rider wasn't happy with his '10 Road King that was heavily dealer customized. He offered a deal for my Gold Wing trike, trading his 5 month old RK plus $5K.
I wanted to go back to 2 wheel bagger. My wife wasn't happy with the trade. It's easier to get forgiveness than permission from her when it comes to trading away a Gold Wing that she loved. Anyway, I got her a Mustang Super Tourer seat along with Harley backrest and pad. Reinstalled passenger floorboards. She's now becoming more of a Harley girl than I expected. She's looking forward to our rides several times a week. Guess the vibes are reaching her just right.
For my comfort I added cruise control, replaced the tiny HD Sport wind shield with a stock one. New grips, highway pegs, Soos floorboard extenders, new speedo w/tac, RJS Heat Shields.
The ride is different than that of a Gold Wing 2 or 3 wheeler. It's actually a cooler ride for the most part. It's far more lighter than the Wing, easier to ride locally. Windshield is quickly removable once the flying insects go back under ground.
My FXDC is now on consignment at a local indy, the RK has spoiled me to the point a Dyna doesn't do it for me anymore.
I'm now addicted to my RK
My wife didn't favor the FXDC, no matter what I did to it for comfort. A fellow rider wasn't happy with his '10 Road King that was heavily dealer customized. He offered a deal for my Gold Wing trike, trading his 5 month old RK plus $5K.
I wanted to go back to 2 wheel bagger. My wife wasn't happy with the trade. It's easier to get forgiveness than permission from her when it comes to trading away a Gold Wing that she loved. Anyway, I got her a Mustang Super Tourer seat along with Harley backrest and pad. Reinstalled passenger floorboards. She's now becoming more of a Harley girl than I expected. She's looking forward to our rides several times a week. Guess the vibes are reaching her just right.
For my comfort I added cruise control, replaced the tiny HD Sport wind shield with a stock one. New grips, highway pegs, Soos floorboard extenders, new speedo w/tac, RJS Heat Shields.
The ride is different than that of a Gold Wing 2 or 3 wheeler. It's actually a cooler ride for the most part. It's far more lighter than the Wing, easier to ride locally. Windshield is quickly removable once the flying insects go back under ground.
My FXDC is now on consignment at a local indy, the RK has spoiled me to the point a Dyna doesn't do it for me anymore.
I'm now addicted to my RK
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Pompano Beach,, Fl.
in '07 I bought a Softail Classic (first year of 96" and six speed). I put about 9000 miles on it before I sold it. I was without a bike for 1.5 Years, and I just got 2011 RKC 103". When I went to the dealer I thought I was going to get a Roadglide but turns out my wife didn't think it looked cool enough...??? She liked our old bike, and walked over to the RKC and said she liked "this one". I did not think there would be that much difference between the two bikes either, but after a month and a half and nearly 3000 miles, the difference is NIGHT and DAY!!!!! I love this bike, it is made for the road, the ride is phenomenal, plenty of power and she (my wife) is comfortable too!! I am in the process of making it a little more travel friendly, I will be adding a removable aftermarket tourpack and Wild One 805 handlebars. I like the idea of being able to easily change the configuration of the RKC from stripped down cruiser to decked out tourer,depending on my need or mood. I may be slightly biased but I don't think you can go wrong with the KING!!!
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Wichita Kansas
The salesman said not much difference? I think he needs to get out of the showroom and ride a few bikes so he knows what he's talking about.I went from a softail to a RK and loved every mile from day one.Smooth as glass ride.Only thing I changed before I picked it up was I had Heratage bars put on for a more comfortable reach. Had the RK Classic for 5 years.Have since gone to a Ultra Classic but the RK is a great ride.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 19,980
Likes: 6,107
From: Florida
What is with all you people letting your wives dictate what kinda bike you're gonna buy? I just don't get today's "men".. Anyway, I own both--a Fatboy & a RoadKing classic. They are night & day. The Fatty is more Harley-ish, sounds better, and is more fun to ride. Smoother at idle, but vibrates when you carck it. The King is better for longer trips & highway riding. Get both.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,465
Likes: 62
From: Port St. Lucie, FL
In the end I decide what's purchased.