Thinking about buying a RK Classic...
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 34
Likes: 1
From:
Like you, I sat on several bikes when I was searching for my first bike. For me, the RK Custom was the perfect fit (I'm 6'2", 250#). I bought it brand new in '07 and haven't looked back.
I wouldn't waste the time or money on a lesser bike, expecting to drop it. Take the MSF course, then take your time on the bike and get used to it. After a day or so, you'll feel comfortable operating it, about a week or two to get used to traffic and the cagers.
BTW, this is my first motorcycle of any kind, and I haven't dropped it yet, even when I hit a deer, going 65 mph on the highway, with the OL on the back.
Bottom line, get what you want, and what feels right. You only live once.
I wouldn't waste the time or money on a lesser bike, expecting to drop it. Take the MSF course, then take your time on the bike and get used to it. After a day or so, you'll feel comfortable operating it, about a week or two to get used to traffic and the cagers.
BTW, this is my first motorcycle of any kind, and I haven't dropped it yet, even when I hit a deer, going 65 mph on the highway, with the OL on the back.
Bottom line, get what you want, and what feels right. You only live once.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
6' 2" 220
I had a night train before this and IMHO it handles night and day better than the softail did. Loaded it up and put over 4K on it going to Sturgis this year. Got home stripped it down and ride the **** out of it locally.
Perfect bike for me.
I had a night train before this and IMHO it handles night and day better than the softail did. Loaded it up and put over 4K on it going to Sturgis this year. Got home stripped it down and ride the **** out of it locally.
Perfect bike for me.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 362
Likes: 76
From: Minnesota
Pretty comfortable on the longer rides?
What's the word on a Road King among other motorcyclists? I'm 22 years old and the first thing I hear when the word "touring bike" is "old man bike"
Don't want to be 22 years old and be riding an "old man's bike"!
Last edited by DC4MVP; Aug 30, 2011 at 03:21 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 702
Likes: 16
From: Zebulon, NC
If you get a smaller bike from the get go.....in less than six months you will be kicking yourself for not getting the King. Then you will be stuck trying to get rid of it.
If you have ridden alot.....getting used to the RKC will be easy. Just take the first few months slow....
If you are not sure....rent one for a day.
If you have ridden alot.....getting used to the RKC will be easy. Just take the first few months slow....
If you are not sure....rent one for a day.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Well I think getting a Honda is good advise, but I didn't do that.
Like you I have a lot of dirt bike experience, so I wasn't sure a big bike was a fit. But I wanted a Harley and found me a used RKC for a good price. I spent a lot of time the first two weeks in the parking lot practicing those skills they showed us at the Motorcycle Training Course and then getting use to highway by riding them during times with the least traffic. Yes, I did drop my bike a few times, mostly because I was practicing full lock turns that most experienced riders can't do, but only the engine guard showed the scar.
I might suggest that you consider a used RK beater bike first if you must have the Harley, that is what I did. Truth is I babied that bike, cleaned, waxed and changed the oils a lot. And I got $1500 more for it two years and 15000 miles later. So, I call it a beater bike, but really it was a better bike when I sold it than when I bought it. And like me, you may find that you like the fairing after all and deside a SG or Ultra should be your first new bike.
One last thought, I've rode a few Hondas and other brands and I presonally don't think they are easier to ride. They are faster and quicker off the line, so its not about power or speed because Harley lacks in both those departments. Those other bikes just don't seem as easy to turn or handle as well on the road. My son has a Honda 1100 and he hates to ride my SG because it reminds him how bad his bike rides when he gets back on it. Those other bikes are good bikes, but Harley touring bikes are great bikes.
Beary
Like you I have a lot of dirt bike experience, so I wasn't sure a big bike was a fit. But I wanted a Harley and found me a used RKC for a good price. I spent a lot of time the first two weeks in the parking lot practicing those skills they showed us at the Motorcycle Training Course and then getting use to highway by riding them during times with the least traffic. Yes, I did drop my bike a few times, mostly because I was practicing full lock turns that most experienced riders can't do, but only the engine guard showed the scar.
I might suggest that you consider a used RK beater bike first if you must have the Harley, that is what I did. Truth is I babied that bike, cleaned, waxed and changed the oils a lot. And I got $1500 more for it two years and 15000 miles later. So, I call it a beater bike, but really it was a better bike when I sold it than when I bought it. And like me, you may find that you like the fairing after all and deside a SG or Ultra should be your first new bike.
One last thought, I've rode a few Hondas and other brands and I presonally don't think they are easier to ride. They are faster and quicker off the line, so its not about power or speed because Harley lacks in both those departments. Those other bikes just don't seem as easy to turn or handle as well on the road. My son has a Honda 1100 and he hates to ride my SG because it reminds him how bad his bike rides when he gets back on it. Those other bikes are good bikes, but Harley touring bikes are great bikes.
Beary
Last edited by beary; Aug 30, 2011 at 09:20 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,611
Likes: 104
From: Southern Colorado
My RKC was my first bike after over 30 years of not having one. I got a lot of great advice from some of the earlier members of this forum. Here are the two best ones ever received: 1) Take the basic riders safety course (best $200 I ever spent on myself) and, 2) Buy the Road King (can't be happier).
I'm about the same size as you are and the RKC is an excellent first bike for someone with your size and skill level. I disagree about buying a small bike....just take the class and take it easy.
Good luck and don't forget to post pictures.
I'm about the same size as you are and the RKC is an excellent first bike for someone with your size and skill level. I disagree about buying a small bike....just take the class and take it easy.
Good luck and don't forget to post pictures.
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 418
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Did you check out the Switchback? Might be a good compromise for you - looks similar to an RK but the saddlebags can be removed without degrading the looks of the bike. Comes with a 103 stock.
Not much chance you will find a used one though.
Not much chance you will find a used one though.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 439
Likes: 1
From: Orange Co, California
It looks horrible without the bags though. All the mounting brackets and hardware stick out. If you want to ride without saddlebags, you'd need to remove all of that stuff and then you'd still have the air shock system in full view. Bleh.
I can tell it feels a bit different with the touring pak on it. Adds about 10-15lbs up really high.