Roadking Weight Question
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
RE: Roadking Weight Question
I went from riding a Kawasaki ZRX1200R, to my beautiful Road King. The transition took me about a week to feel comfortable enough to let my wife ride with me. My Kawasakit weighed a little over 400 pounds, so it was a big change to the 720 pound Road King. My first ride on a big Harley was the day I rode it home from the dealer, in the rain. The differences made me VERY nervous riding home. You'll adapt. Give it some time and take it easy until you become accustomed to it.
HF
HF
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,256
Likes: 5
From: Concord, CA
RE: Roadking Weight Question
The Road King will be easier to ride.
The Honda's have a much higher center of gravity and feel much heavier.
I have friends with both 1300's and 1800's. They feel much heavier to me than any HD I have ridden.
The heat is there. You can get rid of a lot of it by following the tips above, but it isn't water cooled and it will put out more heat than you are used to.
The Honda's have a much higher center of gravity and feel much heavier.
I have friends with both 1300's and 1800's. They feel much heavier to me than any HD I have ridden.
The heat is there. You can get rid of a lot of it by following the tips above, but it isn't water cooled and it will put out more heat than you are used to.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 7
From: Rochester N.Y.
RE: Roadking Weight Question
Sparky , I went from a 400 lb Buell XB12S to a EG Standard , which is around 750 lbs wet.
After you get going about 2 mph , you don't know how heavy these are any more.
The Harley is actually easier to maneuver slowly than the Buell was.
Very nice balance indeed.
My brother has a V Star 1100 and my EG handles better slowly than his bike also.
It's really just a "mind set" and a little technique.
I'm sure the Road King has a lower CG than the Electra Glide has , and would be even easier to handle.
The learning curve is very quick.
Good luck
Mick
After you get going about 2 mph , you don't know how heavy these are any more.
The Harley is actually easier to maneuver slowly than the Buell was.
Very nice balance indeed.
My brother has a V Star 1100 and my EG handles better slowly than his bike also.
It's really just a "mind set" and a little technique.
I'm sure the Road King has a lower CG than the Electra Glide has , and would be even easier to handle.
The learning curve is very quick.
Good luck
Mick
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,220
Likes: 2
From: iowa
RE: Roadking Weight Question
It sounds like you have the experience so like another said before rent one and ride it like you stole it. I don't mean wrecklessly, I mean ride it with the confidence your experience has earned you! You'll be fine and in no time you'll wonder why you ever wondered.
Semper Fi!
Semper Fi!
Cruiser
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Roadking Weight Question
I am new to riding and started out with a RK Classic. I have no problems riding and handling the bike at slow speed, I did take the MSF new rider course, I also purchased the "Ride Like Pro" video and I practice the technique a few times a month. As far as the heat follow bounty hunters recommendation's.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 52
From: South Jersey
RE: Roadking Weight Question
I went from a Yamaha VStar 1100 to my Street Glide. No problem with the additional weight. The best thing I liked with my transition was the fact that I actually felt like I was riding a SOLID machine compared to my Yamaha. You will see, the ride of the RK will be soooo much better than your Honda. You will be so amazed that you won't even be thinking of the additional weight. IMO it's a non-factor and a no-brainer. Go with the King, you won't regret it!
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Roadking Weight Question
I went from a BMW R1100RS to my RK (FLHPI), and found that the RK is MUCH easier to maneuver at low speeds. It's not as fast as the Beemer, for sure, but much more solid. I'm pretty short, and the only problem I have is backing up while in the saddle, going up an incline. Go for the RK and you will have ARRIVED.
Best of luck,
[IMG]local://upfiles/18753/0BD9E75C83F44EE4B4634F2C67BEEA38.jpg[/IMG]
Best of luck,
[IMG]local://upfiles/18753/0BD9E75C83F44EE4B4634F2C67BEEA38.jpg[/IMG]
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 121
Likes: 2
From: Atlantic City Area
RE: Roadking Weight Question
I went from a Yamaha VStar 650 up to the Road King Classic last year and have never looked back. I was concerned about the weight difference as well having never ridden anything larger than a 650 previously. I rented a Heritage Classic and a Road King Classic before I made my decision and was pleasantly suprised at how well both bikes handled, especially the RKC at low speeds. I had no trouble making the adjustment, but where I really began to feel comfortable with the RKC and the extra weight was at my State's ERC this past spring. Since you use your own bike at this course it was an excellent way to become more familiar and experienced on the RKC. I now throw this bike around like I used to throw my 650 around, in fact the RKC is even better at low speed handling than my 650. Buy the bike and take a course, you won't regret it.
