I currently ride a Honda VTX 1300 and as some of you know from my posts on here I am looking at trading for a RKC. So far all your input has been really helpful. I have another question. Some guys who have the bike that I ride now, and have test drove a Roadking, say the Roadking's weight made it difficult for them to maneuver at slow speeds. The dry weight of the bike I ride now is around 650 compared to the RKC at around 710 dry. I've been back into riding for 4 years now and between a 750 Honda and the VTX 1300 have logged over 50,000 miles. I'm wanting a Harley real bad and the RKC's looks is the look I really love. I figure there is going to be some getting used to with the heavier bike but don't want a bike that I can't handle. Some of you guy's or gal's (who progressed from a smaller cruiser up to the Roadking or other touring model) input would be greatly apprecitated. I'm not a rich man....this is a big purchase for me and want to make sure I get it right. I have ridden a Heritage with no problems and the specs on it say is weighs more than the RKC. The dealer I'm talking with says I can test drive one. But I'm sure one test ride won't tell me the whole story. Another issue my wife has is the heat that everyone is talking about that the touring models put out. On hot days her ankles will swell on the bike we ride now. Is the Roadking going to put out too much heat for her to handle back there?

 

Baggers are very well balanced (ride it)....dump the crossover pipe, add a dual exhaust system & PCIII to eliminate the stock, lean running, heat issue.

 

I ride a Road King Classic ... For me, slow speed maneuvering is not a problem ... but I do think that any bigger bike may be a bit harder, but it just takes getting use to ... getting the feel ... practice, practice, practice ...

About heat in the back for your passenger ... my wife and I ride in the desert, my wife never complains about her feet or ankles ...

Good luck to you on your decision ...

 

In Feb of 05 I went from a VStar 650 to the RK Classic. Well balanced bike. If you can handle the VTX you can handle the RKC.

If they were so hard to ride then some PD's wouldn't be riding them.

Rent to make sure but I would not hesitate to say you should have no problem handling the extra weight.

Primo

 

It will certainly be different, but you are experienced enough to make the adjustment. I went from a Fat Boy (625 lbs) to a Street Glde (700+). It took me a short time to adjust to the new bike. I think it was more to do with the seat position than the weight. The Fat Boy was much lower and gave me more of a sense of sitting "in" it, whereas with the SG (by comparison) I initially felt that I was sitting "on" it. I quickly adapted and love my SG.

Regardless, don't fret. You'll be fine. As someone else suggested, if you're not sure, rent one before buying.

 

Very true observation. I couldn't think of a better response.

 

Touring bikes are the easiest HD bikes to handle at low speeds due to the reverse triple tree fork design. You get zero flop at low speeds.

 

You ride these mototcycles not carry them around. No worries about the weight. Ride it.

GT

 

The weight is not a problem due to the low center of gravity and steering head configuration.

 

I went from a Honda ACE 1100 to a RK Custom. The RK sits much lower and is much better balanced. It weighs a lot more that is for sure but since it is much better balanced, I think it handles better at slow speeds plus the torque makes slow speed riding much easier. You will love the RK.