Hey all, I'm considering getting a Road King for my next ride and wanted to know; is there many here who went from a Sportster as a first bike, to a Touring model as their next/second bike. If so, how was the transition?

 

I went from my 92 Sporty to a 99 Road King. I felt much more comfortable on the King.
By the way my 99 Road King was the best Harley I ever owned. Thanks to a stupid and blind kid, she is in Harley Heaven since July 2011.

 

Had a XL1200C and was going to get a King (actually rented the King over a weekend and then tried an RG) a couple years ago. The King has a lower center of gravity and seems better at lower speed maneuvering. Weight difference was not an issue and you'll get use to it after a few rides.

I didn't get the King at the time as I had a screaming deal on a Softail Deluxe. Got it free for my birthday

Interested in a King again, and will reciprocate the surprise to my GF and get her and SGS on her BD when I get my King.

 

I've got both! Actually went to a Sporty after many years of big twins and still ride them both. The contrast is quite significant, as one seems big and relatively heavy when you first get on it, but if you then swap back to the Sporty that seems small and skinny! Be aware that many of us who bought stripped down Touring bikes, like the RK, soon realise they really want much of the extra 'stuff', like batwing and tourpak! So keep an open mind, but otherwise don't hesitate to do it.

 

I went from a 2011 883 Sporty to a Heritage and finally to a Road King. Best move I could have made IMHO. The Sportster was a great first Harley, but not the most comfortable for even moderate ride length. I ended up with a RK as I decided I wanted to tour, but honestly even for a day ride its really is great.....GL whatever you do.

 

I bought a '90 sporty after 10 years without a bike and loved it. Met my current wife who did not and put a down payment on a new 1994 RoadKing. I figured I'd ride the RK when she came along but the sporty when just me... the sporty was soon sold.

 

So you have no problems with a RK as an everyday rider?

 

I wish I could have both!
I do admit I like the looks of RGs but, I feel safer being able to see the road just in front of me. "I've experienced some nasty potholes here!"

 

When I was starting out, I went right to a tourer. I knew anything less would have been short lived and I would have lost money. There are some that may not be comfortable doing so, but it worked for me.

 

Ive also recently gone from a 95 sporty to a 2000 Ultra. Night and day difference in handling, especially for a big boy like me. The sporty was twitchier, and carried its weight up high, and didnt work well for 2up. The touring is pretty much a polar opposite, and instills confidence that it isnt going to do anything unexpected with either grooved pavement, wind blast, or just gettin squirrely.