Going from FXWG to Road King
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Catskill Mtns
Going from FXWG to Road King
I am looking at upgrading from my old 85 Wide Glide witch is my first and only Harley. I have had it for 2 years and put about 10.000 miles on it. I find it just as easy and nimble as my old 850 Yamaha I rode for 10 years. I have been on motorcycles for over 25 years and never put one down. I have not yet gone to a dealer to test ride a Road King as I am not looking for a new one. I only want to go into debt for about 10 grand. I have had a few people who ride touring bikes tell me people who go from wide glides and sporty's to kings tend to lay them down. Is this something I should worry about or just BS? Most private sellers don't let you test ride. So I'm looking for opinions on that statement and year, and mileage in a Road King classic I should expect to get for 10 grand.
PS, I want to keep my FXWG!
PS, I want to keep my FXWG!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,008
Likes: 464
I have an 85 FXWG (since new) and a 2011 Street Glide (as well as a 05 AIH LSC). I don't think you would have any problem switching to the Road King. My Street Glide is slightly top heavy, compared to my other 2 bikes, but nothing that an experienced rider can't adjust to easily and quickly. The Road King is kind of in between an FX model and a real touring bike.
Adjusting to a rigid frame, 1o foot long, chopper with a 280 rear tire - now that's an adjustment.
Keep the FXWG as well.
Adjusting to a rigid frame, 1o foot long, chopper with a 280 rear tire - now that's an adjustment.
Keep the FXWG as well.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 915
Likes: 29
From: SE FL & Black Hills SD
You won't have any problem handling a King, in some ways it is easier actually. I think you'll be able to find one for $10 you like. I would look for a 09 to get the new chassis, and going older, I wouldn't spend that much without getting a 96"/6speed...
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,505
Likes: 56
From: Vancouver Island, British Columbia
I went from a '08 WG to a '11 RK. Huge difference in ride quality and I'm 6' so the leg room was compromised going to the RK because one of the main reasons buying the WG was the forward footpegs to help my bad knees. Very nice bikes, both of them, it's just one is a fun hay-wagon and the other is a great cruiser, (not quite a tourer).
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,260
Likes: 0
From: Flatwoods Kentucky
Do it! You won't regret it. I would look for at least a 2009 for the improvements!
I went from a 2007 Dyna Street Bob to my 2011 RK that was a new left over in August of 2011.
I love my King..
I went from a 2007 Dyna Street Bob to my 2011 RK that was a new left over in August of 2011.
I love my King..
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 529
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
I went from a Sporty to a RK with good results. I started with the RK in a church parking lot (figured my prayers would be heard quicker that way haha), then to neighborhood residential streets, then to city main streets, then to the highway. That program worked well for me. Good luck!
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: western mass.
Your best chance of laying it down is if you apply the front brake while the wheel is turned in any direction going into a turn during low speed stopping . Always insure you are pointed straight apply the rear brake first then when you are ready to put your feet down apply the front.
Practice low speed manuvering in a parking lot till you feel comfortable.
You will love the touring bike.
Practice low speed manuvering in a parking lot till you feel comfortable.
You will love the touring bike.