Thinking about first RK, advice..
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 55
Likes: 1
From: Mechanicsville, Virginia
I'd bite the bullet and get abs like many others have stated...can't install afterwards plus u never know when u need it. That's the one option I wish I had on my 2010 RK. I hear the 14's have more comfortable handlebars too. Good luck.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 37
Likes: 5
From: Texas
Can't speak to the ABS as my RK doesn't have it, but the bike definitely lives up to its name. Everything you need in a touring bike. (May not be everything you want, but that's why they have Street Glides and Electra Glides - everything you need plus the extra touring goodies for those that want a little more )
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 538
Likes: 15
From: Eastern MA
Thanks everyone for the seemingly unanimous opinion.
One last question, I hated the OEM grips on the Dyna and replaced them with Kuryakn ISO grips. Install involved reconnecting the little ferrule on the cable, which I lost during that job. It appears the new RKs have a different arrangement for the throttle, is it an electronic throttle? I will be getting the service manual of course.
Once again, thanks for the unanimous opinion. That never happens when someone asks about oil, eh?
Bob
One last question, I hated the OEM grips on the Dyna and replaced them with Kuryakn ISO grips. Install involved reconnecting the little ferrule on the cable, which I lost during that job. It appears the new RKs have a different arrangement for the throttle, is it an electronic throttle? I will be getting the service manual of course.
Once again, thanks for the unanimous opinion. That never happens when someone asks about oil, eh?
Bob
Road Captain
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 528
Likes: 0
From: Bel Air, MD
Oil...... yea I use oil!
Just another plug for the ABS and cruise and security. The reason I like security is you can park the bike and walk away without anyone being able to start it. Without the security you have to take your key out of your pocket and lock the ignition every time you walk away otherwise anyone could start it up and ride.
Cruise control is a life saver on the highway, much better then the old throttle stop. Set it, lean back get comfy and ride. Nice to be able to bring either arm down and rest it on your leg for awhile, junior and the boys will like it too!!!!
ABS I've never had to use it so far but we all know how it works on vehicles and has proven itself many times over, its a no brainer!
Throttle is internal wired thru the handlebar, yes electronic. When I changed my bars to larger diameter all internal wires I added a set of Performance Machine grips and have been very happy with them.
Just another plug for the ABS and cruise and security. The reason I like security is you can park the bike and walk away without anyone being able to start it. Without the security you have to take your key out of your pocket and lock the ignition every time you walk away otherwise anyone could start it up and ride.
Cruise control is a life saver on the highway, much better then the old throttle stop. Set it, lean back get comfy and ride. Nice to be able to bring either arm down and rest it on your leg for awhile, junior and the boys will like it too!!!!
ABS I've never had to use it so far but we all know how it works on vehicles and has proven itself many times over, its a no brainer!
Throttle is internal wired thru the handlebar, yes electronic. When I changed my bars to larger diameter all internal wires I added a set of Performance Machine grips and have been very happy with them.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 908
Likes: 96
From: Red Deer, AB
Mine's an 07 RK. I ordered it with Security and Cruise. No ABS available back then. Awesome bike. I have buddies with Ultras and S/G's. We switch back and forth and the consensus is mine is an easier bike to ride. 09's and up are even better. I've tested the ABS systems and they work very well. I'm in the middle of installing an aftermarket fairing for long trips when I want to try tunes. Most days I have no windshield on around town.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 321
Likes: 1
From: St. Louis Mo
I bought a 2012 RK a few years ago and they really feel solid , Handle well and get the mpg you'd want on the highway as well as around town.
They offer the wind protection you need on the road if you're going a long way and will eat up miles as well as anything out there with the added bonus of bring some gear with you in the bags.
No stereo etc. but just looked like I wanted my motorcycle to look. That's a big plus. I found myself not using all the goodies on any other bikes I had radios and more gauges etc. so the Road King was a good way to go for me.
They offer the wind protection you need on the road if you're going a long way and will eat up miles as well as anything out there with the added bonus of bring some gear with you in the bags.
No stereo etc. but just looked like I wanted my motorcycle to look. That's a big plus. I found myself not using all the goodies on any other bikes I had radios and more gauges etc. so the Road King was a good way to go for me.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,286
Likes: 3,429
From: Idaho Panhandle
Went with a '10 Road King because of the ABS. If you never use it, you don't need it, but you only have to use it once and it will pay for itself a 100 times over.
I did not think I needed it either until I test rode one and got on the brakes hard at 45 to see how easy it was to stop. Since the Road King is a Touring Bike, cutting 20-30 feet off your quick stop distance can make a big difference. ABS is standard on cars and is probably a more important option on 2 wheels.
I did not think I needed it either until I test rode one and got on the brakes hard at 45 to see how easy it was to stop. Since the Road King is a Touring Bike, cutting 20-30 feet off your quick stop distance can make a big difference. ABS is standard on cars and is probably a more important option on 2 wheels.
Novice
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Western PA
ABS King
My '02 BMW GS came with non-linked ABS. It save me from collisions at least twice.
I would not own a street bike without it. When I heard H-D had installed ABS on some of their bikes I started learning more about them.
I narrowed it down to a 2009 Road King Classic with ABS and couldn't be happier.
I would not own a street bike without it. When I heard H-D had installed ABS on some of their bikes I started learning more about them.
I narrowed it down to a 2009 Road King Classic with ABS and couldn't be happier.