Touring Models Road King, Road King Custom, Road King Classic, Road Glide, Street Glide, Electra Glide, Electra Glide Classic, and Electra Glide Ultra Classic bikes.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Making a Road King look more Classic

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 28, 2014 | 09:44 PM
  #1  
Kristo's Avatar
Kristo
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver
Default Making a Road King look more Classic

The Road King I am considering buying this weekend is a black low mileage 06 with laced wheels.
I would like to give it more of a classic look and don't really care for the trim and light on the front fender.
Is the trim easily changed to the Classic type trim?
The tires are original so I will change them out also and probably add a solo seat.
I do like the hard bags
Hit me up with your suggestions.
 

Last edited by Kristo; Mar 28, 2014 at 11:25 PM. Reason: error
Reply
Old Mar 28, 2014 | 11:07 PM
  #2  
DannyZ71's Avatar
DannyZ71
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Default

I don't think you'll find anything more "classic" than that fender tip light. Been on there for decades.

In fact, I'm kind of disappointed the 2014 decided to eliminate that. But to answer your question; Yes, it can be changed easily.
 
Reply
Old Mar 29, 2014 | 12:02 AM
  #3  
mkguitar's Avatar
mkguitar
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
Default

Originally Posted by Kristo
The tires are original...
tires are generally considered to have a shelf life of 6 years, max.

a contributor to the crash which killed the fast and furious actor Paul Walker, was 9 year old tires...a type which should have been changed out at 4 years max.

they get hard and don't grip so well, so do that first.

Also, pull the seat and make sure the fender isn't damaged or scuffed up...if you want a solo, you gotta have a presentable fender

you have to define "Classic" for yourself.

here a pic of my original '53:




of note is that the "Classic" bikes- pre-80's, were/are much smaller than the current touring bike, above you may note that the V twin motor is the largest single component- the gas tanks are 14 litres total- so 1/2 the size of current tank.
the frame neck/ forks are different, wheelbase smaller, fenders smaller etc etc



mike
 

Last edited by mkguitar; Mar 29, 2014 at 12:37 AM.
Reply
Old Mar 29, 2014 | 12:09 AM
  #4  
Recycled's Avatar
Recycled
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 575
Likes: 4
From: SouthWestern Ontario
Default

If there are too many things you want to change on the bike you are considering maybe you would be better off waiting for one outfitted more to your liking. There are a lot of bikes for sale out there. Patience most always pay off.
 
Reply
Old Mar 29, 2014 | 12:19 AM
  #5  
Road Star's Avatar
Road Star
Seasoned HDF Member
Veteran: Marine Corps
10 Year Member
Liked
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 6,673
Likes: 502
From: Orange County
Default

Originally Posted by Recycled
If there are too many things you want to change on the bike you are considering maybe you would be better off waiting for one outfitted more to your liking. There are a lot of bikes for sale out there. Patience most always pay off.
Dude, nice bike!
 
Reply
Old Mar 29, 2014 | 12:22 AM
  #6  
Road Star's Avatar
Road Star
Seasoned HDF Member
Veteran: Marine Corps
10 Year Member
Liked
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 6,673
Likes: 502
From: Orange County
Default

I took the saddlebag rails off - looking for that sleek look.

Name:  20140223_152121_LLS_zps424dce61.jpg
Views: 776
Size:  178.2 KB
 
Reply
Old Mar 29, 2014 | 12:24 AM
  #7  
Road Star's Avatar
Road Star
Seasoned HDF Member
Veteran: Marine Corps
10 Year Member
Liked
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 6,673
Likes: 502
From: Orange County
Default

Originally Posted by mkguitar
tires are generally considered to have a shelf life of 6 years, max.

a contributor to the crash which killed the fast and furious actor Paul Walker, was 9 year old tires...a type which should have been changed out at 4 years max.

they get hard and don't grip so well, so do that first.

you have to define "Classic" for yourself.

here a pic of my original '53:




of note is that the "Classic" bikes- pre-80's, were/are much smaller than the current touring bike, above you may note that the V twin motor is the largest single component- the gas tanks are 14 litres total- so 1/2 the size of current tank.
the frame neck/ forks are different, wheelbase smaller, fenders smaller etc etc



mike
DUDE, how does that '53 ride?
 
Reply
Old Mar 29, 2014 | 12:28 AM
  #8  
mkguitar's Avatar
mkguitar
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
Default

Originally Posted by Road Star
DUDE, how does that '53 ride?
smooth,

the HydraGlide forks are pretty much the same as the forks now, rigid frame, the rear tire is usually run at about 30 psi.

the seat is mounted on a "pogo" stick. spring sets and pre-load is used to keep the pogo from either bottoming or topping out.

on a bike like this you can ride "on the edge" and often be under the legal limit

mike
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-5

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Mar 29, 2014 | 01:55 AM
  #9  
Kristo's Avatar
Kristo
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver
Default

Originally Posted by DannyZ71
I don't think you'll find anything more "classic" than that fender tip light. Been on there for decades.

In fact, I'm kind of disappointed the 2014 decided to eliminate that. But to answer your question; Yes, it can be changed easily.
I'll give it a little time before makin any decisions on makin too many changes
 
Reply
Old Mar 29, 2014 | 02:05 AM
  #10  
Kristo's Avatar
Kristo
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver
Default

Originally Posted by mkguitar
tires are generally considered to have a shelf life of 6 years, max.

a contributor to the crash which killed the fast and furious actor Paul Walker, was 9 year old tires...a type which should have been changed out at 4 years



mike
nice 53....
Yes".....Tires first I don't want to be riding on rotton rubber
Good thought about pullin the seat
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:11 PM.

story-0
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom

Slideshow: Killer Custom's latest build relies on styling changes rather than performance upgrades, giving the cruiser an entirely different personality.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 18:28:05


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

Slideshow: From military-inspired singles to scooters and three-wheel utility vehicles, these Harleys took the company far outside its comfort zone.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-02 18:34:10


VIEW MORE
story-2
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-4
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-6
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-7
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-8
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-9
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE