RK Custom vs Standard...ride difference?
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 517
Likes: 0
From: Nebraska
RE: RK Custom vs Standard...ride difference?
I told you it was "smooth". I must have said that to myself a dozen times the first time I drove my RK Custom. Even my Softail Classic puts the Sporty to shame. Man, I hate bad-mouthing my old Sportster like that....I am sorry baby, I miss you too.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
RE: RK Custom vs Standard...ride difference?
I have an SG, which has the same suspension as the RK Custom, and its ride is firmer than a standard RK or Dresser. The difference is the 12" vs. 13" shocks and the valving required to control the shorter suspension travel. I may move to Progressive or Works shocks to replace these, as this bike's ride is marginal, though I wouldn't describe it as "harsh," just "firm." I do some touring, about two long trips per year, and put 106k on my old RK in nine years. It's ride was better than the new SG and I'd like to get up to that level again, as hour upon hour on substandard roads will get to my butt and back. Basically, the low-profile shocks are a styling exercise, and you'll have to decide if that is more important to you than a slightly smoother ride.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 715
Likes: 0
RE: RK Custom vs Standard...ride difference?
I may move to Progressive or Works shocks to replace these, as this bike's ride is marginal, though I wouldn't describe it as "harsh," just "firm."
My opinion of those stock shocks is a little lower than yours(what I said when hitting certain rough roads near my house with those shocks would not be suitable for a family message board). The 440's made an absolute night & day difference in the ride.
A neighbor of mine has an all stock 06 Ultra. After riding my bike with the 12" 440's, he was so impressed he ordered a set of the same shocks for his bike.
If I bought a new Street Glide or RK Custom tomorrow, the first change I would make would be to dump those awful shocks. Although I have never personally tried them, I have read glowing reports about the Works Steel Trackers also. People claim they ride even better than the Progressive's.
~John
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 370
Likes: 0
From:
RE: RK Custom vs Standard...ride difference?
ORIGINAL: iclick
I have an SG, which has the same suspension as the RK Custom, and its ride is firmer than a standard RK or Dresser. The difference is the 12" vs. 13" shocks and the valving required to control the shorter suspension travel. I may move to Progressive or Works shocks to replace these, as this bike's ride is marginal, though I wouldn't describe it as "harsh," just "firm." I do some touring, about two long trips per year, and put 106k on my old RK in nine years. It's ride was better than the new SG and I'd like to get up to that level again, as hour upon hour on substandard roads will get to my butt and back. Basically, the low-profile shocks are a styling exercise, and you'll have to decide if that is more important to you than a slightly smoother ride.
I have an SG, which has the same suspension as the RK Custom, and its ride is firmer than a standard RK or Dresser. The difference is the 12" vs. 13" shocks and the valving required to control the shorter suspension travel. I may move to Progressive or Works shocks to replace these, as this bike's ride is marginal, though I wouldn't describe it as "harsh," just "firm." I do some touring, about two long trips per year, and put 106k on my old RK in nine years. It's ride was better than the new SG and I'd like to get up to that level again, as hour upon hour on substandard roads will get to my butt and back. Basically, the low-profile shocks are a styling exercise, and you'll have to decide if that is more important to you than a slightly smoother ride.
Based on the feedback here and the RK Standard that I rented Sunday I may be leaning more to a Standard.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
