RK Custom or Classic
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 193
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RK Custom or Classic
I got the go ahead from the wife to start looking for a second bike. I'm pretty much set on a RK, the question is a custom orclassic. I'm leaning towords the classic because of the detach windscreen and cruise control, although the custom just looksa bit better to my eye I would be adding a windscreen to it. I like the look of no aux lamps, but I dont mind them being there at all. I know the color scheme is different on each model.
What are some of the other differences between the RKC's?
What are some of the other differences between the RKC's?
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Thomasville, NC
RE: RK Custom or Classic
I have an 04 RK standard. I like the hard bags and the extra lamps.
You just need to decide for yourself, hopefully you have a dealer near you that is stocking one of each.
You just need to decide for yourself, hopefully you have a dealer near you that is stocking one of each.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,417
Likes: 0
From: Salem, OR
RE: RK Custom or Classic
Besides the obvious windshield and touring lights on the Classic and different saddlebags, the RK Custom has low profile rear shocks which gives you a slightly lower seat height and slightly lower ground clearance. The RK Custom has Chrome Cast Slotted Discwheels and theRKC has Steel Laced wheels. TheRKC has cruise control with indicator lightand the RK Custom is wired to accept cruise control but it is not installed. The RK Custom has black sidewalls, the RKC has wide white sidewalls. The RK Custom has a plain front fender and the RKC has a Road King logo on the front fender. There are a few more differences, but these are the main ones.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 193
Likes: 3
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RE: RK Custom or Classic
Great looking ride, guilty. The front light setup doesn't look stock, is that all aftermarket, or just polished up really nice?
I also noticed the difference in the hard bags and the headlight housing on the custom. Different rear turn signals and relocated front turn signals to the aux lights. And, of course, different bars. Those beach bars are fantastic.
I really don't know which one I like more! It changes everytime I think about it. I like the bars, bags, lights (front and back) of the custom, but I would be putting a detach windscreen on it and it doesnt have cruise. Adding the windscreen to the cost of the custom brings the two to be very close to equal. See, 15 minutes ago I was leaning toword the classic, now I think I've talked myself into a custom again.
I think I need some lithium...
I also noticed the difference in the hard bags and the headlight housing on the custom. Different rear turn signals and relocated front turn signals to the aux lights. And, of course, different bars. Those beach bars are fantastic.
I really don't know which one I like more! It changes everytime I think about it. I like the bars, bags, lights (front and back) of the custom, but I would be putting a detach windscreen on it and it doesnt have cruise. Adding the windscreen to the cost of the custom brings the two to be very close to equal. See, 15 minutes ago I was leaning toword the classic, now I think I've talked myself into a custom again.
I think I need some lithium...
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 422
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From:
RE: RK Custom or Classic
although the custom just looksa bit better to my eye
Tough call either way. I went through the same battle. The Custom won out for the reasons you stated in your first post,No passing lamps, custom floorboards,Rear turn Signals, Clean fenders, lower ride height ect.
Bottom lineit seems easier to add the Classic items I wanted on a Custom. Than it wouldto add the Custom items to theClassic, not to mention removingstuff off the Classic I didn't want.Both great bikes though so I think either way you'll be happy.
Tough call either way. I went through the same battle. The Custom won out for the reasons you stated in your first post,No passing lamps, custom floorboards,Rear turn Signals, Clean fenders, lower ride height ect.
Bottom lineit seems easier to add the Classic items I wanted on a Custom. Than it wouldto add the Custom items to theClassic, not to mention removingstuff off the Classic I didn't want.Both great bikes though so I think either way you'll be happy.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 517
Likes: 0
From: Nebraska
RE: RK Custom or Classic
I had the same problem as you. I like the looks of the classic, but LOVE the looks of the RK Custom. I decided it would be easier to add a windshield and cruise to a RK Custom rather than change a classic. Both are great bikes, but I wanted something a bit "cooler" looking (IMO). As far as "touring" goes, both are very capable bikes, but I would have to say a stock classic is the way to go. Of course, I am going on a 2200 miles ride this summer to Yellowstone on my RK Custom so who knows.
The final choice is yours. What do you want to do with your bike? Poker runs? Touring? What bike is the closest to what you want to have in afinal bike?
The final choice is yours. What do you want to do with your bike? Poker runs? Touring? What bike is the closest to what you want to have in afinal bike?
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 51
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From:
RE: RK Custom or Classic
I can feel your pain; I had the same back in forth you are going through. It came down to I liked the white walls with the profile lace set up and I wanted the passing lamps. The windshield is a plus and only takes a min to get off. Bottom lime both bikes are a great choice.
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Advanced
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 89
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From:
RE: RK Custom or Classic
Arctic,
I is truly a matter of "CLASSIC" Harley Davidson vs "CUSTOM" Harley Davidson.
Do you like:
A. The nostalgia of the classic buckles, flashy bling, white walls,
OR
B. The sleek, smooth, uncluttered, low-profile look?
I think what is funny is how some people buy a Classic, then buy the saddle bags, the front fender, lowering shocks, and handlebars of the Custom.
I bought the Custom because I liked the looks. I added the windshield, new seat, and handlebars to suite my tastes. I don’t need the cruise, so I didn’t get it.
The price of the Custom is far below the Classic, and you could spend the money to buy all the things on the Classic that the Custom doesn’t have (Windshield, Lights, White-walls – using Zanotti’s of course) and still not hit the price of the Classic.
I is truly a matter of "CLASSIC" Harley Davidson vs "CUSTOM" Harley Davidson.
Do you like:
A. The nostalgia of the classic buckles, flashy bling, white walls,
OR
B. The sleek, smooth, uncluttered, low-profile look?
I think what is funny is how some people buy a Classic, then buy the saddle bags, the front fender, lowering shocks, and handlebars of the Custom.
I bought the Custom because I liked the looks. I added the windshield, new seat, and handlebars to suite my tastes. I don’t need the cruise, so I didn’t get it.
The price of the Custom is far below the Classic, and you could spend the money to buy all the things on the Classic that the Custom doesn’t have (Windshield, Lights, White-walls – using Zanotti’s of course) and still not hit the price of the Classic.
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 193
Likes: 3
From:
RE: RK Custom or Classic
Great replies! I'm glad I'm not alone in the waffeling on the RKs'. I really do like the low, sleek looks of the custom. The classic is a great looking ride, no question about it, but the custom has that "less is more" look about it that really draws me back to it.With that little metal faring up top (what DO they call that thing) and the beach bars, it just really takes my breath away.
[sm=loveeyes.gif]
According to the HD web site the custom is $17525 and the classic is $17695. Only1/2 the cost of aquick detach windscreen difference.
So what are some other opionions about these gorgeous bikes? I'd like to hear the desision process you other RKers went through.
[sm=loveeyes.gif]
According to the HD web site the custom is $17525 and the classic is $17695. Only1/2 the cost of aquick detach windscreen difference.
So what are some other opionions about these gorgeous bikes? I'd like to hear the desision process you other RKers went through.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 32
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From:
RE: RK Custom or Classic
So what are some other opionions about these gorgeous bikes? I'd like to hear the desision process you other RKers went through.
I like the look of the bags on the Classic and the Custom, but I have heard bad things about keeping them looking good (delaminating, fading, losing their shape, etc)
There is an awesome paint set for theFLHR that showed me just how bada$$ they can look with a little bit of paint.
I added cruise control to my FLHR for only $250 (dealer split the $500 cost with me).
It was everything that I wanted onceI made my decision on hard bags and added the cruise control.