Which Road King Cross Country?
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2014
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From: PA
Which Road King Cross Country?
I am about to leave on a cross country trip. East to West. I have a 2009 Road King Classic and a 2006 RK Classic to choose from. I've logged about a thousand miles on each of the two bikes. I have to say the '06 feels more comfortable, and I am tempted to take this bike over the '09 (which has bigger tank and "better features"). Which bike would you ride?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: The Desert SouthWest
The '09.
I have an '09 so an obvious bias is apparent.
Larger tank
The tires wear about 50% better on the '09 and up than prior years
6 Speed
Better brakes IMHO
Those are the first things that come to my mind. But if you like one more over the other and all things are equal as far as maintenance and condition, then pick the one you like.
I plan to do a Coast to Coast ride around the country next year on my '09.
Good luck, be safe and remember... Pics or it didn't happen!
I have an '09 so an obvious bias is apparent.
Larger tank
The tires wear about 50% better on the '09 and up than prior years
6 Speed
Better brakes IMHO
Those are the first things that come to my mind. But if you like one more over the other and all things are equal as far as maintenance and condition, then pick the one you like.
I plan to do a Coast to Coast ride around the country next year on my '09.
Good luck, be safe and remember... Pics or it didn't happen!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,053
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From: San Diego
06 will feel more comfortable, as the 09 has a much more ridged frame, however the better frame will give you more secure handling.
Over the long miles you will feel the benefits of the new frame, 6th gear, better gearing, as well as other upgrades. That extra gallon in the tank can also remove lots of anxiety when the fuel stations are not on every corner.
You might also appreciate the extra torque going from the 88ci to the larger 96 cu. in. engine.
Do either of them have cruise control. That could be the decision maker.
No matter which ride you choose, bet you have memories to last you a lifetime.
Over the long miles you will feel the benefits of the new frame, 6th gear, better gearing, as well as other upgrades. That extra gallon in the tank can also remove lots of anxiety when the fuel stations are not on every corner.
You might also appreciate the extra torque going from the 88ci to the larger 96 cu. in. engine.
Do either of them have cruise control. That could be the decision maker.
No matter which ride you choose, bet you have memories to last you a lifetime.
Last edited by Uncle Paul; Jun 28, 2014 at 09:38 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 147
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From: Virginia
+1 on the frame. Don't know if you've ever had the unsettling feeling of a shifting frame on a rough sweeping curve at speed. The '09s were reworked to directly address that occasional event. With that said, brother has an '05 and hangs with everyone he rides with. Think you'll enjoy either, but I would take the '09, particularly if it has ABS and cruise over the '06.
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Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
I'm doing the same myself in Sept. NC - CA. I would choose the "better featured" bike.
Whichever you ride, I'm sure it'll be a great trip.
Whichever you ride, I'm sure it'll be a great trip.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2014
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From: PA
Took the older one.
It just feels more comfortable to me. Seat has a better feel. It actually is a 2005. (Sorry -earlier I mistakenly said 2006). Left this morning and went about 900 miles today. Headed due west first to avoid Tropical Storm Arthur. Took the PA turnpike west to Bedford. Then went south to Maryland and through the Appalachian Mountains in West Virginia, then along Ohio border into Kentucky. Went south through Nashville and stopped at at Best Western in Kingston Springs, TN. for the night. Weather has been good. Will get up tomorrow and head West on 40 to Rte 66. Will update later on the ride. So far, Excellent!
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Last edited by Cbb; Jul 3, 2014 at 11:20 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: FUAC
900 miles in one day?? Man I don't know how you guys do this. I consider myself a fairly aggressive rider, and cruise about 75 miles an hour which would make for a 12hr ride, but that's not factoring in slowing and or stopping, gas breaks, food and bathroom breaks.... did you ride for 14 hours or what?