At 6'3 and sporting a size 14 hoof, the brake pedal on the TK works just fine. As far as the heel shifter, it's a nostalgic throwback to the old flatheads, knuckles and pans. I never in my life liked a heel shifter (from my old flattrack/steeple chase days...) I had the dealer remove it during delivery, and raise the front shifter so my pata grande would fit underneath...

GLAD to hear you love the Rodie'!! These are AMAZING bikes regardless of what many folks bitch about on the forum. I'd buy mine again in a second flat...AA++

I ride EVERY chance and fall in love over and over.

 

If you haven't purchased one yet, get a backrest for your bike. Does wonders on long distance trips. Best investment I ever made for the bike. Congrats on the new bike.

 

Welcome and enjoy your new ride!

 

The Softbrake levers sit significantly lower than the OEM lever, requiring much less heel flexion to work the brake.

They also offer extended lengths for us long-of-leg types; I have the +2 version but that length may not work with fairing lowers.

 

I guess the term "crisp smooth shift" might be somewhat subjective. When I first rode a Harley I had to get used to the transmission period. At the time I found it loud, and really harsh (but never, ever, did I miss a shift). Today I think of it as positive and solid and if what my dealer tells me is true, it's bulletproof.. Yeah, it's pretty much as you describe it...lift your foot and drop the heel. I love my heel shift now (took a few days to get used to) and wouldn't change it for anything.

 

Good review. Some folks don't get that the touring line is a premium touring bike. They tend to base their criteria on HP alone. But those of us that have learned to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride have seen the virtue in trading in the BMW on the Harley. Great bikes BMWs. But the positive things you had to say about the touring line are exactly where I'm coming from and why I made the switch.

The cons -

Brake pedal. Some like it. For the rest - Softbrake.

Rubber valve stems - If that's as bad as it gets, we're doing well.

TPS. Would be nice, but I guess I'm not losing sleep over it.

Bluetooth......yeah. But other than that I do like the Infotainment system. It works great for me. And we use Sennas for wireless communication anyway.

Welcome to the club. Enjoy!

 

One of the reasons I like the touring Harleys is because they come with the heel shifter. Any real touring bike should have a heel shifter. Once you get used to using it, you may understand. But it's not for everyone, that's why it's easy to remove.

 

I checked the Softbrake web page and they don't sell one that fits the Harley with lower fairing.

 

Welcome, welcome...also a prior BMW RT owner, nothing can compare the character, feel & sound of the Vtwin over the boxer engine...although BMW has its own merits depending on where you want to ride...I wouldn't mind trying out the GS...but the Harley wins hands down any day for me on street rides...

 

Hey , sounds like a good honest review. I ride a 2016 road glide CVO, and I am glad I do. Enjoy your new ride .