I came off of a 2018 Kawasaki Versys with full luggage to a 2011 Road King for the comfort. My wife didn't want a bike with a fairing, so the Road King was the choice. With minimal changes to the stock bike it is very suitable for touring. We upgraded to a Mustang Saddle, installed floorboard re-locators and I upgraded to a Clearview shield. It handle highways admirably. We recently put in back to back 800+ mile weekends with out a complaint. The only reason we would think of changing is because we do like that Snake Venom paint job.
I went from an 96 inch FXDC anniversary edition to a 96 inch Ultra Classic. Here's my thoughts after 2 years of touring bike ownership.
I wanted to do more 2 up riding. My lady was not really into the FXDC even with a sundowner seat.This changed with the Ultra, she is really keen to be out on the bike now.
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We were away this past weekend with 5 couples on RKs. They were all in the parking lot on Sunday, strapping down their sissy bar bags & putting on rain covers. I was the last guy packing & the first guy finished.
I took a few months & 3 attempts before I found a screen I was happy with. I've now got a 8 inch wave screen that keeps the wind buffetting to a minimum.
The bike itself is very comfortable & rock solid. I love it for what it is and for how it has drastically improved the quality of the riding my lady & I get to do together BUT I am still missing my Dyna.
& ride all of the touring bike styles to see which works best for you but try & keep your Dyna if it is at all possible.
I'm looking for an el cheapo Sporty to have as a 2nd bike. So I don't need to use an RV on a milk run.
Good post, just wanted to point out, any touring bike can have a tourpack, your friends chose to not have one as well as many others even with fairings. I say that because I got one for my wife, as well as the HD quick disconnects, so I can swap out the tourpack with the sissy bar in literally 3 minutes. The tourpack for us makes longer overnight trips easier AND the wife comfortable. I have the chopped with arm rests from avanblack all attached to Harley quick disconnect hardware.
Super smooth air behind the windshield for us was cured in less then a week after the Harley Fangs were delivered.
I've owned Road Kings and Electra Glides and the Electra Glide is the most comfortable bike for me because of the larger fairing, plush seat, and you get the tour pak in addition to the saddlebags. My friend just bought a 2009 Electra Glide Classic for $8300 with 40K miles and is a 96ci with a stage 1 and it runs great. He too is not in to the stereo, gps & etc but loves the extra storage space and better wind protection. I currently have an Ultra LImited and will not go back to a Road King because it is so comfortable and has everything I need.
Good post, just wanted to point out, any touring bike can have a tourpack, your friends chose to not have one as well as many others even with fairings. I say that because I got one for my wife, as well as the HD quick disconnects, so I can swap out the tourpack with the sissy bar in literally 3 minutes. The tourpack for us makes longer overnight trips easier AND the wife comfortable. I have the chopped with arm rests from avanblack all attached to Harley quick disconnect hardware.
Super smooth air behind the windshield for us was cured in less then a week after the Harley Fangs were delivered.
Nice bike! I envision myself having a RK setup similarly...
If you ride two-up with the wife a lot, the tourpak is open every time you stop, it becomes her territory but seems to put her in a better mood for many other upgrades you may be looking to do.
If you ride two-up with the wife a lot, the tourpak is open every time you stop, it becomes her territory but seems to put her in a better mood for many other upgrades you may be looking to do.
Right now she says that she is not going to ride with me. I think though if I make the bike comfortable for her and make her feel secure. She will be on it every chance she gets...
I'd say that tour pack will go a long way in making her feel more secure back there. Just start with a few short (30 ish mile) rides and see where it goes from there. She might love it once she's comfortable with it.
08-25-2021 | 09:06 AM
