Hey all,

I was planning on trading my ST deluxe on a new dyna but am now considering trading on the RK. My dealer has 2 2005 RK customs.

1. I'm 5'10" and it looks to be a long reach from the seat to the bars (compared to other HD's), especially making slow corners, it looks like i'd be completely stretched out because of the wide bars. (sorry for the horrible sentence/question structure) Is it as bad as it looks?
2. What are the handling characteristics like? I've owned an Eglide standard and I assume they'd be pretty similar.
3. Any other good/bad opinions

 

I'm 5'8 and I own a Road King Custom. I haven't had any problems with control, reach, etc... I have apes on mine and honestly, the setup is very comfortable for me. I had a EG Standard before and to me they handle the same. Basically, it's the same bike, except I have different bags and no fairing.

 

I have a 05 RK Custom and have no problems. I am 5’11”. It is a great bike and very easy to handle. Anything that weights 750 lbs. will take some practice and skill to handle at low speeds. With the beach bars you will stretch a bit while making a U-turn but not really an issue. Great for cruising around town, and awesome for the long haul. Did round trip 1200 miles this past summer 2 up with no issues (except the trip ending).

 

I'm 6' and love the Beach Bars. Very comfortable for me. I've ridden it on 13 hour days on the interstate without any fatique. But, some guys change them out. The comfort depends on the individual.

 

i have a rkc with beach bars on it, i am about 5'7" and i love the set up, it works great for me, it does totally stretch you out on a slow short u turn, but really how often do you do that?

 

jd underdog, how wide are your beachbars?

vharrig, how tall are your apes?

thanks

 

I have an '05 RK Cust. I personally didnt care for the stock bars....seem too much like I was holding a wheelbarrel. So I opted for the Extended Reach RK bars.....they are a perfect fit for me. I love the bike....the handling is good....the ride is great.....and its got a great low profile. I've always said that is looks like a fatboy and a RK Classic got together and this is what you get.

 

Exactly! The reach on the beach bars wasnt/isnt the issue it the hand position. Well that and i just wanted Apes [8D]

 

that's an awesome color. Nice ride. How tall are your apes? How tall are you?

I think i'd add apes too if i got a rk custom but only 10" or 12.5"

 

I looked and rode a RK before I purchased the TC and then the Ultra. I am 6'1", but have short arms and legs. The RK bars made me hunch forward to the point of uncomfortable after a period of time, but bars can be changed. As for the the way it handles, I felt no difference from any other tour model.