I'm new to your board. I've always been interested in Harley's.
So, I've got to find out what the Harley are like to ride. I'm renting a 08 Harley Davidson Road king for the weekend this Saturday morning.

My FJR1300 is an amazing high speed performer on the highway and not bad in the twisties. But my legs get tired of being scrunched up in the sport bike riding position, and my arms get tired of the partway lean forward riding position also. I can only make long all day rides if I get off every hour for a short break.

I know the Road King will not tear up the roads like like my FJR, but I'm hoping for a comfortable all day rider that will keep my legs, back and arms happier. I wish I could get a back rest and highway pegs on the rental, but no such luck for this ride. And Harleys are just plain cool. I cant wait to pick it up in the morning for the weekend.

I'll report back here on Sunday to tell you how I like.

 

Have fun on your ride .

 

Looking forward to your report. Be safe and enjoy your ride.

 

Just keep in mind: There IS no going back.

 

Welcome! I think you'll have a blast, just don't try to ride it like your FJR. For starters, keep the screen on it, and remember your legs won't be as shielded like your FJR so depending on your location - double up layers. As a sportbike and bmw guy first, I think you'll be amazed at how easy it is to throw around for a 800 pound bike. Like me, you may also be amazed that you can ride all day in that seat, and yes, you'll love the riding position IF you're just cruising down the highway. The brakes on the '08's are great, but of course the power and handling are...Harley; so easy on any high speed stuff. That said, the appeal is still there, it's just different.

Good luck. I wouldn't just have a Harley, but I do love it.

 

Look forward to this review too.

I'd try the bike with and without the windshield.

 

All bikes are fun, just different from one another. Like PITA said, just go cruisin, you'll love it. You may need two bikes in your garage.

 

As someone that has owned and ridden a lot of Crotch Rockets you will be amazed on how well the Road King will handle. You aren't gonna carve twisties like you would with your FJ but I think you will find it very relaxing and that you won't cramp up like you do on the FJ. Just keep in mind that you can't really compare the two. They are of different worlds. I always tell people the a Crotch Rocket is like flying an F16. Riding a Harley is like flying a old style biplane. You don't have the speed of the Falcon but you also don't get that old style rumble. Your FJ is a Ferrrari, the Road King is a 57 Chevy!

 

I had road a fjr also and loved the handleing and power also hated the seating position, just a wide feel and no where to place my feet that realy worked. If i could have got'n around that it would be parked next to my fxr now. 2 numbers the same , al world apart.
The RK will be so different don't be suprized if you hurt in places you haven't before. It would be nice to have both.

 

If you can swing it, try to keep the FJR after you pick up the Road King...at least until you are completey sure you won't miss it. There's nothing wrong with having a little variety in the garage.