Do to the number of requests for a review on the 05 Road King Classic, I have returned to post up. I posted a while back “good bye to the sportster board” I now have about 3000 miles on the king.

Is it fast? No.
Can you make it as fast as a sporty? Uh….No.
Does it handle well? No. (compared to a sporty)
Do I like it? Absofrigginlutely!

As you would expect, the road king is a tank. It was built for one purpose, traveling distance. It was a huge adjustment getting used to the beast, but I love it. I do miss the fun of the sporty, but I’ve learned to appreciate the finer attributes of the RKC.

Likes:
Comfort, cruise control, looks, feel, stability at 80+

Dislikes:
Air shocks, handlebars, windshield is a little too big, I think they could do better on the bags for $800.

Although I have complaints, they can be dealt with easily. If you put a lot of miles on 2-up, the road king classic is the perfect bike for a mixture of style and comfort.

Thanks for the review, I think it's real intersting to hear an honest opinion of the good and bad of a big change like that. Hopefully some day you will have another sporty in your life and have the best of both worlds!!!

Yup two bikes are better than one. Good review BTW thanks. Isn't 30 a little young for a RKC though? ;)

SHUCKINS.... I ride this cool ole` 85 Ironhead and I got factory cruise control(thumb knob) and it works like a charm....use it all the time.

Glad ya like the RK...wouldn't mind having one of those myself..
Ride Safe Brother.. :smoke :banawala

Glad you're liking that RK! Keep on posting here and keep us informed! :)

When I'm ready to retire in about 30 years, I will look at em. Thanks for the review.

Loco
So. Cal.

I thinks you can be as quick as a sporty if you want to.

Here's a 95in motor

http://www.johnsonenginetechnology.com/JETIMAGES/dynographs/95TC_allen_cor_carb.jpg

And a 116in motor

http://www.johnsonenginetechnology.com/JETIMAGES/dynographs/116TC_bulman.jpg

Thanks for the review, have always like the way the classic looked. I haven't had the opportunity yet to ride one, rode a fat boy and night train. Glad you found the bike that fits your riding needs.

I thinks you can be as quick as a sporty if you want to.

Here's a 95in motor

http://www.johnsonenginetechnology.com/JETIMAGES/dynographs/95TC_allen_cor_carb.jpg

And a 116in motor

http://www.johnsonenginetechnology.com/JETIMAGES/dynographs/116TC_bulman.jpg

You can do almost anything with a little cash... :cucumber

Loco
So. Cal.

You can do almost anything with a little cash... :cucumber

Loco
So. Cal.

Actually, it's a bit more than a little cash :D :shhhh

I thinks you can be as quick as a sporty if you want to.

Here's a 95in motor

http://www.johnsonenginetechnology.com/JETIMAGES/dynographs/95TC_allen_cor_carb.jpg

And a 116in motor

http://www.johnsonenginetechnology.com/JETIMAGES/dynographs/116TC_bulman.jpg

Don't mean to piss in anyone's Cheerios, but Narley's Sportster is making as much power as that 116" motor, but his bike weighs about 200 lbs less.

Do the math... ;):D:D:D

Juat to play devil's advocate, for the cash that was spent on the RK 95 and 116's, spent on an XL, the performance gap would be right back where it was.

Not to punch any buttons here, but the custom I am building will weigh just a little more than a stock sporty, with 140 ft/lb and 145 hp. (not that I’ll ever use it) I’ll leave the king alone.

That custom should be one kick ass ride at 600 lbs dry weight. I love suped up customs and such but where and when I ride, having a 124 cubic inch motor and a bling paint job don't do me much good, especially in traffic in Los Angeles and Orange County.

Now if I lived in rural country to open it up, then hell yes.

Loco
So. Cal.

Don't mean to piss in anyone's Cheerios, but Narley's Sportster is making as much power as that 116" motor, but his bike weighs about 200 lbs less.

Do the math... ;):D:D:D

True but peak HP at 5500. :D has got to be a whole lotta fun. Not to mention 100 plus ft lbs for the 95 most of the tq curve :tour

And on the 116, 120ft lbs at 2500. Woopie :clap

That custom should be one kick ass ride at 600 lbs dry weight. I love suped up customs and such but where and when I ride, having a 124 cubic inch motor and a bling paint job don't do me much good, especially in traffic in Los Angeles and Orange County.

Now if I lived in rural country to open it up, then hell yes.

Loco
So. Cal.

It wont do me much good, but a fist full in third will be a rush. Anything over 80 mph and I start thinking bad thoughts. Just a hole shot bar hopper for me.

:smoke True but peak HP at 5500. :D has got to be a whole lotta fun. Not to mention 100 plus ft lbs for the 95 most of the tq curve :tour

And on the 116, 120ft lbs at 2500. Woopie :clap

There's also the Jims/SE 120" and the S&S 124" TC's.
I've seen a 124" street going Road Glide putting out 161hp & 150lbs tq.Still wouldn't corner with a Sporty but plenty fast enough me thinks.

120 cubic inch Sportster engine - BIG dollars, but it can be done.

120 cubic inch Sportster engine - BIG dollars, but it can be done.


Yikes! who builds that monster?

Drop that puppy in a lightweight ridged frame and be prepared to have your arms stretched a couple inches longer than they were before ya rode it :banana

........Zipper's........