Thoughts - Road King vs. Sportster

Bull Moose · #1 14th August 2006

Just got back from vacation. Decided I should take a day to go riding, except my sporty was 3000 miles away. So, I called the local Dealer and rented a Road King.
I had never had the pleasure of riding a Big Twin before, and I was blown away by how much differnt it is from a Sporty. Sorry if I'm beating a dead horse, but I like to sort out my thoughts by writing.

I knew my Sportster accelearted a lot faster than the BTs, but I was blown away by how much more acceleration an XL has. I made a few dangerous turns on the roads because I was used to being able to go much faster.

Once I did get going to highway speeds, the crusie control was nice. The anti-lock brakes really threw me. Until I figured out what was going on I thought they were failing.
That's another thing - Cruise, ABS - Sportys are sure feel way more "organic" than that Road King. I felt like I was less in touch with the road than I am on my ride.
I have to admit the Road King was a very smooth ride at highway speeds. No vibrations and easy on my rear, even on the stock seat.
Oh, and the mirrors - I could see behind me on the Road King!

So, when I'm ready to start touring cross country, I'll look into a Road King. Right now taking a day to ride a BT made me love my Sporty even more.

dagsportster · #2 14th August 2006

Interesting observations. Wouldn't it be nice to have a stable of bikes to choose from? I'd rig the Sporty for solo riding and a BT for two-up cruising. Probably get a RK Classic or Softtail Deluxe as my alter-ego bike.

Just curious, what did it cost you to rent the bike?

4banger · #3 14th August 2006

I loved my FLHS except in the twisties and had other bikes at the same time. Half the time I would wish I was on the other bike for one reason or another so I'll just stick with one, a Sportster. But if I was going to ride two up, a bagger would also be keeping my Sporty company.

Bull Moose · #4 14th August 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by dagsportster

Just curious, what did it cost you to rent the bike?

I tacked on all the extra insurance so it was about $100 for a 9-5 rental. It was a nice way to explore the area.

OldFenderGuy · #5 14th August 2006

To cover 'all bases' I have one of each...

A Hot Rod 1200C, Dyna WideGlide for long range cruise, and a Roadking for those "luxury moments".

Pulchritude · #6 14th August 2006

Thanks for sharing your experience.

Clipper · #7 14th August 2006

I've been thinking about renting road King for a day as well. I'm kinda looking at doing some long distance touring in the future and just don't think my Roadster will do it for me. At my age, I need a little more comfort.

Moved On / My Own Choice · #8 14th August 2006

I've said it anytime someone asked about the RK.

My old 96 RK was THE BEST all around motorcycle I ever owned.

That said, the rubbermount sportys are a hell of a lot more versatile than any of the solidmounts I ever rode, so the gap has been bridged a bit.

I'll own another RK one day, but I won't do it at the expense of our current Sporty.

Kev

drd1135 · #9 14th August 2006

I'm aiming for a Sportster, a Vrod, and a Road King. That oughta just about cover it.

Webmistress · #10 14th August 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by dagsportster

Interesting observations. Wouldn't it be nice to have a stable of bikes to choose from?

Guess I'm lucky; I have my 883 and Spark's '02 RKC in my garage.

I mostly ride the RK back and forth to Corinth whenever Spark needs a tire changed, and it's a sweet ride once you get up to speed. I'm not crazy about how it handles at low speeds, though, or how it about shakes me off at idle.