Road King - what to check..

Joe narvey

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Taking a road King out for a test ride tomorrow. Hard luggage ( no tassels).

Any points to check please, it's a 2015.
 
Nothing to check! Only if you like it! Remember though it's not a GS - slow is faster... A little rear brake helps calm things down! It will be a Rushmore so thicker forks etc! The classic ( hard panniers/alloy wheels) seat is a mattress easily changed if not right!

What pipes has it got? Stock?
 
Check if you look like a a littlecunt in the windows, seems to be the only thing most are interested in.
Are you a CEO/Lawyer/Wanker Delete as appropriate.

Can you think of a better time to buy one ?
Post brexit mid life crisis machines will be tricky to seek to lawyers/ bankers etc ( I suspect wankers will be unaffected).
 
Nothing to check! Only if you like it! Remember though it's not a GS - slow is faster... A little rear brake helps calm things down! It will be a Rushmore so thicker forks etc! The classic ( hard panniers/alloy wheels) seat is a mattress easily changed if not right!

What pipes has it got? Stock?

V&H chrome monster ovals - any good ?
 
Joe I have a 15 RK and can't really think of anything to look out for. They really seem to have the Rushmores sorted it's definitely the best Harley I've had. I knew going in the stock seat would have to go as well as the tall handle bars and too tall shield. After those three changes along with adding the little fork mounted wind deflectors it's all day comfy for me. Rushmore 103's run well right out of the box so unlike some previous versions you won't need to open up the air box or change mufflers (unless you just want it louder).

I ended up re-flashing the EMC with a V&H FP3 just to clean up the slight lean running and could feel the improvement right off but as I said they run well enough stock. I did change the headers just to eliminate the heat from the catalytic converter which was really only noticeable when over 85 degrees or so.
FWIW I put Monster Ovals on my previous EG 96ci and while the tone was ok on brief rides, on longer rides I found them simply too droning and loud so I put the stock mufflers back on. My intention was to leave the stock mufflers on this bike but I found a new set of take-off mufflers off a CVO 110 for $175 so I thought what the hell and stuck them on. I'm *very* pleased with them they're just a very bit louder and emit a deeper tone than stock.

Good luck on your test ride I'm anxious to hear your thoughts.
 
Joe I have a 15 RK and can't really think of anything to look out for. They really seem to have the Rushmores sorted it's definitely the best Harley I've had. I knew going in the stock seat would have to go as well as the tall handle bars and too tall shield. After those three changes along with adding the little fork mounted wind deflectors it's all day comfy for me. Rushmore 103's run well right out of the box so unlike some previous versions you won't need to open up the air box or change mufflers (unless you just want it louder).

I ended up re-flashing the EMC with a V&H FP3 just to clean up the slight lean running and could feel the improvement right off but as I said they run well enough stock. I did change the headers just to eliminate the heat from the catalytic converter which was really only noticeable when over 85 degrees or so.
FWIW I put Monster Ovals on my previous EG 96ci and while the tone was ok on brief rides, on longer rides I found them simply too droning and loud so I put the stock mufflers back on. My intention was to leave the stock mufflers on this bike but I found a new set of take-off mufflers off a CVO 110 for $175 so I thought what the hell and stuck them on. I'm *very* pleased with them they're just a very bit louder and emit a deeper tone than stock.

Good luck on your test ride I'm anxious to hear your thoughts.

Thanks.

All new to me, most similar bike I've owned was a triumph rocket which is the bike I've always regretted selling.

So first impressions, immediately put off by the muppets parked in the car park with waist coats and badges like demented girl guides that sold a box of cookies. Each professing to be road warriors. I don't want to be one of them.

Next impression was the mixture of technology and agricultural fittings. The ignition is wireless proximity with a big turn button to switch in. Above this was an added extra that allows the dials to change colour - why?

I navigated out of the car park past the visiting Dutch Hog group that were being plied with orange juice and penguins - hard core style.

I had always assumed the foot boards were firm, bit surprised to learn they flex up so started my trip by lifting the foot boards looking for the pegs.

Setting off in first was unusual at first, the bite point for movement was odd. Second seemed easier ( had a pillion).

Exhaust was okay not too loud unless flickering the revs to tell cars I was there or the ignorant pedestrian I'd run them over if they didn't move.

Changing gears was tractor-like reminding me of my GS.

Pulling away from lights was fun, it pulls well and the engine noise tells the Addison lee learner driver not to u turn.

Really didn't like it when hitting a rut or adverse camber. The suspension was shocking front and bike. Front very soft rear didn't forgive anything Although I'm told this is adjustable.

The seat had a spring loaded backrest in the middle operated by a side lever. This playfully whacked me in the gentleman parts when mounting the bike and then tried to eject me when I attempted to remove it from my kidneys.

The bike has had stage 1 plus the large oval V&H. Several optional extras but thank fully functional and tasteful, relevant to what Id want ( detachable luggage rack, back rest, etc).

Didn't get too much speed up as the tassel to Gay Pride attendees in parts of London was worrying so just a few quick ish A roads. It moves well. Was impressed with the brakes, the rear much easier to anchor at the lights than the GS although this could be the height benefit.

All in all. Enjoyed it and made an offer subject to not being compelled to wear a waistcoat or buy any tat with the word Harley on it.

Dealer did say I should join HOG chapter as you meet new friends, bankers, hedge fund managers, brokers, etc.. :)
 
You're right about the suspension LOL it works great on smooth roads! It is critical that the air pressure be set correctly for your load and I doubt it was. Floorboards do feel awkward at first but once you adjust to them are surprisingly comfortable. The one you road must have the speedo with the little tachometer built in Harley sells because the light colour can be changed, they don't come stock on the bike at least not in the US.
 
Tyre pressure..... Vital on Harleys. If the front was a little off it can feel like the world is ending!
 
Sounds like the deal is done and I'm going to own one.

Do I need to apply for membership of the Harley forum, do I get a waistcoat ?

If I have to have tattoos am I allowed lick n sticks ?

Do I have to find a job as a hedge fund manager now?
 
Sounds like the deal is done and I'm going to own one.

Do I need to apply for membership of the Harley forum, do I get a waistcoat ?

If I have to have tattoos am I allowed lick n sticks ?

Do I have to find a job as a hedge fund manager now?

You didn't need to go to that expense for membership in here. Most of us in here ride KTMs. :duck:
 
Any pics?

Sounds like the deal is done and I'm going to own one.

Do I need to apply for membership of the Harley forum, do I get a waistcoat ?

If I have to have tattoos am I allowed lick n sticks ?

Do I have to find a job as a hedge fund manager now?
 
Any pics?

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cc0ce04da7897766d961283b70075f0e.jpg


7703b1f66123f9c86657ba025b940740.jpg
 
Nice that it includes a rear rack and backrests for both of you as well. How many miles?
 


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