Trade my Dyna for a RK? : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

kwilliby · 10-06-2008, 09:58 PM

I posted this in another thread. Thought I'd ask here as well.

I currently own a 07 Dyna Low Rider. Nice bike but I'm itching for something bigger. I rented an 08 Fatboy and didn't like the 96B engine. That may seem odd but I like the 96 rubber mounted engine better. I then rented an 08 Streetglide. Nice but I don't like the fairing. I then looked at several RK's. I really like the looks of both the custom and classic.

I have a couple of problems. 1. They sit a little high for me. 2. handlebars are too far forward.

I spoke to the local HD stealer. The salesman said I can install diff. bars but on 08's and 09's it can be expensive because of wiring changes. He said I could lower the bike 1" for about $700.

Would I be better off looking for a used 07 so the cost of diff. bars isn't so expensive? Or is the 09 with new frame worth the money?

Will lowering the bike 1" make a lot of difference? I have about 30" inseam. My low rider fits me pretty well. I'd love to get a RK to sit similar.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. As you can see I need lots of help!

fastappy · 10-06-2008, 11:04 PM

Lowering the bike should not be a problem either with a different seat (which can move you forward or backward, depending) and/or lowering the suspension.

I would get an 09 if the budget is not an issue, but of course you could get a very nice used bike for about 40% cheaper. The changes made to the 09's are significant though.

I bought an 06 (95") and have no desire for the 96" and I'm satisfied with the 5 speed. The 07's had a lot of heat complaints, and the 08's have the Brembo & ABS, so again it probably best to just jump in with an 09 and get if all (including upgraded suspension, 6 gal fuel, new motor mounts, swingarm, frame, etc.)!

I forgot to add that the Road King is probably the most versatile bike Harley makes because it's classic good looks, easily stripped down for cruising or dressed for touring. In short, you won't be missing your Dyna!

Best wishes on whatever you decide.

jober · 10-06-2008, 11:10 PM

I have an '08 FLHRC and put on the new Heritage style handlebars, designed for FBW throttle, less than $100 for them. 1-1.25hrs of labour, no changes to any wires (it says on the HD website also).

You can also lower using lowering shocks at the rear and if that isn't enough, a seat should do.

I agree, the '09s are even more improved than my '08 was over the '07's.

Bluegrasser · 10-06-2008, 11:48 PM

I have a 30" inseam as well. The bone stock FLHRC fits me like a glove (as does the FLTR) and the stock FLHR is just a bit too tall. I am not on my toes, but I'm not flat footed either. The differences, as far as I can tell, are the wider seat on the FLHR and the little bit of lowering on the FLHRC. What I'm getting at is that small changes make big differences in fit. Before you let the dealer charge you close to $1000 to make the bike fit see what you can change for little to no money. You can rotate the bars back a little. Get a narrower seat. Stuff like that. Good luck.

kwilliby · 10-07-2008, 08:53 AM

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions and info. I have 3 HD dealers within 15 miles. Problem is, 1 has a Road King, the other a Classic. So I have to go to each to sit on them etc. There are things I like about each. Hard choice. If I can change handlebars without huge expense then the 09 looks pretty good.

One dealer has an 09 Road King, cruise, shipping etc.. About $18k. They will install rear lowering shocks and trade for $5k . Giving me about $13k for my 07 Low Rider. Gonna see what the other dealer's will do.

Getting cold here in the midwest and riding season is about over. So I'm tempted to wait till spring too. Just can't decide.

Thanks again.

max6550 · 10-07-2008, 09:15 AM

There is a big difference between the way a RK & a LowRider handle. If you just put on your dyna you won't notice ...BUT...If you like to throw that LowRider around in the twisties, you could be in for some adjustments in your ridin' style. Here's a PIC. of mine it's a little more long legged with the clip on windshield, & bags.

ChopperDude · 10-07-2008, 09:22 AM

How did the Street Glide fit you? That's a touring bike that has been lowered in the rear from the factory (same as the now discontinued RK Custom). If that was low enough, then getting one of the RKs lowered will fit you similarly. Realize also you can replace the stock seat (maybe sell it on eBay) and get one designed for shorter legs.

The Street Glide is designed on the exact same chassis as the RKs, so should give you a VERY good representation of how an RK will feel once lowered.

kwilliby · 10-08-2008, 11:58 PM

max6550; I have to say I love to yank my Low Rider around and I won't be able to ride a RK the same way. When I rented the SG I found that out pretty soon.

Chopperdude; When I rented the SG I still found it to sit a little too high for my liking. Not real bad and I suppose I could get used to it. Just not what I like. I really didn't like leaning forward all the time. I'd have to do something about the handle bars. It was a very nice bike though. A bit pricey at $20k. But still very nice.

After riding a bare bones Dyna I have a hard time getting used to the bags. They just seem huge when I look down at them. But they are awesome for carrying stuff. I do like the hard bags that are lockable.

Thanks again to everyone.

Huck Finn · 10-10-2008, 10:14 AM

I've got a 30'' inseam and am also getting close to pulling a trigger on an '09 RK. I think I'll quickly get used to having my heels off the ground while stopped. The bike is well balanced and the improved cornering clearance will definitely add to the fun.

RogerDodger · 10-11-2008, 12:29 PM

Consider waiting for the water cooled 2010,s. The air cooled tuning issues should be resolved with new water pumper.

ChromeWelder · 10-11-2008, 03:52 PM

It my opinion that the Road King Classic is the best looking most versitile big twin out there. Don't think you can go wrong with the FLHRC. I have an '06 that's been upped to 95". I have no desire whatsoever to move to the six speed and 96"...but if you going to get into the game...you should consider going with the '09 FLHRC. The '09's have just too many upgrades and cool stuff to list. Go with the '09 if possible.

Good Luck and ride safe....

Captain Bligh · 10-11-2008, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RogerDodger

Consider waiting for the water cooled 2010,s. The air cooled tuning issues should be resolved with new water pumper.

Consider buying before 2010. I'm just sayin.

Thorns · 10-11-2008, 09:36 PM

I have a 30" inseam, and I had an 05 Low Rider (put 47K on it) which I traded for an 07 Standard RK (now has 30K on it). My wifey didn't like the standard RK passenger seat, so off we went to try different seats at the local H-D dealer. After trying 4 seats, the parts guy said to try a H-D "Reach" seat. It has a very good passenger seat cushion, plus it pushes the driver forward about an inch, and this gives more room for the passenger. Well, she liked it and if she's happy I'll try it. Glad I did. It changes the riding position so you're not reaching for the handlebars, and gives you maybe an inch more in the inseam, so the bike is easier to handle when stopped, and moving it around. Much more stable, I actually have a bend in my knees now. I've done 2 Ironbutts on it, so I guess it works...for me.

Thorns