Keep the Road King Classic or trade it in on a new Muscle??

[Fruitman]

Dudes,
I need your help making a decision. The post is long but if you have the time to read it all it might help you to get to know me a little and help you help me better. Yes this post pertains to V-RODs………….

I bought my Road King Classic new in 05' and it's been paid for since 06'. I bought it to replace an old Iron head XLS that we had outgrown. I also thought I might get more chances to use the RKC for some serious touring since I was into that age group now. I added a new touring seat, tour pack, stage 1 kit, and true duals, etc.

The farthest I've driven it at one time is like 300 miles, and that was round trip. I just don't have the time to ride like most of you, and I'm truly sorry for not doing my part..........and I'm ashamed to say, it only has 3,000 miles on it.

I'm 47, and me and the ol' lady just like to be able to ride when the mood strikes us, that's all, being in the wind, and with our friends whenever we get the chance, no commitments. We attend events, but trailer the bike. We own rain gear, religiously keep it with the bike but given the choice would rather stay home if rain is in the forecast. Don't get me wrong, I rode from Balto to DC and back 4 years in a row (Run to the Wall) in the rain. But that's a good cause, not just a joy ride. A downpour in a t-shirt on a highway gives new meaning to the word ouch, been there, done that too.

To make matters worse we've never felt like the RKC was the perfect bike for us. Our size might have a lot to do with that though. I'm 5'-9" and weigh in at like 270, and I have short legs and a 29" inseam (that's short). My wife is normal sized (in case she reads this). I've thought about lowering it but the cost is high and I already rub metal stuff in the turns now. I've just never felt like I was a part of the bike, more so like luggage tied to the top of a New York taxi. I even had to cut the windshield down (really custom looking so it’s all good) because it was splitting my vision.

I think something that I sit into, and not on would bring back the feelings we used to have with the ol' XLS. I could throw that around with both of us on it like nothing. Of course it was only 2/3's the weight of the RKC. But I'm a big guy and pretty strong so I can handle a big bike with ease, even with a passenger. Oh, and yes, it is fun to drive a customized, older HD as fast as it can go.

Now sit down, cause this part might not be appropriate for some of you OSB's (old school bikers) and even make you mad but to tell you the truth, even though I’m a classic lover, I've always appreciated the technology and look of the V-ROD. In the beginning we had to keep it in the closet. No way could you be standing on the deck of the local biker bar and even think of saying "Damn, that thing is hot” or “I'd like to have one"! The juke box would stop, heads would turn, and somewhere in the background someone would mumble "wannabe". Thankfully times have changed and the V-ROD is not frowned on as much as before. The introduction of the Night Rod Special brought back all my childhood memories of wanting to be the villain in the Mad Max series. The Muscle, well, simply put, changed everything for me and the ol' lady. I think this is one of the best looking Harley Davidsons ever produced. I can’t look at it and say one bad thing about it. It’s futuristic, mean, sexy, sleek, minimal, maxed out, it’s got LED’s, fat rear, racing inspirations, I mean c’mon, unless you add used 10w40 from your Pan Head to your coffee to keep it real, how can you say the new Muscle isn’t hot?

I am so intent on trading in my RKC for a Muscle in Red Hot Sunglo that I can taste it.

But I need you current V-ROD owners to tell me that this new bike is a good replacement for us and our riding habits. I've read nothing but good things about it except that it's better suited for taller riders in the 5'-10" and above range. I know I can lower it an inch in the rear just changing the shocks and because they are not air shocks the cost is a lot cheaper than doing the same thing on a RKC. And they already have a forward control relocation kit to bring the controls closer to the rider with short legs, and again, even this kit is reasonable.

So there it is, do I trade a barely ridden (3k miles) 05' Road king Classic (2 tone Sierra Red Pearl and Silver Metallic) with $4k of comfort/function/performance/style accessories in mint (and I mean mint) condition for a dealer prepped Muscle with the tour goodies added before delivery, And, still enjoy the ride if we get sucked into a long trip with our friends?

Please be kind, I'm kinda fragile as the Ol' lady has been on my butt like wet leathers to get out there and make this deal happen but I haven't even had the chance to test ride one yet.

Thanks so much for your input, it really matters to us. And if you're a bagger converted to V-Rod owner all the better. I'm especially interested in comfort level differences for the passenger. I've had the same co-pilot for over 25 years and without her the ride means less to me. Plus, there's no way in hell she's gonna go for a Muscle if it means her knees are gonna be up in my arm pits and uncomfortable after 15 minutes. The pics I've seen don't depict this but they could be deceiving.

Thanks,
Rob

[Black Magic]

My friend has both and he wouldn't have it any other way.

I see you have had you King paid off for a while and with low mileage it is basically brand new. Not sure you would get a good trade in deal on it.

If it were me, I would buy a V Rod and have a choice of what to ride. But if the economy is hitting your bank roll, I guress you still need some V Rod inputs to help pick.

Good luck choosing, either way I don't think you can go wrong.

Cheers!

[Z16Monte]

I don't care much for the Muscle.Love the V Rod though. I own an 04 A. Been to KC twice and Outer Banks twice, Last time with my girl on the back, Leatherpro saddle bags and a Rack pack.Outer Banks is about 300 miles from my house and we rode all but one day during the 8 days we were there.Totaled about 1300 mi. I swapped the stock rear shocks out prior to the trip(stockers were played at 28000)for a set of Progressive 440HDs and they made a huge difference in the ride.Seat is a Sundowner. Also 4" pass peg extensions that come off for around town stuff. We ride frequently 2-3 hrs at a time and love it
Ed

[Fruitman]

Couple a things since Friday.

Actually went and sat on a V-Rod and a Muscle, still need to sit on a Night Rod.

Love the Muscle, in red, and almost took it home that day. I fit ok, at 5'-9" my pants legs were brushing the pipes, but both feet were flat and there was some bend in my knees. But I'll assume that with two-up and after the shocks break in and are adjusted to the softest setting, the leg burn rate would be less. Or I need to see if I can get a 1" lowering kit (new shocks) and or a different seat (the Muscle seat is wider than the V-Rod), or take the seat and have it reshaped at a custom bike leather shop (and I know the owner of one personally). I was very comfortable in the riding position and even though I have short arms to match, my reach was perfect. Peg location still kept my legs at comfortable bend without seeming like it would get cramped either. Super nice feel.

As far as the RKC goes, I have a set limit that I want to finance, so I have to keep the trade in/down payment as high as possible. Plus, I want to add Anti-Lock for sure, a backrest and luggage rack, windshield, and bags. And if I get the Night Rod we are seriously interested in switching the sheet metal out for the Sinister Orange.

If I have to sell the RKC I will but I'm hoping they can give me a fair price at the dealer I buy from just simplify things. I know they sell used ones similar to mine with a heck of lot more miles and less add-ons for more than what I want, so they can definitely turn a profit. I hear sales are down too, 10% and lay-offs might be coming, and shut downs in Wisconsin. (you can search the web for news stories relating to these statements)

There's another factor I need to think about. In July they have a Dealers meeting and announce the bikes for the next model year. Who knows, the new Rods might get a "Linked" anti-lock braking system like BMW. Can’t imagine what else they could do to make it better.

Either way, two bikes are out of the question. It was hard enough to find time to ride one because of my schedule. I do like the weight and feel of the Rod. I feel like the fun factor might be what I've been missing and what better bike to have for it. Touring is cool, if you have the weekends to spend doing it. But if you live in an area where bikes and places to ride them to are many and the 2 lane roads wind through the farmlands all day long, all you need are the basics to get you there and back. I'm just taking a modern approach to the situation.

Thanks for your input, it's appreciated.
Rob

[elPrez]

Did you try a Street Glide? I know exactly what you mean about feeling like luggage strapped onto the bike. I road a Road King Classic for 5 years...loved the bike but feel much better fit with my Ultra. I'm 6ft with a longer inseam but have a best friend that is more your size and loves his SG...just a thought.
Did you go to Chesapeake HD? Pat's a good guy there.

[nightrob]

Originally Posted by Black Magic

My friend has both and he wouldn't have it any other way.

I see you have had you King paid off for a while and with low mileage it is basically brand new. Not sure you would get a good trade in deal on it.

If it were me, I would buy a V Rod and have a choice of what to ride. But if the economy is hitting your bank roll, I guress you still need some V Rod inputs to help pick.

Good luck choosing, either way I don't think you can go wrong.

Cheers!

100,000,000 %

[hamyoo06]

Can you plan a nice long trip like a fly-n-ride to really see how the v-rod wears on ya? Do they do fly-n-ride's with v-rods? Sounds to me like you would benefit from an extended demo ride with the ol' lady. Can you rent one locally for a week and put some miles on it?

[WI Bob]

I recently traded my 2008 VRSCAW for a 2009 Streetglide.

And like others, I want both. I can ride the Glide forever on a trip, but it is nowhere near the same fun factor.

[VRSCR]

Fruitman, I have owned a R/K and currently own a electra glide as well as a Vrod(others as well) I had no interest in a VRod and made my VRod purchase soley for the intent of drag racing it. After shopping around and finding a three thousand dollar difference between dealers. I made the purchase at a dealer over 200 miles from my home. After about 100 miles from the dealer. I said to myself "This is the best Harley I have ever owned" I owned and ridden everything from Panheads to Twin cams. Including a couple ironhead sportsters. The VRod handles well, accelerates great,and is different than the other 8 million airheads around.
Keep in mind. That like all Harleys. You can change riding positions via handlebars seats, shocks, windshields, wheels, brakes etc.
I say go for it. You WILL NOT regret it. And also shop those dealers for the best price and trade in. Its worth the ride!

[Vader]

I just traded in my 07 Nightrod Special for an 09 RK Classic. I rode to Maggie Valley from Columbia,SC and to Myrtle Beach on my V-rod. I too am 5-9 w/ a 29" inseam, and the bike fit me perfectly. I never had a problem w/ the bike, except for the fuel gauge being wacky.(I think they've fixed this) I did change the handlebars to sportster bars for more comfort, but the Muscle has different bars. The new V-rods have the slipper clutch, 1250 motor, and abs. You may want to get a sissy bar and some saddlebags, which they make for the Muscle. I think you will LOVE it. It is very powerful stock, and is a blast to ride. I miss mine already...
New Bike...


Night rod Special(w/ VRSCA pipes)

[Fruitman]

Hey Thanks Guys! I finally sat on a Night Rod Special, and had the wife on the back. We both were very comfortable. A sissy bar would do the trick to give her more security and more comfort so it's a no brainer. I like the feel, the fit, and especially the look.

I have it picked out, gonna switch out the black skin for the sinister orange and do black bars, mirrors and levers. Oh, and the windshield, the bugs up in my neck of the woods at night are huge.

I even saw a passenger peg relocation kit that moves them to the swingarm pivot bolt.

I just need to sell my bike now.

Thanks for all your help!!!!
Rob

Yea, we'll try to stick with Ramsey's but I saved a grand on the RKC going up to Jersey...so...........

[Z16Monte]

Hannums sells at sticker as does Salem County and Millville HD. Might be able to jaw em down from there.
Ed

[Fruitman]

Thanks Monte. I'll assume they are all in De near you in Newark? I know that area and I', omly 45 mins away from Christiana Mall.

[Z16Monte]

Hannums is straight up rte 1 in Chadds Ford and Media. Salem Count and Millville are both in Jersey, about an hour or so from my house.
Ed

[Qman]

I've rented a Road King before - never really liked the handling or acceleration though. I own a V-Rod, and if not for the model, probably wouldn't own a HD.

I've yet to ride the Muscle, but I'm mixed on the looks. I don't like the look of the new airbox, but the true duals look awesome. I'd expect the handling to be similar as earlier V-Rods. If you get a chance to ride one & like the handing, I'd say go for it!

Q