The Harley Davidson Roadking...my thoughts.

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The harley davidson roadking you would think is a great bike. But Join us as we delve into the key aspects that contribute to our disappointment with the bike being a 1st timers 1st bagger with the RoadKing. From its open air design and questionable wind blocking, we leave no stone unturned in highlighting the drawbacks of this iconic motorcycle.

Discover why the RoadKing fails to deliver the exhilarating riding experience that many enthusiasts seek. We discuss, limited handling capabilities, and subpar suspension, all of which make for an unsatisfactory journey on the open road.

Furthermore, we shed light on the Harley Davidson RoadKing's reliability concerns. We discuss common issues reported by owners, such as frequent breakdowns, electrical problems, and costly maintenance requirements, which can negatively impact the overall ownership experience.

While we understand the appeal of the Harley Davidson brand and the RoadKing's classic heritage, we believe it's essential to provide an honest assessment to help riders make informed decisions.

#roadking #harley #harleydavidson

[soldierboy]

That’s all the reasons I love the Road king. Just a fuel gauge, and a speedometer. When go for long rides. I don’t want to be connected to society. I don’t want to constantly monitor gauges, I don’t bring coffee makes, televisions, mattress, and computers. Most of the time. I don’t even know where I’m going.

[Lunatic-Fringe]

I finally bought my first motorcycle in April of 2021....and it is a Road King. I picked the Road King for many reasons. The Road King is very versatile being it has the bagger frame for long distance, yet it is nimble for a big bike and can be cruised around town or used as a commuter.

The Road King will never go out of style, being it has what you need and not everything you want. Mine is a 2005, and doesnt look much different than one from the 90's or a newer model. There is no infotainment system which will be "outdated" in a couple of years, nor does it have a bunch of other bells and whistles which could fail/break.

I wear a full helmet and added a Cardo packtalk which allows me to listen to tunes if I want.

The Road King is my hot rod, long distance rider, commuter, and grocery getter all rolled up in one.

But to each his own....all types of bikes out there for all types of people.

Keep the rubber side down! ✌️

[grounded]

I own a 2017 Road King and love it.
The Road King was not intended to be a full bagger.
It was built for us old-school riders who want to get away from all the amenities of home.
I don't own or watch TV, I don't even have a radio in my home.
I sure don't want one on my bike.
I ride for the freedom.
It is my place to get away and clear my head and get some mental and emotional therapy.
I did put on a phone cradle but rarely ever use it.
Most times my phone stays at home unless I am taking a multi day trip.
I wired in a Garmin dock for those few times I need directions in my face because I have to be somewhere at a certain time and unfamiliar with the area but it rarely ever sees my bike.
It did have a windshield when I bought it but no lowers.
Lets you know you are still alive when the June bugs hit you in the shin.😁
I did upgrade and add lighting to my bike because I ride at night as well.
Nothing more peaceful than taking a long night ride on country roads.
Not a another vehicle in site.
I did a cross country trip on my 2008 1200 Low to attend my daughter's wedding back in the day and loved it.
Wouldn't trade the experience for nothing.
I wouldn't trade my Road King for a full bagger no way.
If need be I can get the trunk for it and take it right back off again.
✌️

[chuckwagn]

These are all the reason i love my RKS. Only radio i need is the sound of my exhaust. Plus in an endless sea of street and road glides you've got a road king. Love rolling up to rallies in a road king. You stand out.

[nehsi]

Nice video.
I’m 61. I’ve ridden from Atlanta, Ga to Dallas, Tx on a Softail. No problems with comfort or storage. Now I have a Road King, more comfort and storage (obviously) than the Softail. If I want a cigarette lighter or a place to store my phone, I’ll get a convertible. Love my King.

[KrakensGarageandAdventures]

I've had 3 Road Kings, and they are my favorites of all. Pop the shield off, you have a beach cruiser. Load up the bags and a rear pack, travel across the country to CA. I loved the RK Classic with the wires wheels and white walls. Your bike is so iconic to your branding. ✌️ Army.

[BayNative]

My first bagger was a 06 Road King with 20k miles, that I bought 7yrs ago for just under $10k so it was affordable for me as a first-time buyer. Since then I’ve added some performance upgrades and put down heavy miles on it. I got a batwing fairing w/speakers I can take on or off depending if I’m going on a long distance ride or just want to rock the vicla “cholo” style. I’m hitting 100k miles on the next oil change, so it’s definitely been tried & true.

[bradlozano]

You young guys are spoiled....The RK is a perfect for Guys who feel less is and Heritages have been going Coast to Coast for many years without storage compartments in the fairing....

[samueltorres]

I like your videos— just now saw this one. And while I love your style and honesty— as a 62 year old rider who has experience with other baggers—I now only own a Road King— and I travel from state to state—old school. I guess the newer riders need the doors and AC with full electronics— but again—is that really riding? I never take loud music when I go to relax at the beach— because if I do—I’m not there to enjoy why I went there for in the first place. I ride for the wind, the openness and freedom. That is the Road King experience that I ride for. Otherwise-I would take my wife’s SUV with AC and all the seat comforts and messages. Let’s get real here. Ride on and
Be safe out there—from a 62 year old Harley rider that intents to keep riding even if it it eventually on a trike.

[floydkemp]

Dude a King is in a class of its own....I have a 2005 RoadKing I purchased brand new and have not had any issues what so ever....also have a 2014 StreetGlide purchased brand new, 2019 StreetGlide purchased brand new and a 2023 CVO RoadGlide which been in the shop already, but my RoadKing has never been in the shop only for maintenance so please don't dis the RoadKing. I will trust my King on the road for a long trip before my newer bikes. Living in Cali Ive been to 27 states on my King with no problems. Word!

[robertmcnutt]

Don't say "the Road King sux" everything you mentioned is what I love about the Road King... You want a bike that keeps you from the elements of riding 'a puss bike' I like the raw experence of the ride and sound, 'no damn stereo' the bike is my misic.

[denisewilks]

I love my Road King. Sure there are things missing like tunes, etc. But I like the old school look.... 4:47 you don't need a tach, because you can HEAR when your bike needs to shift. A windshield has a bag to store stuff, your phone can go in your pocket. Get on & ride it.

[spurs]

My first bagger was a 1980 Electra Glide. I took the windshield off, I took the saddlebags off, and rode it stripped down and loved it. I now ride a Wide Glide and have been riding it for years, no windshield, no bags, just a luggage rack and my whiskers following behind me. Love your channel, brother.

[HoFMoved]

My first bike was the 2008 V Star 1100. It came with some hard saddle bags and that was it. No music. No screen. It did allow me to grow a deeper connection to just getting on the bike and embrace that therapy. When I got my RG was I blown away from all of the amenities, lol. Great video bro!

[TyFromTennessee]

A Road King was my first H-D and you are spot on with your assessment. Beautiful bike man.

[alranger]

For just those reasons Road King SHOULD be your FIRST bagger. New riders especially should not be messing with a radio or cigarette lighter or phone chargers. They need to concentrate on driving. Step up to the fairings and things later.

[LewSiffer]

Nope. It's the opposite. The RK allows for the rider to experience the realness of riding, fully exposing one to the elements: wind, rain, dirt, rocks, bugs, etc. Being exposed fully to the elements (no screen) builds toughness and character. I got peppered to the dome, chest, and arms, by a swarm of bees the other day. It was beautiful. Being at one with your horse, feeling all, and hearing nothing but the sounds she makes, mixed with the wind, is spiritual. Now, after the blood, sweat, and tears (aka joy) spent riding miles of raw unshielded highway, RK riders earn the right to retire into the peaceful comfort of a two-wheeled car. 😉

Stay safe out there, Brother..

[chkmanddmc]

Your comparison of the difference with that wind blowing was Hilarious. In my younger days I never wanted a bagger rough it out on my V-Max everywhere. Went to a full dress 24yrs and never looked back

[JT-eiqj]

I think all the reasons you listed are good reasons for it to be your first bagger. You appreciate all the upgrades on the next one haha. I started on a Road King and I miss it, but it got stolen from me and I upgraded to a Road Glide. I rode the Road King 1000 mile days and it was just as comfortable as any other bike to me. I did have a windshield, deflectors, and a tour pack. With those additions it was everything I needed for sure.

[gsrider]

I ride a 2014 Road King. The reason I bought this bike is because of its simplicity, its a motorcylce, no frills bells and whistles. I don't even have a cradle for my phone on the handle bars, thow it in the saddle bags.
I just love looking at that big chrome headlight bezel/housing and an unobstructed view of the road before me.
I love the fact that it doesnt look like a rolling piece of plastic like its big brothers do.
Yeah, I love creature comforts too and when I'm heading out on a really long road trip, Its on my BMW GS Adventure, the ultimate bike.
Diggin your videos, keep up the good work.