Bought my first Harley.

[HardDrive]

New to me 2006 FI Road King, 22k miles. 3 decades of riding, never ridden a Harley. Power is agrarian but there is plenty of it, and it smooths out into a nice hum at higher revs. Pleasantly surprised by the fueling. Really surprised by the handling. It carries the weight well. Not sure I would call it nimble, but its athletic, and the steering inspires confidence. Picking my way through traffic felt effortless.

Owner was not sure if the chain tensioner update had been done, so checking that will be first order of business. Doesn't seem to need anything, maintained well, runs great. Paint is excellent. It's a dark metallic gray, not black. Looks really tight in sunlight.

[Steve Carlton]

Congrats! I've always heard good things about Road Kings.

[Bill Douglas]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

22k miles.

Just run in.

Good score, looks great.

[JavaBrewer]

Looks great. Ride safe and enjoy!

[unclebilly]

Nice looking bike. Given the bikes in your sig line, it will be interesting to see your thoughts at the end of the riding season.

[Jeff Higgins]

I'm on my second Road King, a 2013 with the 103 inch motor, six speed, and new frame. First one was a 2000 model year, 88 inch five speed with the old frame design. I'm approaching a combined 200,000 miles between the two of them. Fantastic motorcycles. Most robust and reliable vehicles, two wheels or four, I have ever owned.

I've said it before and I'll say it again - these bikes handle better than my Ducati 900 Super Sport at "legal-ish" speeds. The Duc needs to be substantially exceeding those before it starts making sense. At lower speeds, it "falls" into corners and just feels awkward. The Road King, in contrast, is very planted, predictable, and actually quite nimble. That, and as several road tests in reputable publications pointed out, these bikes actually have shorter stopping distances than most "sport bikes", by virtue of their longer wheelbases and lower CG's which allow for much more effective use of the rear brake.

So, yeah, have fun with it. Get to know it. You are probably already starting to understand it is not the stereotype that those who have never ridden one like to promote.

[ramonesfreak]

That’s beautiful. If I could ever ride again and have another Harley, that’s exactly what I would get. Have fun

[Baz]

Well bought, Josh....congratulations.....what a beauty! Happy riding!

[sc_rufctr]

That. is. a. nice. bike! Very cool

[KFC911]

Nice.... definitely not a "girlz bike"!

..... a Harley "Sportster" reference .... I used to ride one

[Chocaholic]

Having owned several HD’s over the years, my 2006 Road King (carb) was my favorite by far. I especially like the versatility. Easily removed windshield, ability to install it and lowers when the weather turns cold for great wind protection without significant buffeting (lowers were mandatory). And I see you have tubeless tires/wheels. Smart man! The Triumph I recently bought has spokes/tubes. Look nice but there is no bigger PITA if/when you pick up a nail.

Congrats! You will love that bike.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Congratulations HD! Very nice bike. definitely a sweet ride.

[flatbutt]

Ride safely, ride often, ride long. Chase that horizon.

[Tobra]

Brother has the 100th anniversary one of those, does not ride as much as he used to, think it is his hip. I should borrow his Sportster and see if he'll go

[ckcarr]

Hey now! I resent that!! I just bought a new 22 year old Sportster for my collection, to go along with my Dyna FXDX. Sportsters are cool, and nimble.

Originally Posted by KC911

Nice.... definitely not a "girlz bike"!

..... a Harley "Sportster" reference .... I used to ride one

Non Harley folk underestimate the quality of the bikes as they keep thinking the AMF days.... Harley paint is excellent...

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by ckcarr

Hey now! I resent that!! I just bought a new 22 year old Sportster for my collection, to go along with my Dyna FXDX. Sportsters are cool, and nimble.

.

When I said I used to ride one .... I meant a Sportster, not a RK ....

They call me Sally .... and I don't care

[David Inc.]

Originally Posted by KC911

Nice.... definitely not a "girlz bike"!

..... a Harley "Sportster" reference .... I used to ride one

Same, I really got a kick out of riding my Iron 883 around town, but talking to other HD owners was often times a chore.

"Oh the girl's bike? Ha ha ha, why not the Nightster 1200, too much for you? Ha ha ha."

Edit: Man.... I miss that bike.

[herr_oberst]

Speaking of 'girls bikes', isn't it amazing how the brain instantly recognizes a female rider no matter how she's dressed? From any angle, dressed top to bottom in black leather (or whatever) ff helmet with dark shield, no matter if she's short or tall, thin nor chubby, it's never a question in my mind if it's a woman on a motorcycle instead of a man.

I've decided it's gotta be the hips.

Nice RK, HardDrive. Enjoy that beauty.

[Superman]

Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins

...... actually quite nimble..... rear brake....

Ha! When I did the practical test for my state MC endorsement, one of the testees was an attractive hottie of mature age with a great figure riding a full size Harley. This is NOT an easy test. A full-size Harley is the wrong bike to bring, but she nailed it. Impressive on multiple levels.

Rear brake use is VERY important in road bike stopping and therefore safety. But certainly not in motocross.

Congrats, HD. Enjoy!

[Jeff Higgins]

Originally Posted by KC911

Nice.... definitely not a "girlz bike"!

..... a Harley "Sportster" reference .... I used to ride one

Heh heh... I just ask 'em to show us how to start my "girls' bike"...



My first Road King. And yes, Mike you are absolutely right - spoked rims and tubed tires have no place on these. Absolutely no way to repair a flat out on the road.

When I bought it, though, I really lucked into it. New bikes were over a year wait back then. The local dealer had this one available after the financing fell through for the guy who ordered it.

I just happened to walk in the front door at precisely the right moment. I knew the salesman, and he asked me if I wanted it. I said "sure, but those wheels gotta go".

His reply was "do you want it or not? If not, he does. If he doesn't, he does" (pointing around the packed showroom). "It's yours if you want it. As is".



Fast forward thirteen years to my current Road King. I paid three grand less for this one than the red one above. That's including the fender guards, saddle bag guards, luggage rack, and passenger backrest. Oh, and I got them to throw in what was then about an $800 helmet. The market had changed dramatically...

That, and this was September (as you can tell by the lawn the city wouldn't allow to be watered for three months). 2014's were on their way. Any 2013's left on the floor meant fewer 2014's allocated. The salesman was pretty highly motivated. Too bad it wasn't the same guy, but at least it was the same "stealership".