Touring on a Harley Davidson Road King

The Harley Davidson Road King is an iconic bike that many people tour with. Is the Road King a touring bike really or a Cruiser. While officially Harley Davidson calls the Road King a touring model, it is really. You get my unpopular take in this video while out riding my Road King.
#roadking
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[@Road_Rash]

I tour on my 1999 Road King & don't think twice about it... just make sure it's been well maintained & everything is operating as it should before you take off, & you're good to go... I'm bout to take her out on a probably 1,200 mile round trip tour in June & I have every confidence in her... already made the trip several times on this exact same bike, so no reason to doubt her touring abilities... that's why they're called Road King, they're meant to ride down miles & miles of roads of all kinds, & mine does it very well...no reason you can't tour a classic motorcycle as long as it's a well maintained, solid running bike... I do it all the time... and I had a much newer CVO Electra Glide Ultra Classic, but I sold it & prefer touring on my Road King...

[@BoDean52]

That is great to know and it’s funny. I was riding this weekend on it and I’m like you know this thing overall is really still comfortable bike even though it’s 24 years old.

[@PinksAdventures]

The road king....best of both worlds!....looks like a cruiser....but built on a touring frame!!...great video...stay safe out there!!😎👍🤙👍🤙🇨🇦

[@BoDean52]

That is for sure, my friend

[@Bucci13]

I have a '99 Road King. the Road King is both, THE jack of all trades. The King of ALL Roads.

[@BoDean52]

Unless you have a road king you just don’t understand right

[@metricwrencher8702]

The road king is classified as a touring bike. However, because there is no fairing people think it is a cruiser. I tour with my 07 RKC. Rode from Cinci to Bike Week. Took part in the GA Convoy in IN, KY, and OH. I love the open road and back country. That is why I chose the RK over the RG.

[@BoDean52]

Fortunately, I am able to have both. You’re right Harley Davidson considers it a touring motorcycle but to me a 23 old bike is more of a cruiser. I know these guys in the old days used to ride them all over the country and maybe I’m just soft. 😂

[@chuckhanson35]

I’ve toured on several different bikes. I have over 50k on my old Honda 1100 Shadow. But I will always pick my big touring bikes for traveling now. Locking waterproof storage and a comfortable ride is what I want!! Thanks BoDean!

[@BoDean52]

Same for me Chuck!

[@marvin-the-martian5194]

I left the pacific northwest on Jan 18, 1980 headed for Key West, FL. I was riding a 1979 Yamaha XS750SF which was a cruiser style bike (3 cylinders and shaft drive). I didn't bother with saddlebags, I towed a utility trailer. 14,065 miles later, I arrived back home on April 1st. No cell phones, no GPS, sometimes didn't have a map. Yep, cruisers can tour.

[@BoDean52]

That sounds amazing and you’re absolutely right, back before they made all these touring bikes that’s what people dead. Guess I’m just getting soft. 😂

[@Petesmotoadventure]

Any bike is a touring bike. To me it comes to how much comfort you want and what you want to bring.

[@BoDean52]

Amen to that

[@keithdickson8364]

I’ve had the big touring bikes all my life. At 60 years old I don’t need that kind of bike to horse around for the riding I do. Love my 2012 Heritage.

[@BoDean52]

Heritages are great bikes, considered one myself

[@johnasbury9915]

You can tour on anything. Just get out there. I’d go anywhere on my 05 RK. I like it better without the windshield. My buddy from 7th grade onward and I have toured all Of the lower 48 & he’s never had a fairing on any of the bikes he’s taken on the trips. Heck, on most of em he rode an old VMax … not a touring bike but he toured on the thing. Just enjoy the journey no matter where it leads.

[@BoDean52]

Totally agree with you and the RG is much more comfortable. That said, a nice long back road trip with the King would be epic. I prefer the windshield off as well. Ride safe, John.

[@johnasbury9915]

@@BoDean52 you too Brother!

[@hawgryder13]

My answer is "YES I DO." I have a 2003 Heritage and a 2020 Road King. The King is not a cruiser (even though it can be used as one.) Before I bought my King I used my cruiser as a touring bike and many treks but I hated the process of unloading the saddlebags each night at my motel room, it was a real hassle when the touring bike saddlebags had bags that would hold all your gear and all you had to do was lift them out. But I hate fairings! Can't stand them. So I bought the King. Unfortunately, the pandemic kept me from following my dream right away and other constraints have gotten in the way since its end. But I love both bikes for different reasons and look forward to using the King for the reason I bought it this summer.

[@BoDean52]

Great comments and thanks. To me what the bike is technically categorize as doesn’t matter, it’s how are use it. It is so much easier with saddlebags and a touring bike for sure. Ride safe.

[@Motoramblings]

I love riding my touring bike! I love riding my ADV bike!! Whatever we ride, is perfect for how we’re riding at that moment!!

[@BoDean52]

Just need more time to ride them both, I’ll be there soon

[@Motoramblings]

@@BoDean52 ya you will!!!

[@richardanderson4916]

I was a 19 year-old kid. Left Fort Carson, Colorado in February of 1983...durring a severe snowstorm. Rode my Kawasaki CSR 750 down to Texas looking for warmer air...never found any. Stopped in Ft. Worth to see a friend. Continued my journey to West Palm Beach, Florida. Never been so cold in my life. Had no idea what I was getting into. Just a green kid with no clue. Trip was about 2000 miles. I'd have zero qualms about riding a Road King across the country.

[@BoDean52]

I am just getting soft in my old age I think 😂. Sounds like a great memory for you

[@rickiekm]

In 2002 I purchased a VTX1800, which is a cruiser. But I used it as a touring bike, and road all over the states, clocking over 130K miles. I think I have o agree with you, you can tour with a cruiser.

[@BoDean52]

You definitely qualify as a person that does motorcycle touring

[@thetraveler5798]

Definitely a Lovable Cruiser‼️ Do it 🇺🇸❤️😎🤙

[@BoDean52]

Love this bike for sure!

[@tonyrowland9216]

just got back from 15 day back road ride from Wa state to Yellowstone. Can am sea to sky. sunburned, tired and roasted. HAD A BLAST!!!

[@BoDean52]

Sounds amazing!

[@waltertodd4281]

I rode my 06 Road King on a round trip of 1,938 miles. So I consider it's double duty motorcycle. I now have a Road Glide. The RG does not have a tour pack so it and the King basically had just the saddle bags plus a bag strapped to the passenger back rest. Granted the fairing does give more protection than just the windshield on the King.

[@BoDean52]

Sounds like a great trip you had and we both have great motorcycles. Ride safe!

[@trafficon2wheels]

Hello, I have a softail and a dyna…never ridden a king but looking forward to it in the near future.

[@BoDean52]

Those are great bikes too! The king hits my soul

[@BigBert]

I agree you can tour on any motorcycle. Looking forward to your trip videos 😎

[@BoDean52]

Thanks brother!

[@Roadglide911]

I had a 2016 Road King. I loved the bike’s look, billet silver, spoked whitewalls, chrome everywhere, but it was good for about 300 miles a day. After 300 it was pure misery. I hated to do it but I sold it and bought a 21 FLTRK. Still miss the king but my ass doesn’t. The GF and I did 250 today on the FLTRK and I didn’t even feel it.

[@BoDean52]

It really is a hard decision. I guess it’s on how much you tour. Hate to get rid of a road king but also long range comforts a must.

[@vmonk1474]

My wife and I rode our Road King from North Carolina to Sturgis last year. If it's not a Touring bike, I didn't get the memo on that. Right now I'm itching for another road trip.

[@BoDean52]

You know you’re right and I guess who I just really comparing it to my road glide. Way before they had those touring model, bikes, men, and women, rode across the country on less comfortable bikes than this. Maybe I’m just getting soft. 😂

[@genekelley7579]

🛑🛑 The Roadking is a “stripped down” Touring Bike. 💯 The frame is from the Touring Family. What the Roadking lacks in storage, it gains in Cool! 😎👍 I had a CVO Roadking. I did over a 100k miles on it. I had a Big TBag that I put on the back, when we did Road Trips, it does fine. I have a CVO Ultra now. This bike does trips better, and 2 up riding. It’s all in what you are try to accomplish with the bike, dictates what model you prefer. 💯👍

[@BoDean52]

Agree and as I mentioned 😂, it is considered a touring bike from Harley and I understand the frame. To me, a 2000 RK is not something I would your on. I am thinking I am responding to the frame comment all day 😂. Thanks Gene

[@Tryke_Ryder]

You passed an ice cream stand (at the point of the police car) without stopping?!? Say it ain’t so!!!

[@BoDean52]

REWIND...what the heck is wrong with me

[@dawnsearlylight784]

The Road King is definitely a touring bike. It’s built on a touring frame with the intention of touring. However, a bike doesn’t have to be new or a touring bike to tour on it. I’ve done half of my motorcycle trips on my 1972 Norton Commando 750 Combat.

[@BoDean52]

Great point and heck people toured on them back before the road sofa's

[@davidBarrel]

Hi, was the wind an issue?

[@markkrumrine2943]

I've had both. Cruising and touring bikes. Actually the road king is in the touring lineup. To me it can do both extremely well. Just my $.02

[@BoDean52]

You are right but for me it is a cruiser. Still a great bike and maybe a newer RK would change my mind. Ride safe

[@paulfehrman6831]

Good video, I'd say my Road King would be both.

[@BoDean52]

Agree….for me it’s just would you on an older one? I would need to change a few things to your on my 2000. Appreciate your comment Paul!

[@bigg2768]

Quickest way to become a millionaire, start with a billion and buy a horse. 😂

[@BoDean52]

I have a friend that has a few horses and he tells me about that. Wife will kill him before the horse goes 😂

[@painsrides3616]

How about some big meat hook bars on The King to match Dutchess, could be a BoDean style thing, possibly good for viewership. On that note, you know what would look cool with meat hook bars?? If you got a life-size Susie-Never-Says-No doll and Velcroed her to the pillion seat for rides..............

[@BoDean52]

Brilliant idea and I really have thought about new bars but not meat hooks for this one. Could do it just for you though 🤔

[@BoDean52]

By the way, how do you know that name of the doll?

[@johnlucas8924]

I just spent 6300 on updating my cam chest on my 04 road glide

[@BoDean52]

Ouuch...how is it?

[@gregcipalone2630]

Have a2003 road king would ride this cross country very comfy

[@BoDean52]

2003 is a great bike as well!

[@northbysoutheast5439]

Pull in and knock on the door and ask if you can take a picture in front of barn. 😎👍

[@BoDean52]

It’s out in the country and my preference is to not get shit, bad for video 😂

[@JamanRooney]

You are correct a touring bike is what you ride isn't that what you said. Peace ✌️

[@BoDean52]

Surely thought so 🙂

[@stevencorry5790]

5700 miles in 12 days on a 2020 Heritage Special.....no problem.....would do it again tomorrow

[@BoDean52]

Great ride and Heritages are great bikes. Think you would if it was 23 years old?

[@stevencorry5790]

@@BoDean52 I'd sure try

[@jdreyno1958]

I saw a 2004 HD Road King Classic for sale the other day. If I could swing a second bike I’d have checked it out! You still haven’t put the pool in for the Mr’s? 😂

[@BoDean52]

I bought her a pond years ago and that wasn’t good enough. I think she’s angling for a hot tub at this point. 😂

[@jdreyno1958]

@@BoDean52 😆

[@davesleyer9393]

I have the same road king ❤ I haven’t done any touring yet but I plan on it.

[@BoDean52]

Such a great bike isn't it

[@nhmoosemtn6687]

I think a Road King fits both categories. And yes I've been on those slides and no to the bounce, I would hurt myself..🤣👍🇺🇸⚓

[@BoDean52]

Me too 😂

[@bobnelson2499]

Will, as you know I had "Black Betty" a touring bike. Now I have "Babe" a cruiser. I go the same with the cruiser as I did on the touring ride. Heck, I'm too old to know the difference. Be well sir. ... Bob

[@BoDean52]

We are not old Bob, we are “experienced “

[@ANONYMOUSBIKERUSA]

ya man, can tour on any bike for sure! Even your KLR all day and night long! However, getting a cruiser just for that is fun and cool for sure! I have a few and use em all in a cross trained method lol. They all have an identity crisis. Love to tour on a monkey bike, would be cool and unique set of challenges.............rising tides buddy...............

[@BoDean52]

OK, this old man would not be able to go for a cruise on my KLR 650

[@ANONYMOUSBIKERUSA]

@@BoDean52 ah cmon pal! sure ya would !

[@anthonyvickers3469]

My Road-King is a sportbike When need be.

[@BoDean52]

they sure are great bikes!

[@CJ-Foygelo]

Bouncy house, yes

[@BoDean52]

Wrong I want one for myself?

[@brettcreech3490]

I have both

[@BoDean52]

Only way to go !

[@DryHeatDoug]

🤘🤘🤘

[@BoDean52]

Thanks

[@MicahBell_1860]

I can n not agree with you. Road Kings, Electra-Glides, Street Glides & Road Glides have touring frames. All built for long distance. Fairings & tour packs do not make touring bikes. Cruisers are Softails & Dynas. You can't say putting a fairing & tour pack would make Softails & Dynas magically become touring bikes. 🤜🎤

[@BoDean52]

As I mentioned yes the RK is considered a touring model. To me a 2000 is not something I would tour on. Thanks for watching

[@davidfellows6250]

me and my 17 year old 90# pitbull circumnavigated the U.S on a roadking. camped every night but the three we were iN NYC. we were in fact gone 10 months. so if your not gay..... haha

[@BoDean52]

Sounds like a good trip Dave

[@davidfellows6250]

@@BoDean52 it was . my old girls getting old so out of ohio were only doing Main to Florida this fall.

[@carltonbirds]

👎

[@BoDean52]

Thanks for watching Gary and happy 4th 🇺🇸

[@richpuller1348]

Yo Yo Yo!! Bodean, the Great American Convoy is headed your way.

[@BoDean52]

I heard and still waiting for the call from Adam but nothing yet 😂

[@richpuller1348]

@@BoDean52 If I see you at one of the Michigan dealerships I promise to not make fun of your 12 inch bars even though mine are 18 inches.

[@rowdyrodb]

Road King and a jumping castle for me......

[@BoDean52]

thanks !