Harley Davidson Road King - BEST?

[@PMCraig]

Amen! Ya know you’re not gonna get any argument from me on this one. Road King is the best bike ever!!! I don’t ride mine without the windshield very often. Maybe because mine in a shorty windshield that I look over, plus I wear a half helmet and somehow the airflow must be just right cuz I never catch a bug in the face or even anywhere on the helmet. You gotta try a tour on the Road King. I’ve been all over the US and Canada on mine. Stop and stretch maybe every 90 to 100 miles and carry some Advil just in case. It’s just so cool to travel on an old style classic bike and realize this is how guys did it before we were even born!

[@BoDean52]

I always know Craig that when I have the road king out you’re gonna be happy 😃. Not a bad idea to take it for a little bit of a longer ride but sometimes that’s hard when you know you have the La-Z-Boy chair

[@Broncoride]

I love the King man. It’s a great bike for sure. Nothing like a simple bike which you enjoy the hell out of it. I remember riding the FatBob without a shield and I truly enjoyed it.

[@BoDean52]

you have room for a fat Bob in your garage I do believe

[@brentmcbride793]

I just bought a 98 road glide, I haven't road in 30 years and I'm loving it.

[@BoDean52]

That’s awesome and congrats!

[@KrakensGarageandAdventures]

This is a really good topic. The Road King is the "do it all" Harley. All my life, I've mostly had naked bikes. I love the view of nothing in front of me. It's like I'm floating on air. Foul weather, that's another story. lol Great video sir. Eric

[@BoDean52]

Thanks Eric and I will say when you’re running 80 on the highway and it’s raining, the naked bike is not so appealing 😂

[@PinksAdventures]

....when I was 16 and invincible...didn't care much for windscreens!!....now that I'm in the middle ages....I just can't handel the beating anymore!!🤣...It is great on short runs!...I wish I still had my 1982 Suzuki 650....miss that thing!...thanks for the ride along....stay safe....ride safe!😎🤙👍🤙👍🇨🇦

[@BoDean52]

Back when we were young and invincible, can we go back please

[@rickiekm]

That comment you made “how do you decide which bike to ride” is the exact reason I only have one bike. But with that said, I love both of your bikes.

[@BoDean52]

Thanks my friend but let me tell you it’s a fun choice

[@watdaphuk3668]

My 5th Harley. I'm 64 now. My 2018 FLHP 107 M8, is hands down my favorite of em all. I feel you bro... Stay safe.

[@BoDean52]

We can love them all but I say it Hass to be your favorite. Appreciate it, and ride safe

[@theSMYRNAcowboy]

I'm glad you clarified the "Naked" term. I was planning on riding just me, my jock strap , helmet and boots for my first ride back. Thanks man. 😁

[@BoDean52]

If you only knew my friend. I actually filmed the opener in my garage and let me just say, oh never mind

[@jimwilson774]

Rode my Road King this weekend an even rode it to work! Excited every time!

[@BoDean52]

Riding the king never gets old does it

[@deanintemp]

You know what they say about big headlights... My past is riddled with a number of motorcycles from a number of brands. I currently own a BMW R1200RT and a newly acquired 2005 Harley Road King Classic. I must agree with you, there is nothing quite like riding naked on the Road King - my favorite ride of all time and I will never part with her!

[@BoDean52]

I think that sometimes why you don’t find a lot of the really Cool Older Road Kings for sale. Guys like a snap them up and never sell them

[@fredercolani]

I’m with you on the favorite Harley. I have a 2020 Roadking standard. It’s my 3rd. I’ve had 2 Roadglide’s plus about 6 other bikes. To me it’s the most traditional looking for HD.

[@BoDean52]

That’s a for sure Fred and there’s something about the headlight that gets me. Hard to go wrong with any road king

[@MicahBell_1860]

I always thought the Heritage was also in the most traditional Harley style. I also prefer the Road King headlight over the Heritage

[@HarleyThrottleJuice]

Of the four Harley’s that I’ve owned, the Wide Glide was the one that I got most excited about, because it was the first. It did however cause the first of my back injuries, which is why I now play in the Harley Grand Touring range. ✌️

[@jimwilson774]

The Road King is my first Harley! I've had all the Japanese bikes, really like the Honda and Kawasaki. I'm hooked on the Harley though!

[@BoDean52]

The rumble and the basicness does it for me but you’re right, as we get older the lazy boy bikes are much easier on us old men

[@bobnelson2499]

Great ride and content sir. Just so the world knows, I am not done with bikes just yet. Be well, you are appreciated.

[@BoDean52]

As long as your happy my friend

[@FLYANDRIDE15]

I really love the look of the road king and your bike looks awesome! Enjoy! 🤙 To answer your question, I typically plan on riding both in one day. So I’ll ride the SG and then get back, short break and hop on GS. 🤙

[@BoDean52]

I have done that a few times and it really makes you feel like your day is totally complete

[@williamwilkes2856]

The King, The King, The King.......what more can you say. It's truly an unique bike, especially without the windshield.

[@BoDean52]

Something about running around it without the windshield

[@TyFromTennessee]

That big ol fat headlight is just so awesome. If I’m running around town I’ll take the Sportster but for the most part I ride my SG a lot more. Ummmm, yeah. I have a favorite kid too. Hahah.

[@BoDean52]

My wife seems to be upset because I just want to get one of those headlights and hang it from the wall in the family room. She says the deer is enough 😂

[@mkelley51]

The Road King. Everything you need, nothing you don’t.

[@BoDean52]

Exactly!

[@MicahBell_1860]

Harley could have used you in their marketing department in 1994! Great slogan

[@markhenry192]

Great topic Mr BoDean. I miss my sportser 48, the shake and roughness of it. The M8 I have now is great but lacks a lttle of that character of the sportster. ps camera angle is spot on. Thanks

[@BoDean52]

Really appreciate that Mark and there’s just something about that rumble and shake. Really appreciate the comment about the camera because I do change the angle when I ride this by compared to the road glide

[@Hogdriver88]

I’ve been riding fairing bikes so long, I could never go back - the GSA is as close to non-fairing as I’ll go. Love the big headlight on the Road Kings 👍

[@BoDean52]

Definitely need those bikes and so many rides but sometimes especially on the short runs, that wind feels good

[@ronisley9716]

I rode my 2007 Softail Standard for 8 years and 88k miles “naked” with a skid lid helmet and loved it. That bike had be wrecked, put back together, dropped, rode hard and even caught on fire once and I loved it. Not at all a pretty bike. I wish I had kept it and brought it to Michigan. My 2016 Ultra rides fine, I ware a ff helmet and it’s just a different ride.

[@BoDean52]

About that softail is like part of the family Ron

[@ronisley9716]

@@BoDean52 No I sold it to a young Air Force guy who rode a rocket. His girlfriend want to ride but wouldn’t get on what he had. So he bought my Softail. I’m told it’s still on Okinawa.

[@davelivingstone9280]

Kings are the best bike HD makes, hands down.

[@BoDean52]

I am with ya there Dave

[@Tryke_Ryder]

My brothers Honda 305 Dream (1963 model) was the bike that got me most excited and happy. It was also was the one that resulted in me going to the police station in handcuffs… 🤷🏻‍♂️ (apparently in Illinois, a motorcycle license is kind of important!)…

[@BoDean52]

oh we need the handcuff story Bill

[@thejerseyj5479]

I run about 7 lbs. of air in my rear shocks on my '07 Road King. And she rides so nice. There is a graph which shows how much air pressure to run at whatever weight you are. I'm 6'2" 185 and so 5-7 lbs. is just right. It's 4:30 AM on Independence Day '22 and I'm 30 min. away from a beautiful morning ride. See ya down the road Amigos !

[@BoDean52]

Thanks for the info and hope your ride was incredible! 👍

[@Petesmotoadventure]

If I go basic I ride my 2007 r1200r. Granted it has abs but that’s the extent of the tech. When I ride it, it is simply for the joy of it. You will see a vlog or 2 while I’m on it, but it’s my bike to ride for joy.

[@BoDean52]

That’s great so you totally get me riding the king

[@Petesmotoadventure]

@@BoDean52 Absolutely.

[@brianhoffies4846]

When are you guys doing the next LIVE?

[@BoDean52]

Thinking 12th and we will all be together on a road trip

[@jeffdriggs2895]

I have 2, 20 Slim and 21 Road King Special. SlimDirty goes on twisties around the lakes, to work(twice a week at a golf course) , and shorter rides. I have a detachable Memphis Shades windshield on Road King for rides down highway 1, and 1 day or longer trips. I just make sure SlimDirty doesn’t get jealous of the RKS, which is my fav.😏

[@BoDean52]

That’s great Jeff and I try not to talk about them being my favorite when they’re together 😂😂

[@andreychuprin7365]

Got two 89 softail custom n 21 ultra limited, ultra is for more of a distance crusher, softail rides like crap compared to new bikes but around town I love it, thing is loud, smells like unburned fuel and vibrates enough to make your teeth rattle but I just can't part with it and if I ever did, I know that I would miss it dearly. Them older bikes have a different soul to em!

[@BoDean52]

I think you hit it right on the head, there’s something in the sore when you ride them

[@rickhelper3221]

I think you live within a handful of miles of me. I ride many of the same roads you do (Territorial). I have 2 CB350s; 2 GL1000s; 2 GL1100s, a Suzuki GS750L and a Heritage Classic. I started with the classic Japanese bikes. However; there's nothing like a Harley. I'll probably get an Ultra Classic; the Heritage isn't that great for two up very long. If I just want to do a quick trip around the block (Zeeb/Huron River/Wagner/Miller); I'll take a GL1100. Happy trails...

[@BoDean52]

Sounds like we are wreck and I have not written around Huron river in a while. What’s the place to jump on it? Always up for a good ride by the way

[@HarleyThrottleJuice]

As I was watching this and you were talking about the old days, an osteoarthritis ad interrupted the video! How does KZbin know? ✌️😂

[@BoDean52]

Because they’re watching us every minute of every day 😂

[@wingandhog]

Depends on where I’m riding. If local or within 60 miles each way. I usually take the Harley. If longer trips or out of state, I’m on the Wing. If I’m not doing trips, I will alternate each week between the Harley and the GoldWing.

[@BoDean52]

Really nice to have options isn’t it

[@mosmotorcyclejourney9067]

That's my problem. What do I ride today. 🤔 the 1988, the 2000, or the 2015 .

[@BoDean52]

Totally get it and the cool thing I think for me as they are really are two different bikes so it depends on when I’m going to do. It is nice to have options Moe

[@mosmotorcyclejourney9067]

@@BoDean52 so true sir. I love options when it comes to motorcycles. I want another one but the wife feels different. 😕

[@bradlozano2571]

I like to ride with my windshield(Fairing)...on year round even though its quick release...And i live in the Heat here in Cali also...Everybody is different

[@BoDean52]

I totally agree with you and when it’s too cold or actually two hot Brad. I prefer the windshield. It’s probably just for me because I like staring at the headlight 😂 🤷‍♂️

[@bradlozano2571]

@@BoDean52 Hahaha thats funny....Your love smitten

[@MicahBell_1860]

I do have 2 Harleys. A 1994 Blockhead FLHTC Electra-Glide Classic that is stripped down in a Road King style, for Highway cruising.(l would trad3 it in for a 1998 Road King, last of the Blockheads, in a heartbeat, if l could find one. I also have a 1946 Flathead U model Chopper for bar hopping. I first saw that bike in Live to Ride Magazine & Ozbike Magazine in 1988, when it was the feature bike. Told my old man, one day I was going to buy a bike just like that. He just laughed at me. 10 years ago I saw that exact same bike for sale, told my wife the story about that bike, & she convinced me despite my reservations, to call the guy, & let him know how much that bike affected me when I was a teenager. I spoke to him, not really wanting to buy it because I needed to buy a new 124ci S&S engine & Jims Fat Five Overdrive for my Softail Custom. He listened to my story & immediately dropped the price by half. I told him I could not afford to take a second loan to buy it, nor would it make much sense to have an unregistered chopper & a blown engined Softail sitting in my garage. Of which neither could be ridden. At no point was it my intent to try & lower the price. My wife forced me to call him back & buy the Chopper, saying it was fate that I should own that Unicorn bike. Sold the Softail rolling chassis & took me 2 months to get it roadworthy & registered. 2 years later I bought the Electra Glide for about a third of the going price from a divorcee who got the bike in a settlement. I also have a 2008 Honda CRF250R Limited Edition (last of the carby models & you might start seeing a trend here) for Motocrossing (bought for a steal off a friend with less than 1hr running time. He bought it, rode it for about 30mins & parked it in a shipping container) I would like to find a 1972 BSA Rocket lll for cafe racing & a 1981 Triumph TR7T Tiger Trail for scrambling & running where the "Adventurers" & 4WDers go. So which bike would I choose to ride? Depends on what I'm doing! My youngest daughter is VERY different! 😄

[@BoDean52]

What a great comment in the story, thanks a ton for sharing that. Is it amazing what motorcycles do for us?

[@kspychalski]

Hello, what kind of front LED-Lights do you have?

[@BoDean52]

They are Custom Dynamics and below is a video on them. In the description there is a link that takes them to them. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIWrZnx9n9F8gLM

[@ronb1250]

I wish I could ride no windshield now but I can’t I have three rotator cuff tears in one arm and one in The other one The wind hit me hurts my shoulders too much The motorcycle I like the best I had was a 1974 Kawasaki 900 with turbo bought it brand new in 1974 that’s sort of tells you how long I’ve been riding and that was my fifth at that time back in those days we didn’t even know what riding gear was

[@BoDean52]

Ouch and I imagine that would bother your shoulders for sure. Times for gear really have changed haven’t they Ron

[@gabbyhayes4561]

I'm on my 2nd R.K. now. Just luv em. They're great for touring, or just a day ride away fm the city. And YES, .. sometimes I prefer to ride naked. Ride safe my brothers and sisters. MAGA🇺🇸😎

[@BoDean52]

Thanks Gabby and I would tell you that if my wife did not ride with me when we toured, I probably would have a newer road king as well

[@Viper6-MotoVlogger]

I don’t mind running a bike with no windshield. But, to tend to plaster your jacket with bugs.

[@BoDean52]

What’s a few bugs and rocks to the chest hands and mouth? Come on now 😂

[@brandoncarter7053]

Except for the part where everyone with an EG, RG or SG has a better version of the RK. Don't get me wrong, I do like RKs. But people act like they are not all the same motorcycle from the steering neck back. I think HD missed an opportunity when they released the RK to rebrand the EGUC to RK and leave the naked FLH as the EG. This argument that the RK has everything you need and nothing you don't is kind of silly. The only things "needed" on a motorcycle, all motorcycles come equipped with standard. The fact of the matter is the RK is just an old style version of the EG. If you lined up (base models) 1x EG, 1x RG, 1x SG and 1x RK and put 3x riders in front of them, told them to choose a bike and go ride coast-to-coast, the RK would be the bike that gets left behind 100% of the time.

[@BoDean52]

Maybe, I guess it’s really what you want in a bike.

[@MinnowMoto]

"a rock or tow to the face" lol

[@BoDean52]

Maybe a small pebble would be better 😂

[@Tryke_Ryder]

I wish I could convince the wife that I need a Road King!! She is comfortable on the trike but can’t do a motorcycle (MS, and vertigo). She simply doesn’t trust me on 2 wheels (I qualify as an ‘Old Fart’ and didn’t ride for 40 years). That being said, I want to get back on two wheels!!

[@BoDean52]

seems fair!

[@rennachey1396]

I meant what year

[@BoDean52]

2000 Renna

[@darrenlingerfelt5879]

👍

[@BoDean52]

👍👍

[@moose3971]

It will do at least 100mph. But hold on. It’s a bit scary. Ask me how I know! Lol

[@BoDean52]

You and 100 does not surprise me 😂, that motor had to be screaming

[@moose3971]

@@BoDean52 It was. I would not recommend it. It was after I did the stage 2. But as you know, that bike is for cruising not speeding. It’s just fun to take out and about!

[@rennachey1396]

What is your Road King??? I am currently searching for a second bike.

[@BoDean52]

2000

[@Simon-me6ir]

👍🏻

[@painsrides]

$5.00\gal fuel = no cars

[@BoDean52]

Quit being so practical 😂

[@painsrides]

@@BoDean52 that's mez

[@blackedoutbandit]

I want a cholo bike

[@BoDean52]

You deserve two

[@rolandpotter479]

Honest injun??????? Not PC old chap.

[@BoDean52]

Yup...I have a lot of those