Is it Time to Move On from the Road King Special? | Bike Check

It's been quite some time since I've done a video, Nov. '23 to be exact. Anyway, been thinking long and hard about these new ‪@harleydavidson‬ 2024 Touring Models and whether or not to move on from my 2017 Road King Special. I take a ride over to Battlefield Harley-Davidson to check them out and afterwards I do a bike check on my 2017 Road King Special going over all the winter modifications.
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[@FLYANDRIDE15]

Welcome back bro! And hear you on the balance, super important and great to hear you spending time with family. This is one of the nicest RK’s around and definitely a keeper. I’m have similar thoughts, next weeks video I share some of my thoughts 🤔 😂

[@SJBagger]

Thanks, appreciate it brother. I think I was considering only because I enjoy building them so much. May just add a second bike in the future. We’ll see.

[@richardwitalis7731]

That's like saying, is it time to move on from the best motorcycle model ever made!

[@lawtondevil]

wow you had my going.. Lol I plan on doing my 2022 with the FXRP fairing next month.. I was thinking of trading mine but for another 2022 road glide specail I would never trade for a 2024. just thinking of the controls they feel like a mountain it takes 2 hands lol.

[@SEPA_Bagger]

Your bike is sounding and looking killer. I wouldn’t give that up for a 24 model.

[@SJBagger]

You know how much I’ve put into it, not going anywhere.

[@roadking681]

I wouldn't get rid of your RK special either. I have a 2018 Road King Special and love it. The RK special is the most versatile bike and the newest and latest isn't always the best, Harley's have gotten so expensive and if you go to a new bike u r talking about thousands of dollars then u r starting over again. I like to ride my bikes for years and enjoy the money I spent on them first before I trade them in. U have a great bike to enjoy for many more years plus u r too young for a touring model, wait until u r in your 70's and then think about it. Me I like to stay and look young so I will never do the touring models. Ride safe.

[@SJBagger]

@roadking681 ​​⁠it’s staying for sure. Actually just bought a Low Rider (used) high miles low $$ as a second bike to play around with.

[@roadking681]

@@SJBaggerthose lowriders look good with that Advanblack FXR style fairing and you can buy them already painted they have several different factory colors to choose from check out their site. You made a good purchase. Ride safe my friend and cheers to your new bike.

[@SJBagger]

@@roadking681 I know it 😉. Thanks and you too!

[@vazquezga2023]

I traded my first Harley when i bought my 2017 road glide. It was a 2002 Harley DEUCE that was raked out and completely customized, it always turned heads with its custom paint. To this day I regret selling it. My 2017 is now paid off and I have a ton of money into it. I’m not selling it. I’ll wait until Harley finally comes out with a new softtail frame for the baggers. I’ll give the RG it to my son when he gets older.

[@SJBagger]

Same too much blood, sweat, tears and $$…not going anywhere 😉

[@tmburke1]

Great video! The last Harley I bought was in 2018, and it was a 2008! I could buy new at anytime I feel, but I wanted to and enjoy BUILDING the bike! Harleys were meant to tear down, and then rebuild. The only thing left stock on my engine is the cases! If you wanted to, you could keep the king and pass it down to your son/ daughter with relative ease. The reason why I say that? My bike was built 16 years ago, and I can still find all of the parts for it. Good choice to keep the ride you spent so much time making your own! Ride safe!

[@SJBagger]

Thank you! That’s a great idea and def something to consider. I was only considering it to do another build given I too like modifying and building them out. I’ll probably add another bike in the future, we’ll see. Thanks again brother!

[@roadking681]

I have a 2018 RK Special and love it. Nothing done to the motor only some Slip on's were added at the time of purchase. I love the versatility of the RK special, u can dress it up any way u want which u can't do on the others. I can not stand the look of the RK Road glide or the Street Glide I could never in my life get in to that look. The only 2 faring's I like is the FXR faring like the one u have looks so much more sporty looking and goes good with the bike and the other is my 1st choice and that's the Memphis Shades Warrior faring which looks nice on the Road kings. I have the original Harley wind splitter windshield on mine which will be eventually swapped out for the Warrior faring. Glad your keeping the bike, I never did understand why people put lots of $$$$$ in their bike and then go and trade it in for another to start all over again. Thanks for sharing your nice MC with us, ride safe.

[@SJBagger]

I agree with you on everything with regard to the RK. I like the SG and RG but never needed all the additional functionality that comes with the fairings. I like how you can put the Road Warrior, FXR and ST on and it still be raw, lightweight and nimble. Anyway, thanks for commenting and stay safe out there! Keep ripping that RK.

[@kevinolsen3317]

That’s one sick road king, sounds amazing and glad to see ya back.🇨🇦🤙

[@SJBagger]

Thanks buddy, appreciate it!

[@Mint_Vicla]

Family man 1st, thats what is all about. Glad to see you and the Road King hitting the streets again. Much love ride safe bro

[@SJBagger]

Yeah buddy and looking forward to warmer weather and getting out!

[@robertfagan8833]

Glad to see you’re doing another video. your road king is absolutely beautiful everything you’ve done to it is it’s extremely different and I would hate to see you give that up. I do agree the 24 cvo st is unbelievable amazing.but I would hold onto your bike and see what 25 brings might be some crazy color scheme to come that everybody wants to sell the black and white ones for now. I think if anything if you could afford it, add another one to the stable just for now.

[@SJBagger]

Thanks Bob! Yeah not going anywhere but def considered for new build. Maybe I’ll add to the fleet in the future, we’ll see. Talk to you soon!

[@matthewsavoy1791]

Glad to see you back. I really think you have the best roadking I've ever seen. Really tastefully done. The only 2024 bike I like is the cvo st I think it's everything in one package however what you have is one off. I wouldn't get rid of your bike if anything add to the stable. I said it before if you ever do want to get rid of it I'm interested.

[@SJBagger]

Thanks Matt, appreciate it! I do like that CVO ST as well, but too rich for my blood and I like building them. If I ever do, you’ll be the first to know. Thanks for checking in!

[@CaribbeanAmigosOnTwos]

You’re making a lot of sense! Bike is looking GREAT! 🔥 🔥

[@SJBagger]

Thanks bro. I saw you were potentially considering, are you making a move? I know you've put a lot into that RG.

[@MotoHeadKyle]

Glad to see you back on the YT. I’d hate to see your RK go. It’s beautiful. And done up exactly how you want. And you finally have it tuned perfectly! Also, I’d give the new bikes minimum of 2 years unless you want a possibility of a problem child lol

[@SJBagger]

Not moving it. It’d be nice to build something else so maybe I’ll add in the future.

[@ericroadking7564]

Kyle where you at???

[@SJBagger]

@@ericroadking7564he's around, actually just talked to him. I know he has some stuff in the works so you'll have to stay tuned for that 😉

[@MotoHeadKyle]

@@ericroadking7564 enjoying life at the moment brother! ill be back in spring!

[@kellybgliding]

I’m watching your video in my living room while typing this. Bro your bike is a wonderful kind RK. Plus like you said you have put so much work into it. I just don’t think 💭it’s worth it. Great video and ride safe. Hey I’m looking to ride up DC this year. Maybe we can meet and ride . Much love my brother KING IS CLEAN 🧼

[@SJBagger]

Thanks KB! I’m like you, feeling like I need to add to the stable eventually 😉. Yes, keep me in the loop, not far from DC and will happily meet up. PS, you get that Outlaw on Kong yet?

[@kellybgliding]

@@SJBagger yeah give me a year and a half and I’m going to add to the stable

[@shasiceruti8994]

You have one dope a$$ RKS bro. Glad to see you back out & about can’t wait to ride with you and the fellas 🤙🏾

[@SJBagger]

Thanks bud and can’t wait to see that refresh when it’s done!!!

[@thomaspalam]

Im with ya, When everyone and their brother got the new out of the box performance bagger we'll still be different rockin the OG performance bagger, RK forever. Nice work!

[@SJBagger]

Agreed! 👊💪

[@danbarrette9888]

The road king sounds and looks amazing. Still swapping out little things is fine but if you do go with a 24 you will be swapping out a lot more. Don’t forget there was a recall on the 23’s so who knows what the 24’s will bring. What you are filming imo is good stuff. I am a firm believer in family and spent my time with my wife a two boys until they were 17-18. Keep doing what you’re doing I learn of some different aftermarket products that interest me.

[@SJBagger]

Thanks Dan, appreciate that brother! Yeah down to small stuff like hardware. Maybe another bike that I can build in the future, we’ll see. Appreciate the comments and will continue on 👍💪.

[@antruze]

I knew you weren’t letting it go. But you had me nervous for a second man. Love that set up you got 🤙

[@SJBagger]

It was there for a sec but when I was riding it I was like there is no way I could let this go. Thanks for checking in 💪

[@roadkingrider6532]

I’ve had the packtalk edge for over a year, love it. Been thinking of getting the ruroc atlas. Good looking helmet.

[@SJBagger]

Glad to hear! Everyone I know who runs it has nothing but good stuff to say. So far it’s way better than the competition. I’m liking the helmet so far, just need to see how it does for long rides.

[@randallpennington3763]

Awesome to see a local rider. I’m out of chambersburg Pa. Sweet ride!

[@SJBagger]

Thanks brother appreciate it! Yeah I’m right around the corner.

[@aarondeere]

New bikes are nice but yours is a sweet ride. I must have just left when you were there. I was parked next to the blue goldwing.

[@SJBagger]

Thanks man! Yeah I wanted to test ride but just too much going on there Sat. I’ll get out on them eventually.

[@darknessroadking]

Good to see your mug bro. Happy to hear you're not getting rid of ol' girl, she's still classier than these stock 2024s.

[@SJBagger]

Lol, thanks bro. Yeah she’s staying. Hope to get out and ride with you at some point this season.

[@johnmacias01]

Its all good bro, real life stops all. Seems like we don't have a lot of time, the days go by quick!

[@SJBagger]

Tell me about it, not enough time in the day!

[@pachy44]

Keep it... it's the right decision....

[@SJBagger]

Thanks brother, not going anywhere

[@Bmor3Br3d]

Great vid! That Ruroc is 🔥🔥🔥

[@SJBagger]

We’ll see how it holds up after a few hours of straight riding.

[@robbiebenson9162]

Glad to see you back bro glad you are well. Just wondering where you got the 1/2 reducer for your K.W outlaw can't find one anywhere Please help if you can.

[@SJBagger]

Yo Robbie! Thanks brother, appreciate it. Good question my man, apparently KW has a 3 week lead time on these right now. I only know this because a friend of mine is in the same boat and that’s what KW told him. Maybe give Sales a call and see how long for certain and yes, it can’t be had anywhere else right now until they have inventory. Sorry bud, wish I had better news but I believe they aren’t far off.

[@robbiebenson9162]

Thanks for the info buddy ride safe keep making content I'll keep watching

[@SJBagger]

@@robbiebenson9162 👊

[@ericroadking7564]

Bike is awesome I would keep it too brother!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wait for the new bikes to go through all the start up issues!!!!!!!!!!!! Peace !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@SJBagger]

I’m with you E! Not going anywhere.

[@Kingdlack]

RKS are getting rare. Definitely a keeper and with all the modifications. No sense in dumping all the money you invested into a new bike. Besides who has gold carbon fiber? ……NO ONE💯

[@SJBagger]

Lol, thanks brother! That gold carbon fiber is something 😉. I’m with you and the RK is staying.

[@a.r.o7697]

I feel the same way about my 2016 Road Glide. That's even though it's obviously a Twin Cam. I've had it for too long and put too much into it. If I was to trade it, I'd basically put it back to stock minus the Kraus risers, Thrashin bars, and Kraus gauge relocation. The Kraus top tree would stay with me for the 2024 if I were to buy one.

[@SJBagger]

Lol, I thought about that, taking her back to stock. Man that would be an effort 🤦‍♂️.

[@davidbunting6582]

I want the new Road Glide but I'd never let my 2011 Fat Boy go. I know too many ppl that regret letting their Dyna or even Sporty go when they got a bagger. Your King is sharp. I'd keep her.

[@SJBagger]

I hear ya. Had a Dyna before and miss that bike. That’s one I think about adding.

[@ryanr4181]

I did just that. I bought a 21 1200 sportster 3 months later traded it in for a 21 street glide and fuck do I miss my sportster I just couldn’t afford 2 payments but I really do want to buy another one just to ride around town. Absolutely loved that bike

[@SJBagger]

@@ryanr4181 yeah I def. understand Ryan. I'm going to try and add one in the future. I have little guy and if I added another bike right now, the wife would kill me 😉. someday

[@kellybgliding]

That helmet it smashing. Love it bro

[@SJBagger]

So far so good. Need a few straight hours in it to really see.

[@davidmatias6239]

Bro, I wouldn’t get rid of the road king that bike is bad ass. If money is not an issue, I would add an additional bike maybe the road glide ST.

[@SJBagger]

I’m not. Agreed, will add another bike potentially in the future. 💪👊

[@urbanadventurer5]

If you have a RK and enjoy it, I say keep what you have and save your money. For anyone that is shopping for a new bike, the RK really isn’t a good value anymore due to the pricing for the new base RG and SG and the existence of the LRST with the 117. Still a smooth and cool ride though in my opinion.

[@SJBagger]

Agreed and def sticking. I do wonder though what is in store for the RK come 2025. It’s had minor changes throughout the years, really the LED and the 114, that’s it! I hope they have something up their sleeve.

[@urbanadventurer5]

@@SJBagger I absolutely agree. It seems like the ideal bike to add all the new tech and goodies to next. It’s almost a must do if you ask me.

[@SJBagger]

@@urbanadventurer5 FOR SURE!

[@duffy1298]

I vote keep it

[@SJBagger]

👍👍🤘

[@Mikey_556]

😅😅 New Gen bikes with new looks…keep it & get something new option would be best of both worlds but new stuff (& new mods) is $$$. Enjoy the process, looking forward to seeing where 24 takes you. 🤘🏼

[@SJBagger]

Yo buddy! Yeah need another build eventually, but the King isn’t going anywhere.

[@CodyMcDonald89]

i thought about trading my 21 ultra in as well. But ive done got alot of work done to it and dont really want to start over. So im just going to keep addike to my harley and ride on

[@SJBagger]

Yeah I can totally sympathize. Most of the work was done by me so it's even more meaningful. All those times of screaming about how difficult a simple install should be 🤣

[@CodyMcDonald89]

@@SJBagger true true. Yes I had dealership do the stage 2 upgrade I didn’t go with Harley cam ever we lol know they suck I went fueling reaper 472 cam and bike put down 119hp and 129trq and what I didn’t know is they used the screaming eagle tuner so I think if I go with better tuner I could squeeze more.

[@SJBagger]

@@CodyMcDonald89 for sure. If you go with Dynojet, TTS or Thundermax you'll for sure get more out it.

[@kevinolsen3317]

What exhaust do you have?

[@carolinarider5237]

If you trade up to a 24 RG, you will actually be down grading

[@whatyoumakeofit6635]

100% agree

[@Teddy_B_Ridn]

Nice video… I think u should stick with the Road King also… 👊🏾✌🏾

[@SJBagger]

Thanks brother, yeah the RK is staying 👊

[@ryanr4181]

Beautiful bike bro. You’re in PA. May I ask where? I’m in the Scranton area

[@SJBagger]

I'm down by York, PA. Anytime you are down or want to ride, just let me know.

[@ridered7394]

You bike is sweet, definitely no need to upgrade, wait until they have the next generation engine, you already have a m8,

[@SJBagger]

True. Reminds of 2014 when they redesigned the Shark Nose and 3 years later followed with the motor, 2017 M8. May be on to something…

[@jasonkimble8926]

Yea, ST would be nice

[@SJBagger]

LOL, can I get $42k for the RK 😂. ST is nice looking for sure.

[@kellybgliding]

Surprise that you didn’t the Santoro gold shift linkage

[@SJBagger]

Engine staying all black. Just something about that murdered out look. Only ran the gold up top, front to back 😉

[@kellybgliding]

@@SJBagger I feel you on that

[@lawtondevil]

if you do decide to let it go.. you really should sell that yourself, Harley is GOING TO GIVE YOU 13K if that. and we all know what its worth.I got a 2022 road king special... with stage 2 kruse 10 inch T bars Ohlins screaming eagle suspension flush mount caps Dominion mirrors and grips Adversary floor board derby cover timing cover. new tires wires plugs black push rod covers 4 point docking hardware windshield as of now. clockworks header Reinhart 4 1/2 slip-on mufflers 2 up freedom seat,,, they offered me 14.200 they told me they had to get the bike at 13.800 but went right to payoff. thats big they told me they never do that. LOL I told them to take that paper and bike I was looking at and throw it in the garbage.. those where my exact words after they offered my that.. I know im forgetting things on my bike.. what a waste of time.. there trying to push these 2024 models you can get those thousands cheeper but there is a reason for 1 they look like an Indian seen one coming at me other day and rally cant tell them apart from a distance away..

[@SJBagger]

Yeah I would never attempt a trade with the dealership. They need to make money so I get it, but they’ll never give you what the mods are worth. I’ve had 6 Harleys now and have sold them all outright on my own. Only way to go.

[@roadkingrider6532]

I was going to say looking at that road king, you’ve put to much soul into it to get rid of it.

[@SJBagger]

For sure, years of a little here a little there.

[@FreedomRider1982]

I know it might be tempting but, personally, I would Never Ever Ever even think about trading or selling your RKS.

[@SJBagger]

It’s not going anywhere. I was thinking about it because I like building them so much so purely from a project perspective.

[@lawtondevil]

the new 2024 bikes are awful I would not trade that road king for 2 2024 models. my opinion anyway..

[@bradlozano2571]

Just remember all the money and time it took to setup and dial in your Bike?....You will never get back what you put in it if you sell or trade....Dont be those Guys that change Bikes like changing underware....

[@SJBagger]

I’m with you all the way. I’ll likely add at some point in time just so I can build. May even do a Copart build, who knows.

[@bradlozano2571]

@@SJBagger Thats Kool...Maybe when i get to a point when i cant tour anymore i will do a complete Old School Chopper Build with a S@S Evo Engine?....

[@SJBagger]

That’d be cool. I don’t discriminate when it comes to motorcycles 😉, I love them all.

[@ELEV8R405]

My vote is to keep your RGS. The sickest one I’ve seen imo. 🤙🏼

[@SJBagger]

Thanks brother! It’s been a good bike and build. It’s not going anywhere, maybe I’ll add another build in the future.

[@imsurly7742]

You've already removed the greatest feature of the RK by putting a fairing on, so you should absolutely go for a SG or RG

[@SJBagger]

It’s still an RK at the end of the day. The fairing is aftermarket and does not have all the bells and whistles of the SG or RG, it’s raw.

[@DanBeanner-zo3ms]

Some time its hard to move on. But always next project.

[@SJBagger]

@@DanBeanner-zo3ms agreed