Touring on Old Motorcycles

[@PMCraig]

Of course you can do a long cross country tour on your King! It’s what I’ve always done! I live in Illinois. My previous ‘99 and current ‘07 Road Kings have been to every state west of the Mississippi and most of those out east. My longest mileage trip was probably when I rode the old Route 66 from Downtown Chicago to the Santa Monica Pier, headed north on the Pacific Coast Highway up to Oregon, and then zigzagged home trying to hit as many national parks as possible. Also been to the end of the road in Eastport Maine. And there was a jaunt up to Banff and Jasper in Alberta Canada. Plus too many points in between to mention. Now a 64 year old broken down geezer I just did a 360 mile day on my King this past June. A Road King can take you anywhere my man! 😎

[@BoDean52]

Well said and I need to put route 66 on my list

[@Beemerlarider1981]

nice!

[@physiciansassist1]

My 07 cvo could never do that

[@juanreyna1029]

I own a’98 Road King Classic and went from McAllen, Tx. to Moab, Utah round trip. Had a blast. Had a blast!

[@BoDean52]

See it can be done…appreciate you sharing

[@Roadglide117]

I did a 3500 mile round trip on my 04 Road King classic in years past when it had 57000 miles on it. Ran and rode flawless. It was my favorite bike I've ever had. I sold it when it had 101000 miles on it and it still ran like a top. I really like my 21 road glide I have now but there's something about a Road King! Put gear drive cams in your 2000 and it'll run forever. Ride safe!

[@BoDean52]

That’s a ton of miles and very impressive, that means years of great motorcycle riding.

[@Candywarhol]

I took my '82 FLT (minus fairing & tour pak) from Northern Illinois to Winnipeg. No problems. Just remembered frequent stops to look around.

[@ChopperFett]

Great topic Bob. I’d say if the motorcycle has been maintained I don’t see any harm in it. The older twin cams with cam tensioner failure is always my biggest concern but If that has been addressed should be good to roll

[@BoDean52]

Totally agree with you in the camp tensioners were checked a few thousand miles ago and they are in good shape but you know how that goes

[@ChopperFett]

@@BoDean52 imminent failure lol

[@scottorr5758]

I did the Iron Butt Saddlesore 1000 this year from Vegas to Coeur d'Alene Idaho on my '09 Road King without a single issue 👍

[@BoDean52]

Nice….never have tried the Iron Butt want too

[@devilsanus3510]

I rode from Central Ohio to Gatlinburg tenn, and rode down there for 4 days then home. I did it, im happy I did it , didn't look at my bike for 3 weeks when I got home. That trip is the biggest reason I bought my streetglide

[@BoDean52]

I think trips help sells many motorcycles

[@FloridaBoilermaker]

Road king all the way for new appreciation for old school long travel and to really understand it.

[@BoDean52]

That’s a lot of why I’m thinking about it because that’s what people did on these bikes back in the day right

[@thedustychronicles739]

I did quite a bit of touring on my 2006 RoadKing Classic. I sure miss that bike. I’ve also done some long distance riding on my 1998 Softail Custom, Atlanta to Key West to mention one. Not as cushy a ride but I had a blast regardless!!

[@BoDean52]

Yeah Dusty I sure love the king and no he would do fine, the owner maybe not so much

[@motorcycleden]

You mentioned riding the king on a long trip would make some great memories, you definitely wouldn't forget it. Lol If that was the only bike I had, I wouldn't hesitate to do a 2up cross country trip on it, but it would definitely be more comfortable on the Road Glide. Years back the Mrs and I took a 750 Nighthawk on a 1500-2000 mile trip and we had a blast. The thing is, we were 30 years younger, which makes all the difference in the world. You can definitely do it on the king but at some point you will probably wish you brought the Road Glide.

[@BoDean52]

Totally agree it’s a great idea, but ……

[@viewsfromedsshed5356]

Me and my '96 Electra Glide have been all over Europe, rides of 400 to 500 miles a day on various roads from back roads to main highways are easy on the old girl. Although you can't do that in England because of how bad the roads are, speed cameras, and the amount of traffic As long as your bike is looked after, it shouldn't be a problem. Your 2000 Road King isn't an old bike, in my opinion. Happy trails, keep the videos coming.

[@BoDean52]

Appreciate that and I’m not as concerned really about the bike as I am the old man that sits on it 😂

[@viewsfromedsshed5356]

@@BoDean52 Haha that's exactly the problem I've got, the bike is healthier than the guy in the saddle

[@pauljirinec2772]

Think about a windshield and cruise control too.

[@BoDean52]

Good point Paul, I do have a windshield for the bike but cruise control is something that would be hard to not have. What did they do in the old days though 😂

[@pauljirinec2772]

@@BoDean52 You can try a throttle lock. Personally, I use a Brake Away throttle lock. Really good throttle lock but a bit "spendy" though. Amazon as some more budget friendly throttle locks as well.

[@mikesnodgrass4311]

I took a 99 Wideglide from Jacksonville Florida to Gettysburg PA with my wife. We only had a small bag for a week. No saddlebags. After that she said “if we’re going to travel on the bike, we need a bigger bike”. Thus enter the Ultra Limited.

[@BoDean52]

The Ultra defiantly helped the storage issue. That’s a good run from Florida

[@johnasbury9915]

Plan on riding mine to Key West from East TN later on this year… my old high school buddy and I have done all of the Lower 48 & he did it all without a windshield about 1/2 of it on his old VMax…. I’d ride it anywhere you wanna go!

[@BoDean52]

Well, that sounds like a riot in an amazing ride. I need to plan something like that for this year.

[@Big_John_C]

I ride my 36 year old Honda Shadow 1100 daily and I'd ride it anywhere with confidence, it's been 100% reliable and still looks showroom clean, no it's not the most comfortable and very few aftermarket add on's are available, but it will get me there and back

[@BoDean52]

That’s really cool and you must take care of it

[@davidwarner9112]

Just returned from a 4,000 12- day ride (Sturgis, MT, WT, etc..) on my '99 King. Must say I did add Legend suspension a couple years back...and some sweet Dunlop American Elite rubber for the twisties!

[@BoDean52]

That is awesome and I so need to get out there, hope you had a riot

[@davidwarner9112]

@@BoDean52 That I did...only issue, while riding with my buds...I kept looking for that 6th gear...if you know what I mean. Otherwise flawless! What do you do with an old harley that is worth little but still rides great...you ride it!

[@chuckhanson35]

I have a 93 Honda Shadow 1100 that I bought new. I have about 53,000 miles on it and most of them were put on in the first 8-9 years. I went in 3k mile trips several times but I was a lot younger then!! My back is pretty bad so don’t ride it much anymore. I always have a sleeping bag on it for a backrest which helps a lot! Still love the old bike.

[@BoDean52]

Hard to let go of that bike wouldn’t it be

[@fltrx19rider14]

Rode a Kaw Z-1 from Orlando Fl to Chicago, then to New Orleans & back to Orlando. Was 26 then, (still have that bike, not in running condition). 70 now, and have an 06 springer, and a 19 road glide. Primary bike is the glide, but love ridin the springer. Only an 88-5 speed, but there’s just something about ridin that older bike that I just love. Wife thinks I should sell it, but, I’d be hard pressed to do so. Put 32,000 enjoyable miles on that bike so far, and would not hesitate to take it anywhere. At my age, I’m pretty sure the bike would hold up better that me on a long trip, but the road beckons….the urge never goes away

[@BoDean52]

That is awesome and I understand why you would not want to sell it. Same for me the bike would make it but would I 😂

[@MotoByChance]

Pop on the windshield and change out the seat… you bet you can! Get the 4-point docking harness for a luggage rack and a sissy bar… you can be gone for weeks! What is the engine on Duke? 88ci? That is what Bob (my Fat Boy, not you 🙃) has, an 88ci and it would depend on which route taken. Back roads… it would be amazing!

[@BoDean52]

Yes he is an 88 and the seat is actually pretty good. Are used to have a sissy bar and all that stuff on it but I pulled that stuff off when I first got it. Ride safe my friend

[@Roadglide911]

I did about 900 miles over the course of a weekend on my RK. How’d it go? I sold it and bought a 2021 RG Limited. 58 yrs old and lost my backside padding along the way.

[@BoDean52]

Totally get that and unfortunate to be able to have both of them. Nothing better than our RGL‘s for long time idea

[@MinnowMoto]

Do it, Classic bike with a classic guy. lol I'm always nervous about busting out the drone like that. I need to try it. Have you ever done the run around Lake Michigan? I hear thats a good run.

[@BoDean52]

I have not done that yet but plan to this fall. The drone was a little tight to the water on this one for sure.

[@ericvanhoof4257]

Live in Holland,had 2 evo electras and both went mainly on trips to spain and no problem. Had an accident with the last one, Total Write off and ran into a 1994 road king for a good price. Look forward to take that on the long haul. In the days they were the bikes build for long distance and after 2 evos again i bought an evo for that purpose.

[@BoDean52]

Very nice and glad you survived the accident. Kings are awesome!

[@TheHarleyRoadshow]

Go for it mate, no reason that you can’t

[@BoDean52]

What could go wrong, right?

[@kingdriven7281]

Of course you can do long trips on a RK. My wife and I average 300 - 400 any Saturdays we can on Mae B, our 2014 RK with 51k. I also use it as my daily commuter. I have upgraded the seat/backrest and recently put on a tour pack. I’ll hit the big 50 in a few months with steel rods in the legs and hip replacements, no issues at all. Looking forward to at least a partial cross country next year.

[@BoDean52]

That’s really cool and I love riding with my wife

[@scottcoll2926]

I've taken my 02 king classic to Tennessee from Pennsylvania 3000 miles 10 days back in 2019. Bike ran awesome. Just turned 70000 miles. Love that bike. I'd rather ride that than my ultra classic

[@BoDean52]

What a trip…..our Kings are such great bikes

[@RussellMKay]

Interstate riding on a trip, I take the 17 Limited. Blue Ridge Parkway riding I take the 03 Dyna DWG. Been over 500 miles on a Parkway ride with the 03, nothing better!!! Happy to live only an hour and a half away from it!

[@BoDean52]

I need to ride the Blue Ridge bad, hear nothing but good

[@Doug_Morgan]

In 2017 my friend came on a trip over 5,000 miles of the western states and Canada on his 2001 Heritage Softail with over 60,000 miles on it. Good ole tube type tires and carb intake.

[@BoDean52]

There’s a man right there

[@TomCatZippy]

If the bike is in good mechanical order you’ll wear out before it does. Longest distance trip I’ve taken on my 08 dyna was about 1500 miles (Key West). A 300 mile shakeout trip is a great idea that’ll give you info on suspension and seating shortfalls. Enjoy!

[@BoDean52]

Yeah the bike is in good shape and I like the shakedown trip idea

[@PinksAdventures]

You need to read the signs...lunching at boat docks...all the parks you visit have boat launches...get a boat!!🤣🤣👍...all kidding aside...it would be great to do a tour on Duke!...it can be done forsure!...I had a 1700 yamaha roadstar...we did many trips that were 1500km+ (930 miles+)...great video...stay safe...ride safe!!😎👍🤙👍🤙🇨🇦

[@BoDean52]

The boat thing is a real issue and thank you very much for reminding me 😂

[@BikesBeardsAndBrews]

In fairness, even the newer tourers it's like finding a unicorn in the wild to find someone running cross country on a stock bike

[@BoDean52]

Great point, hard to see any anymore if they are a HD

[@tmyhog]

Take the RKC. I rode my 2001RKC from Chicago to Alaska with 100,000 miles on it.Prepped the bike.My indy said dont worry about the belt drive.It broke in British Columbia heading back with 110,000 miles on it .Just snapped apart.Had HOG towing.300k to Prince George Harley on the back of a flatbed .Learned a bunch from the driver chatting away.Bike was done by 6pm and was on my way with no other issues.Amazing ride. Still ride it most days and love it. Enjoy your videos very much.

[@BoDean52]

Wow that’s a really cool story and makes for one that you will always remember. Really appreciate your comments and I feel fortunate to have met so many really cool people

[@jdreyno1958]

I haven’t taken any cross country trips but have ridden across three or four states. I actually did that on my 2006 Honda VTX 1300R🤷‍♂️. I’m going on a trip over Labor Day to a Red Knights rally 4 or 5 hours away on my 2015 Ultra. I’m about taking the time to enjoy the trip.

[@BoDean52]

That trip sounds awesome, let me know how it goes

[@jdreyno1958]

@@BoDean52 Will do.

[@countrymike1973]

Take Duke!!!!! I mines a 2014 FLSTC and it does great 2upin' the backroads

[@BoDean52]

I agree that if I was doing all back roads Duke would be so fun

[@tryingtobewise711]

My goal in the next couple of years is to ride my 2013 sporty to sturgis. Shocks and front springs done this year. Still need to do a seat and windshield before I could do a trip like that.

[@BoDean52]

That long ride on a sporty will be one heck of a trip

[@rickiekm]

Do you need a companion for your next trip? We've just returned from our bike ride of the summer, and I need another destination ride. My vintage looking Indian would look real nice next to your cool RK.

[@BoDean52]

Our bikes would look good together and heck yeah I’m always up for a trip. We need a ride again before the end of the season

[@HogLife]

I have an 03 Heritage Softail Classic 100 year Anniversary Edition,and I do bike rally’s out of state,the 2nd week of May is Bike Week in Myrtle Beach,dates I believe are the 12-23,I think,look it up brothers and sisters it’s a great rally

[@BoDean52]

have heard of that, is there still 2 rallies out there? I like MB

[@HogLife]

@@BoDean52 as far as I know ,I go to the Spring Rally,from N.Myrtle Beach Harley down to Murrels Inlet,it’s a huge strip of restaurants and bars

[@mikedaytrips6509]

I look forward to your RK trip.

[@BoDean52]

Appreciate that and we shall see…..

[@jameslaughlin3298]

That bike will take you anywhere.

[@BoDean52]

Think you are right!

[@dcccharles4569]

The Road King is the personification of a Harley Davidson icon. Those select riders who own one are indeed privileged. I own a 2003 Road King Classic, 100-Year Anniversary Edition, and it is among the most elegant, stylish and archetypical Harley-Davidson motorcycles ever produced and forever etched in HD's rich history of motorcycle designs. Road King stands supreme and has no equal.

[@BoDean52]

Well said!

[@Road_Rash]

All my motorcycles are old & I tour on all of them...the oldest one, a 1997 Honda Shadow VLX, that's a 600 cc motorcycle & I've ridden it across 10 different states in almost any kind of weather you can think of...my 1999 Road King has a very similar record...& same with my newest bike, which is a 2009 Honda Shadow Aero 750...if it's in sound mechanical shape, it'll make it cross country...doesn't have to be brand new to go on an adventure...

[@BoDean52]

That’s actually cool to hear, there’s just something about taking an older bike like that on a road trip

[@Road_Rash]

Road tripping on classic iron is the best...anybody can go sign on the dotted line & get a new bike to ride on, but not just anybody has a great running & riding classic bike to show off...btw, I'll be 53 in a couple weeks, I'm on disability because of a bad back & bad joints from the hips down & while I will eventually upgrade the Road King's rear shocks, I have no problem with the 23 yr old stock shocks, they just need to be upgraded because I'm pretty sure after that long, they just need replacing for a smoother ride, but it does have a Mustang gel seat on it which helps out a lot...

[@blackedoutbandit]

Advanblack makes a tour pak for that bike that matches your side bags

[@BoDean52]

Na, I’m keeping this one clean

[@mikedanaher3413]

I have a 2007 Road King. Yes I do some touring on it. Biggest day ride for me has been a bit over 400 miles and I was whooped. My back hurt, (I have some lower back issues). My ass was sore. Yes I have a very comfortable Mustang Seat. I was mentally and physically beat up. Not having that fairing to deflect all that wind makes a huge difference imo. I do have Fox suspension front and rear that I absolutely love. I do not have a tour pack. (They come in handy) I don’t have cruise control. That is the big one. Cruise control is a game changer. I think like most of us I don’t have time to condition my body for longer rides. I think if I could ride more then my body would probably get used to it to a point. Am I going to crush a iron butt on that bike. Probably not. However I’m sure there are plenty of people on here who tour with bikes smaller than a Road King and do just fine. I strap a pack to my back seat and sissy bar (best back rest ever!!!!) and I go. I’m usually only going a couple hundred miles to camp somewhere then take day rides out of camp for a couple days, then home on the 4th day. Could I get her from Central NY to Sturgis? Definitely, all I need is enough time. Great video. I’m excited to read all the comments. BTW. My next bike will be a Road Glide Limited. I just can’t justify it right now. Many folks forget that the Road King is a touring chassis same as all the fairing models.

[@BoDean52]

Great feedback and thank you. I’m not as worried about the Motorcycle as I am about me to your point I’m not a young man anymore. Hopefully you can get the road glide limited one of these days when it’s right

[@rogershinton7483]

I have a 94 Heritage and a 17 Ultra Limited. Believe it or not, I am more comfortable on the Heritage and love the "openness" compared to the batwing shield. Anything over about 80 miles and the Ultra spoils me with smoothness, music, gps and tour pack'

[@BoDean52]

I actually get that Roger, I must say though on long trips if I have to run the highway, cruise control on the road glide is pretty nice

[@ohioridercinci2495]

I have a 2003 Elect Glide Ultra Classic, 80K Miles on it. I am planning a few trips this year and next. Retiring December. Considering Blue Ridge or Ride around Lake Mich this year. Will travel more next year. Perhaps we will pass on the road! And 58 years is not old, least not to me.

[@BoDean52]

Blue Ridge is something I want to ride pretty bad and you have about two years on me on the retirement thing. Hope the time goes fast

[@ronb1250]

I have three other breaks and I really like my old 2003 Honda shadow 1100 it has 70,000 km on it and it runs like a top I had it on about 3 to 4 300 to 400 km rides this summer but I told my neighbour my truck is there my trailer is there if I break down and come and pick me up but so far it’s running super I think I do it because I have three other bikes sitting at home a lot newer maybe I like it because I’m 67 years old

[@BoDean52]

I love all the motorcycles I’ve had but the king is something special

[@HarleyThrottleJuice]

Take Colin’s Street Glide! ✌️😉😂

[@BoDean52]

Why would I ride on a girls bike?

[@HarleyThrottleJuice]

Don’t you hate it when you take a turn whilst filming and you find dirt whilst being stuck behind another vehicle! ✌️😂

[@BoDean52]

It’s wrong and I think people should clear the way when they know I’m on the road

[@whskywolf]

I done 320 miles in a round trip and a ride, maybe took couple hours for break on my 2002 RKC, stock seat touring pegs only extra and at 56 it wore me out, of course this was the longest i had ever rode in one day, but I was planning a 500 mile plus trip that I canceled due to weather, my plan was to do 250 stop for night and finish the next day, but mainly I did not want to rid e10 hours straight. If I had both bike I be tempted to take the Ultra, but I think the RKC can do it you just may need to pace yourself a little more.

[@BoDean52]

Great advice sir!

[@kerrymcclure7503]

I used to ride those old hardtails across country I don't know why you couldn't that road king.

[@BoDean52]

I totally get that and that’s one of the things I was thinking was, guys rode harder than this bikes back in the ages

[@FreedomRider1982]

💯💯

[@BoDean52]

Thanks

[@dubbeljubobby]

It’s all perspective right? Someone blasting down the freeway doing 650mi in 10 hours might have a different perspective than that of someone blasting down some more desolate and scenic backroads putting on 250 miles in 9 hours. I would also deduct they might choose different bikes for similar reasons. I think what I’m saying is, if the destination and urgency to get there is the top priority, then your only choice is to tear up freeway miles. Might as well do it in the most comfortable bike, right? On the other hand, what bike is it you choose to have some fun on, the one that your smiling face is because of being on the backroads with. See what I mean? Take your time and make the ride, and what you’re riding, the priority. Unless, it absolutely positively has to be there by overnight, then take the big ‘un. 🤣 Key takeaway, “To be truly happy, a man must own multiple motorcycles. This is the only way for us to maximize our peace and joy in life.” 🤙🏼

[@BoDean52]

Your wisdom about multiple motorcycles is appreciated. You are 100% right, this trip would have to be a back roads

[@HarleyThrottleJuice]

Depends on what the older bike is. I had a 2017 Wide Glide and on that thing my back and hips would last about two hours! 😂

[@BoDean52]

I’m thinking my old rear and probably would not do so good on the road king

[@ANONYMOUSBIKERUSA]

would make it with ease and it would be pure enjoyment! just go do it ! 500 miles pick a route and go! you won't regret it !

[@BoDean52]

Your always the rational one, thanks

[@ANONYMOUSBIKERUSA]

@@BoDean52 scary thought lol seriously, select a nice 500 mile route as a test run, do it and then take a 1000 mile trip well worth it! ride over to visit @broncoride and hit the blue ridge parkway win-win

[@bradlozano2571]

As long as you keep up with the maintenance and fix and upgrade what wears out...There is nowhere you cant tour in the US with your RK tc88 Bike...

[@BoDean52]

Agreed if this old man can make it

[@bradlozano2571]

@@BoDean52 Hahaha...your not that old...Am 60 myself and am looking foward to many more long rides on my TC103...

[@Broncoride]

I know you don’t have them by your area but I just pictured an alligator snatching your drone. That would be bad. As for bike, you definitely could do it, but we’ve gotten used to our creature comforts on the newer models.

[@HarleyThrottleJuice]

Wouldn’t the drone need to be in the water for that to happen? Are you saying that Bob has flown it into water before? 😂

[@BoDean52]

I was a little tight on the water for sure

[@BoDean52]

Not me but would make for good video 🤷‍♂️

[@darrenlingerfelt5879]

😎👍

[@BoDean52]

Thanks

[@theSMYRNAcowboy]

Doable? Yes. Practical? Depending on how much you trust the durability and confidence of the bike. The physical condition of the rider has a lot to determine of the trip for thousands of miles. My longest trip ( on the Scoot ) was from Smyrna, TN to Port Huron, Michigan. 1600 miles. No worse for wear but that was almost 10 years ago.

[@BoDean52]

The physical condition of the rider is really the issue 😂

[@blackedoutbandit]

I bet there is some big bass in that water

[@BoDean52]

Thought the same and got the drone a little too close at times

[@Petesmotoadventure]

Just get on it and see how it goes.

[@BoDean52]

Sure Pete, what could go wrong 🤷‍♂️

[@steveledbetter9579]

Apparently you’re didn’t see shade tree surgeon when he rode clear cross country on an old sportster if he can do that Duke should be able to make it across country and back trouble free.

[@BoDean52]

Nope I watched it

[@steveledbetter9579]

😂

[@fleetwood7941]

Guys back in the day rode raked out choppers cross country, no windshield no amenities…..especially other bikes that had no amenities we’ve gotten too spoiled with technology…infotainment, abs, traction control honestly non of that is necessary on two wheels……knowing how to ride is

[@BoDean52]

Exactly my bike when new I am sure toured some long miles

[@blackedoutbandit]

Sure u can

[@BoDean52]

👍

[@vincenttarquini4235]

You surely can do it. One of my club brothers rides a Road King and is my size, 6'5" and heavier. He iron butted to Sturgis from the Yellowstone area . He does that stuff all the time. Would I do it. Not as long as I have my Victory Vision Tour. Momma didn't raise a fool!🤣🤣

[@BoDean52]

Haha…get that and I think it would be cool but my Road Glide Limited is awfully comfortable. Ride safe!

[@lightninsadventures2692]

So long as the bike is mechanically sound and the maintenance has been kept up on it, theres no reason it wouldn't be perfectly fone going cross country. Thats literally what HD designed that bike for, running long distances on the highway. The only difference between it and yhe same year Electra glide, ultra classic, or road glide is it doesn't have the big fairing, the tour pack, and all the entertainment/coms system (which you can install if you so choose). Its just the base model in the touring chassis. The other touring models in that year had the same 88ci engine and the same 5 speed transmission.

[@BoDean52]

Totally get that in before they made these big touring bikes that’s what people wrote across the country. For me, my road glide is just much more comfortable, but that could just be me getting soft 😂

[@JeffinTD]

There’s no reason a Road King from that era can’t do 800 mile days, if your stamina is up to it. Really long ride? Just plan on where you are going to change oil.

[@BoDean52]

Good thought!

[@wskeyson3382]

As for a long ride on an older bike you would need bags for changes of clothes and shower gear, etc.

[@BoDean52]

Who wears clothes 🤷‍♂️

[@brettcreech3490]

Do the King Bo Dean😎 Ya like how I did that? Lol

[@BoDean52]

I did and nice 😂

[@Viper6-MotoVlogger]

People were tougher back then.

[@BoDean52]

True that

[@FlipandTheBlueMule]

👍🤘🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🤘👍

[@BoDean52]

Thanks man 🇺🇸

[@lenframe]

Road Glide...

[@BoDean52]

Uh huh

[@paulbutler5067]

i took out a new M8 equipped Road King a year or so ago and I must admit I really liked it. But I also still enjoy riding my 1998 King. The newer bike obviously has a lot more power and the 6 speed transmission. And the suspension and chassis improvements are very noticeable over my 98. My longest ride in one day was about 200 miles and quite frankly it felt real good. There is something special about riding this motorcycle. Even the new ones retain that simple nostalgic feel that lets you know you are riding a piece of history. Now that my sons are experienced enough to ride my 98 King and my 2003 XL1200S sportster, I am really considering a new one, perhaps the 2023 model year which will be the 120th anniversary year I think. I will say that my 98 carb equipped evo engine has been extremely reliable. I only had to change out the accelerator pump diaphragm once for a minor leak which took all of 15 minutes to do and the local shop had the repair kit in stock. Other than that, just the usual routine maintenance. But I also really like the advancements in fuel injection, suspension, and chassis stiffness that come with the new bike. Not sure I want another loan payment but I can see how the added power and comfort may push me to do longer trips. And by the way one of my favorite features of the king is the ability to simply remove the windshield for that wind in the face riding feel that I really enjoy. In fact I only really have it on in the spring and fall when it is colder. Probably would want it on if I were to ride cross country unless all of the riding was back roads. But this bike is very happy cruising at 50-60 all day. And so am I. As far as luggage, I would probably buy some kind of waterproof duffle that could be strapped to my passenger backrest which would also give support to my back for the long ride, Loved watching your video. I had some surgery this summer which has kept me off the bike probably until next spring. And that is when the 2023 models should be available. whichever route I go I will always enjoy riding the Road King.

[@BoDean52]

I have not ridden one of the new ones and like too. I like you do love my old King. Ride safe

[@paulbutler5067]

@@BoDean52 I also find it amazing that my sons, ages 27 and 25, both are amazed at how much fun it is to ride a bike that is old school and heavy yet at the same time surprisingly nimble to handle and comfortable to ride. The older boy owns a new Moto Guzzi V7 and lives a few hours away in N.H. The younger one has a KTM 350 on/off road bike and also has my 2003 sportster. He lives close to us here in western Massachusetts. It is always a treat to get together for a family ride. My daughter loves to ride on the back of the king. My wife will go once in a while but she is not too crazy about riding. What I really like about the new Road King is how much it still feels like the old one but better in pretty much every way. You too enjoy the ride and stay safe.

[@painsrides]

If my 2013 Victory with 73k miles is considered an "old motorcycle" then I can talk to this subject matter....

[@BoDean52]

Nope but would like your take anyway

[@painsrides]

@@BoDean52 .... Cool to think about and It would be a hell of an adventure to long tour on the old RK ...But in reality it would be a lot of wear and tear on the bike and I'm sure the comforts and conveniences of a new full tourer would be sorely missed

[@blackedoutbandit]

If u want some company on a 400 or 500 mile trip I'll go.

[@BoDean52]

We need to ride man…..

[@lordbentley730]

You need to get of the bike and show the bike.

[@BoDean52]

Thanks for watching and if you see the playlist under Road King, you will get a bunch of them. Ride safe

[@lordbentley730]

@@BoDean52 Yes I've seen it. But we need a glimpse in every video 😀😎 walk around it an talk about the bike need every info you can tell.