But if the did, how many would scream where is the chrome . Black was cool for a while because it was different now not so cool day late on that one.
Same with those silly looking 21 inch front tires , not nearly as cool now . No madder what HD does, the first post will be they should have....
2009 2-1 exhaust on RG. first thing posted was WTF. When so many had screamed why not a factory 2-1.
Having owned a dark-style model, I would add that that blacked out finish can be herd as hell to keep looking clean. Even more difficult than chrome. Don't think I'll own another.
Well here is my 2 cents: I think that MoCo should keep the King looking like the old FLs, nothing wrong with black, but still add some nice details and a little chrome!
I think it looks awesome but then again I'm a little biased. Guess I still need to add one of those silly looking 21" wheels to make sure my bike is completely old news and outdated!!!
I think blacking out a bike is FAR from being outdated, it's still very popular and will continue to be popular. As far as the larger front wheels, well everyone has their own opinions and here's mine...I think a 21" front wheel looks pretty good, after all its only 2" larger then my stock wheel. However, I think 23" and up, especially when you get closer to 30" looks ridiculous and I dont care what anyone says, your'e sacrificing handling. anyway, 21" is as big as I would be willing to go.
Blacked out is not a fad anymore. It's a style. And it's not played out really. I think it just settled in. As far as the 21" wheel. Looks cool still. But looks better with the wrapped fender. The stock fender is too short in the rear (imo) and looks awkward.
23" and bigger? Can you say "Look at me" lol.
I like Road Kings. But I prefer to buy a stock bike and make it mine. I almost bought a CVO. Damn glad I didn't. It's been fun changing my bike to fit me.
Hell, don't you old geezers remember when the monochrome look came out on cars???
There were a bunch of people a few years later saying the SAME thing half of you are saying. That it was a fad and played out and chrome bumpers were the only way to go.
Yeah
So when was the last time you saw chrome bumpers on a car?
And then some of you say that it's common and they don't stand out in a crowd. I say you have it wrong. I go every month to the Long Beach Cycle Swap meet. It's the largest monthly gathering of motorcyles in the nation. As many as 1000 bikes in one parking lot. I walk it evey time. And you what there IS? A sea of CHROME. Now don't get me wrong.....chrome has it's place. But I walk that lot and see maybe 20 or 30 properly blacked out bikes if I'm lucky. Typically, towards the end of the day....when there are only 250-350 bikes left? I'll see maybe 5.
So common? Not in the least.
Played out? Yeah, I don't think so.
Hard to keep clean? I totally disagree. I haven't cleaned my front wheel in 1500 miles. It looks great from 10ft. If it was chrome? Not so much.
I like the look of that RK, and personally, I will not buy another chrome Harley, period. Factory chrome is not really all that traditional anyway. When I got my first new Sportster XLCH, in 1974 the bike had very little shine on it.
It looked like this, except for the exhaust, and mine was a kicker.
I guess those wheels are pretty expensive, and the extended bags cost extra, but if they kept the stock wheels it would conceivably be pretty close to stock price, notwithstanding it is missing a windshield and saddlebag bars.
I don't understand the price add ABS & Security to the standard RK and your at $20,189 vs the $21,999 for the special - looking in the parts catalog the black & chrome all cost the same so your paying the company $1800 not to give you a windshield and driving lights.
The Road King® Special model rolls on custom, black Turbine wheels. With aggressive, modern styling that makes them look even bigger than they already are. Let your eyes take it all in — 19" of head-turning style in the front, 18" in the rear. Powerful blades extending all the way to the rim create an impact that’s eye-catchingly unique, but unmistakably Harley-Davidson.
I love Road Kings. A Duo-Glide on steroids, with EFI and double the power, disk brakes, and a real suspension. What's not to like?
This new one, sorry, really doesn't do it for me. To each his own, obviously, but I won't be getting one.
Good: ABS is standard.
Bad: They took away the windshield, took away the running lights, and it's more expensive. They put on the blacked out parts, and charge for them, whether or not that's what you wanted.
If the new RK is for you, great. But it's not going to set the world on fire.
I dig the look of it and honestly if I didn't have my RG I would really consider this bike.
I love it when people say the blacked out look is a "fad"....... Hate 2 be the bearer of bad news but this so called fad ain't going away any time soon. Bedazzled Ed Hardy tiger T-shirts were a fad. Blacked out bikes, cars, etc are here to stay!
Haven't been in any dealership since before Thanksgiving. Will just be another reminder that I am not yet well enough to ride much. :frown:
When I first saw the '17 RGS in Olive, I pictured it with all blacked out parts and liked what I was seeing. The photos of the RKS have confirmed that vision.
Another one for black out. Owned chromed out bikes and required lots of TLC to keep up shining and rust free. Blackout my RGC, wipe and go very few washes no problem keeping clean and rust free. Florida rain a lot humid and ocean winds for aiding corrosion.
Just one note, having two items blackout from manufacturers (HD and V&H) my local Powder Coat much better finish.
On wheel will not go higher than 21". IMO 21" with a wrap up fender is a perfect match for the RG.
NYART, You have amazing taste as that pic is exactly what my 2017 FLTRXS will look like. I am picking it up at the Dealer this weekend after having the motor blacked and upgraded to 114 then straight to the powder coat shop!
Agreed - Indian Motorcycles offers much more bang for the buck for their price tag
compared to the Moco,
Indian Chieftan $23.999k
- 111 inch motor
- pinch and zoom,Nav (bigger screen)
- 100w stock speakers system
- adjustable windshield
- push button start
- remote locking saddlebags,
- better suspension
all that plus a lot more for $23.999k
harley special $23.999k
- 103 twinkie motor requires too many upgrades $1000s for improved power / 107 motor is yet to be proven - wait 3 years for real review
- customer has to purchase several windshields at $2-3-400 a pop to find best fit
- customer has to add amp change stock speakers to sound halfway decent
- outdated info/nav system that requires constant updates and glitchy
- customer have to carry key or memorize code to start bike
- primitive key lock saddle bags
- primitive ignition lock - needs update at least 15 years behind
- not the greatest suspension - (should be amazing for start) customes have to spend 1000s for comfort
not that I will ever buy an Indian - just saying comparing a "special"
the indian is setup like or pretty close to a Harley CVO
so throwing in stretch bags on a special is minimal from the factory
...just saying I love my harley ... but the moco has to step way up or loose out eventually
Blacked out is always cool, always has been, always will be. Has that strictly business look. I've been doing it to HD's since the 1970's, not a "fad" for me.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Road Glide
1.4M posts
49.3K members
Since 2009
A forum community dedicated to all Harley-Davidson Road Glide owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, builds, accessories, mods,specs, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!