RoadKing Woe's

[JamLazyAss]

I ride a Roadking but have had a problem since day one.
It seems to have a very high center of gravity.
I'm about 5' 10" or 11".
I'm fine when riding alone, BUT with the touring seat on and my wife aboard the problem arrises.
Whenever I come to a stop, the bike feels like it wants to flop over. I feel like a midget.
Anyone else ever experience anything like this?

[05RK1]

YES!!!!  I ride a 2005 rk classic and have the sme problem.  I'm 5'6" so it is more prevailant for me.  I solved the problem by getting my wife licensed and her own bike.

[starrider]

Just a guess....might be in the way you are braking to a stop. i use both brakes 70 front 30 back generally until i come to a stop...then i feather off with the rear brake only from anywhere from 30 mph on down...depending on how fast you are comming to a stop.


inotherwords (imho) i find that if i use the front brake in stopping...and you have the bars slightly turned...it may bring you down...hence feather off with the rear only when comming to stop...(imo).

In panic stopping ...a different senario may be used...

[ironhead19732]

Yes I know what your talking about !!! I'm 5'9 and since 1959 Have owned
only Harley sportsters, well 2 years ago I traded my 1950 Olds for a 2002
Honda Shadow cruiser and the passenger seat is about a foot higher than
my seat. A month ago took my wife for a ride on it , turned into a
gravel driveway didn't see the pot hole and we did indeed flop over !!!
going to stick with my sportster, Oh and also caught hell from my wife   

[deltafarmer]

Stay off the front brake at slow speeds, especially when in a turn, NO MATTER HOW SLIGHT11

[harleyjt]

Stay off the front brake at slow speeds, especially when in a turn, NO MATTER HOW SLIGHT11

Yep-quickest way there is to lay one down..... don't ask me how I know!
jt

[Bigs]

I'm 5'7" and I had some trouble with my Road Glide especially with my wife on the back when we would come to a stop. I would put my foot down but sometimes had trouble getting traction and keeping the bike up. I looked at my boots and found the tread was mighty thin so I bought a new pair with the Vibram soles - problem solved.
   Bigs

[JamLazyAss]

I feel like I need those friggin High Platform John Travolta Disco Shoes from the seventies to be flat footed 

[Faast Ed]

Nothin' that the purchase of a low sittin' Softail won't cure.

Sounds like somebody has chosen the wrong model bike to ride.

[FATMAN]

Have the bike lowered.  Worked for my cousin @ 5'9''.

[Kansas]

I replaced my thoroughly worn out Red Wing boots with a pair of custom made thick soled Wescoe boots and was shocked how much they altered the relationship between  me and my feet to the bike and to the ground.  Maybe thicker boots would help.  I'm replacing my Low Rider with a Softy Deluxe and appreciate having my feet flat on the ground. I'm 5'7". The Road Kings and big baggers seem top heavy to me and intimidating.  Not for me, thank you.

[JamLazyAss]

Can you just replace the shocks to lower it, or should you do the frontend too?

Also, will Roadglide shocks work to lower the RK?
I heard they will fit and are 1 inch shorter.

[Jim Bronson]

You should always be able to flatfoot your bike with your legs bent and without stretching.  Should be able to pull to a stop and plop both feet down easily and lean the bike side-to-side a bit without the high foot coming off the ground. The Deluxe and Heritage are pretty low and are good for inseam challenged riders.

As others have commented, NEVER grab the front brake in a turn. You will be pulled down like a magnet.

Jim

[mark61]

BUT with the touring seat on and my wife aboard the problem arrises.

    We really need a pix of the wife before we can determine the problem!  In my experiance-not married lots of different passangers-some women just seem to ride "heavy" and some ARE top heavy! Passanger really does make a difference in the bike's handling!

mark61

[Phu Cat]

On the EG's, the passenger is up higher than the driver, causing her weight to have more leverage and negatively affecting your successfully balancing the bike at low speeds.  But there's a way to over come the additional negative leverage:  Practice real low speed maneuvers by dragging the back brake as you stop using the front brake.  Planning ahead is essential, but what part of bike riding isn't?  Sure, if you hit the front brake too hard it can present a problem.  But you do practice that, don't you?  In a tricky area I also slip the clutch a little as I am almost at a stop.

Think this won't work?  Try riding in as small a circle as you can.  Then try it again dragging the back brake and slipping the clutch.  You will surprise yourself.

PC

[simmz]

The 09's really seem to sit up high, I picked up a low profile solo seat for riding solo and I'm going to have the stock seat modified to lower me down in the saddle another inch or two.
I'd rather go this route than give up some suspension travel with the lower shocks.

simmz

[bigpete1]

I ride a Roadking but have had a problem since day one.
It seems to have a very high center of gravity.
I'm about 5' 10" or 11".
I'm fine when riding alone, BUT with the touring seat on and my wife aboard the problem arrises.
Whenever I come to a stop, the bike feels like it wants to flop over. I feel like a midget.
Anyone else ever experience anything like this?

[what year is the road king ? i have a lowering kit and shorter air shocks that came with my 03 when i bought it ,also have lowering kit from my 95  if either one will aorkfor you let me know we can work something out .thanks pete

[JamLazyAss]

Hi Pete,

It's an 03.

[PoorUB]

How many miles do you have on the bike? I ride an '05 Ultra, the bike before that was a '85 Honda V30! (400 pound bike to a 800 pound bike!) I can say that standing still on the Ultra scared the hell out of me for some time! The more miles I put on the better I am about the whole deal, but I still pay pretty close attention of the road when I stop. Some sand, or oil on the road makes a pretty nervous stop! Practice stopping and putting both feet down after the stop. Keep the bike upright as possible. And last, don't try to stop it when the bike wants to lay down and rest. The sucker will just take you with! I have a riding buddy that has not been able to ride for a year from when he tried to hold up his Ultra. Messed his back up good!

[CraigArizona85248]

You should always be able to flatfoot your bike with your legs bent and without stretching.  Should be able to pull to a stop and plop both feet down easily and lean the bike side-to-side a bit without the high foot coming off the ground. The Deluxe and Heritage are pretty low and are good for inseam challenged riders.

If I applied that rule (flat footed with legs bent) the only bike I'd be able to ride is a rigid frame.  I've never had any trouble handling any of the touring bikes and I can't come close to flat footing on those.  When you are vertically challenged (like me) you learn to adapt or you don't ride.  Not riding is not an option.

-Craig

[Big_Bulky_RK]

I'm not sure which touring seat your using.  I bought the Harley comfort stitch (pillow) because my wife thought it would offer better comfort for the long haul.  She liked it because she could now see over my shoulder.  I found that it felt like turning a two wheeled semi tractor-trailer.  Stopping really sucked.  Switched to a Mustang which lowered the saddle about 2 inches for the wife and I and the balance was great.  I'm 6'3" and reaching the ground was never a problem, just the balance was poor with her on the back.  I believe the saddle makes more difference than the height of the bike if your only feeling this when your passenger is on board.  Good luck

[crazy joe]

How about handle bars?   I have a 98 RK and a 03 EG both have the same frame
(I think) and both handle different because of the handle bars.

[Flat Dog]

Do some squats & calf raises. I had the same problem-strengthened my legs in physical therapy after a cager ran me over, and now I don't have the wobble problem on the Ultra. Of course it hurts like hell, but I can hold it up better.

Also, good bicycles are 'fitted' to the rider-touring Harleys should be the same seat wise. Spending the $ for a custom made seat that really fits you and not a $500 made for the masses rip off can make all the difference in the world.

[Dakota]

  Keep your eyes looking up, never down, and if you have to stop quickly use plenty of rear brake compared to the front.  If you keep your eyes up (if you aren't already) you'll be surprised that you'll always stop balanced.

[Guitarplayer]

I'm not sure which touring seat your using.  I bought the Harley comfort stitch (pillow) because my wife thought it would offer better comfort for the long haul.  She liked it because she could now see over my shoulder.  I found that it felt like turning a two wheeled semi tractor-trailer.  Stopping really sucked.  Switched to a Mustang which lowered the saddle about 2 inches for the wife and I and the balance was great.  I'm 6'3" and reaching the ground was never a problem, just the balance was poor with her on the back.  I believe the saddle makes more difference than the height of the bike if your only feeling this when your passenger is on board.  Good luck

Hey Big bulkey !  I remember the day you installed the taller handlebars as well.  That seemed to help alot more then the seat did.

[Clintster]

I am not challenged that way, but the seat I have lowered me and moved me forward.  The Sundowner has held up pretty good and it loved me forward and lowered me as well.

[Big_Bulky_RK]

Guitarplayer is right, I did change the handle bars as well.  I guess my final conclusion would be, anything that makes you more comfortable riding will make the bike handle better. 

[redrokit8]

Hate to say it, and I've been there, but sometimes you've just got the wrong bike for your needs and size.
I struggled with an Ultra due to my small frame and 32" inseam. For me it was very hard to control in stop & go traffic and backing into parking spaces was an adventure especially if you were to slightly tip it to one side. I was fortunate enough to be able to switch to a Road Glide and the difference to me was worth the dollars spent. A whole different ball game. Stupid me for not doing my research ahead of time.

[Bigs]

You might want to try a HD Sundowner seat. It would put you a little lower and most guys say it's more comfortable than the RK seat. Two of my friends changed to these on their RK's as well as my son. Harley would probably put these on the new bikes but then nobody would change the seats and then they wouldn't make $$$ on them.
   Bigs

[Jim Bronson]

  Keep your eyes looking up, never down, and if you have to stop quickly use plenty of rear brake compared to the front.  If you keep your eyes up (if you aren't already) you'll be surprised that you'll always stop balanced.

I'd qualify that by saying that most of the stopping power comes from the front brake. Get used to using both brakes together. Find a deserted parking lot and practice panic stops so you're not hesitant to use max braking in an emergency. It would be a shame to crash because you're not comfortable using the front brake.

Jim

[Dakota]

  Keep your eyes looking up, never down, and if you have to stop quickly use plenty of rear brake compared to the front.  If you keep your eyes up (if you aren't already) you'll be surprised that you'll always stop balanced.

I'd qualify that by saying that most of the stopping power comes from the front brake. Get used to using both brakes together. Find a deserted parking lot and practice panic stops so you're not hesitant to use max braking in an emergency. It would be a shame to crash because you're not comfortable using the front brake.

Jim

  You're right, I guess I didn't say that quite correctly.  I really just meant to use a little more rear brake in the last foot or two, but use both for quickest stops.

[Scurvy]

hrm, I thought maybe this was a joke thread; you know, someone trolling...
If you are not in total control of your motorcycle, maybe its time to get something "smaller". Maybe because I have a 30" inseam I've had to work harder at it? Nah, I just know how to ride.

[1997bagger]

We always kid a short legged fellow rider about getting Kiss boots, he can't back the bike up and needs help at times.

[Scurvy]

Yup, never embarrassed about asking the Ol to push. Most times I try to pick a spot that has a slope working in my favor.

[starrider]

You  really have to practice and know how brake with  more practice.....hit that rear brake too hard for a fast stop and you could LOCK UP the rear wheel...SKIDDING FASTER into that crash... As most schools teach...your stopping power is your front brakes (70 front 30 back)...

When slowing to a easy stop.....i feather off with the rear brakes...

I think braking has to be emphasized more to new riders...imho...

[Hawg Holler]

I agree with the poster who discussed braking technique easing off the front brake just before coming to a stop and finishing with the rear brake only. I'm 6' but had a problem with the Road King when I first got it due to the enormous increase in weight compared to my earlier bikes. And my wife and I haven't gotten lighter over the years either. At very slow speeds, if you learn to use the clutch friction zone and the rear brake you will learn that the big Harley will handle like a kitten. You will not muscle this bike around like a motocrosser no matter how big you are; you have to learn to harness it's power like you would a spirited horse.

I, for one, don't believe you have to be able to put both feet on the ground. I started riding bikes when I could only touch the ground with one foot and really never had a problem with it. Now, like the motor officers, I still like to keep my right foot on the brake and left foot on the ground, which forms a stable tripod. This is an especially good skill to have when you're starting out on a steep hill, as you can ease off on the rear brake as you apply clutch and throttle.

[JamLazyAss]

I still like to keep my right foot on the brake and left foot on the ground, which forms a stable tripod

I don't buy it.
When I'm riding two up and coming to a stop, I want both feet on the ground.

[s-glide76]

 I agree with Craig about not needing to be able to put both feet flat on the ground to ride a motorcycle. But you do have to be a little more creative.
Remind passengers not to squirm around comming up to a stop and while stopped.
One of the things I get a kick out of is watching people struggle to push their bikes uphill to back up to a curb. If the curb is uphill ride straight in so you can coast backout to leave. If it's downhill to the curb than of course back in.
Pay attention to the crown of the road when you stop and than use the foot on the higher side and come to a stop that's clear of oil and sand.
If everybody thought you needed to be able to plant both feet on the ground flatfooted they wouldn't sell very many dirtbikes, sporttouring bikes or crotch rockets.
I'd rather ride a motorcycle that I needed to tip toe at a stoplight than to ride one that doesn't have any suspension travel left or that scrapes hard parts in the corners.                                                                                                       Later, Mike

[PC_Hater]

Balance. Keep the bike balanced at all times.
You should be able to bring the bike to a halt with both feet up, and THEN put both feet down.
My S.O is a lovely big girl, weighs more than me but won't say how much. 38F going on 38G tells you all you need to know! I barely notice she is there on my Road Glide. But this summer she brought too much luggage with her. Two dresses! Why? Heavily loaded I damned near dropped the bike in the arse-end of Belgium.
Last year I dropped the bike getting out of a campsite in Portugal. Sharp right hand turn downhill with a fence and a BIG drop down the hill if I got it wrong. The 'correct' way to do it was a lot of throttle and heave the bike over and drive it round. But I chickened out and down we went...
In August a mate of mine rode my RG and I rode his Triumph Daytona 150hp triple. The first thing he commented on was how difficult the bike was to ride at speeds below 20mph...
In "Used Harley Davidson Guide 1990" by Alan Girdler, he comments on the big touring bikes to the effect that riding a big touring bike at low speed is as difficult as riding a Ducati at high speed - and he is right. The difference is, one causes embarrassment and bruises, the other can be terminal.

Those reverse gear options look better every day...

Meanwhile, the SO has a UK spec Nightster but with the unbelievably low US spec rear shocks fitted. She can get her feet flat to the floor with both knees bent. And she can STILL manage to drop it! I told her she would be in trouble if she embarrassed me by dropping it when she took it in for service. She managed to behave this time! But if she panics or feels tired then whumpf! Down she goes. Does she get sympathy from me? Nope.

[CraigArizona85248]

I still like to keep my right foot on the brake and left foot on the ground, which forms a stable tripod

I don't buy it.
When I'm riding two up and coming to a stop, I want both feet on the ground.

You should learn the technique descirbed.  I was shown this technique after years of putting both feet down.  Now I alway keep my right foot on the brake at a stop unless there is reason not too.  What makes this a little more stable is that you already have the bike leaned a little to the left so that's the only direction it's going to go.  When you have the bike sitting upright at a stop (balanced both feet on the ground) and your passenger squirms or something else unexpected happens it can go either right or left.  When you are using the method Howg Holler described you are planted solidly to the left and things don't move around unexpectedly.

Don't dismiss something because you haven't tried it and have not experienced it.  If you do try it, don't expect that you will immediately feel an improvement either.  Anytime you change something like this you will initially feel more unstable.  The benefits come after you get used to it.

-Craig

[Jim Bronson]

Sorry but my country boy logic isn't following this. If the bike is supported only on the left side with the left foot down and the right foot on the brake, and your passenger leans right, won't the bike tend to fall to the right? With both feet down, it doesn't matter which way the passenger leans. The bike will be supported either direction.

I've used both the two-foot and one-foot method for years when riding solo, and I can't see a big difference except starting off on a steep hill it's usually better to use the rear brake to prevent drifting backwards.

I would never encourage a new rider to buy a bike he/she can't flatfoot or can't be lowered to allow him to flatfoot it. I've seen too many parking lot crashes that I believe were at least partly caused by inability to stabilize the bike using both feet. Experienced riders may get away with it.

[crazy joe]

You said it all Craig,

Don't dismiss something because you haven't tried it and have not experienced it.  If you do try it, don't expect that you will immediately feel an improvement either...............  The benefits come after you get used to it.

[JamLazyAss]

C'mon guys.
I've been riding since the late sixties. Rode em all. Some with front & rear brakes, others with no brakes (to speak of).
My original point here was to ask if anyone else found the RoadKing's to be top heavy.
And how do they address it.

Looks like many others do have the same concern as I.

I appreciate and encourage all input, but also wanted to get this thread a little refocused.

Ya gotta love this site.
Viva HTT 

[CraigArizona85248]

Sorry but my country boy logic isn't following this. If the bike is supported only on the left side with the left foot down and the right foot on the brake, and your passenger leans right, won't the bike tend to fall to the right? With both feet down, it doesn't matter which way the passenger leans. The bike will be supported either direction.

Yes... if you attempt to keep the bike standing virtually straight up with only the left foot down and the passanger leans right, you will have to drop your right foot.  But the key is to get the bike a bit left of center.  You want to be solidly planted on that left foot.  That way if the passeger leans right you stay planted to the left (unless you have a really unruley passenger LOL).  Also if the passenger leans to the left you are solidly planted there already.  It's a very steady position to be in.

I'm not trying to say "this is how it should be done and all other ways are inferrior".  But it was a tip that I was shown by a pro riding instructor about 8 years ago.  Since I started using that method I haven't switched back.  Rode 20 years the other way.  Bottom line, you gotta find what works for you and do that.

-Craig

[HIPPO]

No, they are not top heavy, but they are just plain heavy.

With bikes this heavy I find that the most important thing, especially with a passenger, or if the ground is wet or there is sand, etc, is to have boots with very good traction.

I find most boots on the market very inadequate as far as traction, what works well for me are sticky motorcycle boots (like Alpinestars or Sidi). They even make kevlar armored ones in black that look like hi-top sneakers.

[starrider]

Agree with Hippo...Roadkings are just heavy bikes...and the trick is to learn how to move the weight around with finess using and learning techniques either by just accumulating miles on the clock...

Heavy is when  you have to pick one up...ugh!..... Otherwise i can ride with (no hands) and change lanes just with body english...if i wanted to...(  not recommended as this can cause death or serious injury)

[96FLSTF]

Just a thought, but some time ago my wife had issues with stopping on her bike. She could ride the heck out of her bike on just about any condition, she just couldn't stop. Looked like the ol german guy on the 3 wheel bike on Laugh-in. We used to call her "Fall-Down-Sharon". Finally after a year of watching her fall over I made it a point to take her in a parking lot to see what she was doing wrong. Something as simple as (She musta missed that part during her MSF Course) making sure the bars are straight during the stop. Most of us do it automatically from habit. Once she made a conscious effort to make sure the bars are straight she never fell over since........................

Gene