There is a feel and a sound of a Harley which NOBODY can imitate. I’ve had Suzuki cruisers, Yamaha cruisers and touring, but the 2 Harleys I’ve had are DEFINITELY my favorites.
I started on metric cruisers and owned two (Star 950 and a 1300) Those were great bikes and my only complaint was the 950 footboards would drag real easy. I have owned two Road Kings now (2014 and as of last year a 2017 with stage one) The vibration was never really an issue for me but definitely not with the M8. I really enjoy the RK's and for myself, they are great highway bikes but then I don't put out the real high mileage trips where some of the higher up touring bikes would stand out. Thanks for the ride!
I agree 100%, I have owned both the 950 and my current 1300 and the boards on the 950 dragged way too fast. I loved riding this bike, it is definitely on my list for next bike! Ride safe!
I would consider what the new ones do more of a pulsation than a vibration. Like you, I'm not used to or keen on all the flopping around at idle either. I usually start my bikes and let them warm as I put my stuff on that's resting on the seat or tank. With the unbalanced Twin Cams, everything would be scattered all over the ground 1 second after hitting the starter. I think the RK is the best bang for buck Harley has. Lot of teething pain with that new engine though. I might give it a couple years until they iron out the rough edges. I'd definitely like to get one at some point. Thanks for the review.
I agree, give it a few years to make sure all the bugs are ironed out. the RK is my favorite, but I am still not sure about the cost of one. I can have a cruiser and sport tourer for that money and still may have some change left over!
I think for me, (based on only riding 1 2011 Road King and it being my only reference point before riding any model with the milwaukee 8 motor), the vibration at idle was something I wasn't prepared for. It was so drastic compared to everything I had been riding for the previous 14 yrs that it concerned me. I was actually worried that something was wrong, I just didn't understand that that was part of the Harley's character. That being said, I still would not own a pre-milwaukee 8 model because I don't care for that much vibration during idle. Like you said to each his own, all Harley's are still some of the most beautiful bikes out there in my opinion. The milwaukee 8 generation will just be the first time that I personally would actually consider owning one. Obviously the vibration is part of the character that alot of riders enjoy, they wouldn't have sold so many if it were a deterrent for everyone. Thanks for commenting!
There is a feel and a sound of a Harley which NOBODY can imitate. I’ve had Suzuki cruisers, Yamaha cruisers and touring, but the 2 Harleys I’ve had are DEFINITELY my favorites.
So true, I love my metric bikes that I have owned. But there is something to be said of the feel, sound, and look of a Harley!
I bought a 2018 road king, & i couldn't be happier, its a tremendous bike...
Purchased 2017 in 2019 had 30 miles on it I couldn't be happier too! Road Kings are great bikes.
The cruise is flawless
I started on metric cruisers and owned two (Star 950 and a 1300) Those were great bikes and my only complaint was the 950 footboards would drag real easy. I have owned two Road Kings now (2014 and as of last year a 2017 with stage one) The vibration was never really an issue for me but definitely not with the M8. I really enjoy the RK's and for myself, they are great highway bikes but then I don't put out the real high mileage trips where some of the higher up touring bikes would stand out. Thanks for the ride!
I agree 100%, I have owned both the 950 and my current 1300 and the boards on the 950 dragged way too fast. I loved riding this bike, it is definitely on my list for next bike! Ride safe!
The seat is really comfortable too
I would consider what the new ones do more of a pulsation than a vibration. Like you, I'm not used to or keen on all the flopping around at idle either. I usually start my bikes and let them warm as I put my stuff on that's resting on the seat or tank. With the unbalanced Twin Cams, everything would be scattered all over the ground 1 second after hitting the starter.
I think the RK is the best bang for buck Harley has. Lot of teething pain with that new engine though. I might give it a couple years until they iron out the rough edges. I'd definitely like to get one at some point.
Thanks for the review.
I agree, give it a few years to make sure all the bugs are ironed out. the RK is my favorite, but I am still not sure about the cost of one. I can have a cruiser and sport tourer for that money and still may have some change left over!
after you get used to the vibration . a bike that doesn't vibrate seems weird
Its worth every penny...
They sure are Nice.smooth too.
Good video bro.
Thank you sir!
To each his own, but I can’t see how vibrations could be such a big deal. If you’re idling that much, you’re doing something wrong.
I think for me, (based on only riding 1 2011 Road King and it being my only reference point before riding any model with the milwaukee 8 motor), the vibration at idle was something I wasn't prepared for. It was so drastic compared to everything I had been riding for the previous 14 yrs that it concerned me. I was actually worried that something was wrong, I just didn't understand that that was part of the Harley's character. That being said, I still would not own a pre-milwaukee 8 model because I don't care for that much vibration during idle. Like you said to each his own, all Harley's are still some of the most beautiful bikes out there in my opinion. The milwaukee 8 generation will just be the first time that I personally would actually consider owning one. Obviously the vibration is part of the character that alot of riders enjoy, they wouldn't have sold so many if it were a deterrent for everyone.
Thanks for commenting!