Harley Davidson Road King Classic - FLHRC

I own a 2010 Road King Classic and it's the bees' knees.

The 2010 models are presently (10/2009) very rare, and it's exceptionally hard to get actual information on them. If you Google "2010 Harley-Davidson Road King Classic REVIEW" you will probably end up with this page as your #1 hit, which is a shame because all the reviews are for 2008 models. All other hits seem to be for Harley's advertising copy - the same spec sheet and "hey, buy me!" text you'll find on the H-D webby.

There have been a number of changes to the 2009 (frame, rear tire, exhaust, etc) and 2010 (that + helical 5th gear, etc) and these make the newer models almost drastically different from the 2008 and prior models.

I set up a blog to detail my own experiences with the 2010 Road King Classic - roadkingclassic.wordpress.com - and I hope for it to be a central resource for info on the 2010's.

Technically I don't take delivery until this coming Saturday, but you may expect lots of information from my experience to be forthcoming soon.

Best,

MacDuff

Excellent. Reliability, great looking bike, overall just old school look with todays technology.

One of the most comfortable and best looking bikes for touring. Superb reliable engine with monsterous torque means far fewer gear shifts on tour, and you notice this after the 1st few thousand miles/kms!! The stopping power and feed back of the Brembo brakes are a welcome.. if a very late..addition. Big screen and good storage in the leather panniers and (optional!) luggage rack. This bike is as comfortable as a bike can get. I rode 900kms in a day and felt like I could have done much more. Lovely sound from the twin exhausts and it really looks the business. Full touring mode or street stripped....it looks magic.Handling as slower speeds can be a bit tricky but once you are up to any kind of speed it just feels totally planted. At speed, say 70 plus, the handling belies the size and weight of the bike. It handles very well and can be forgiving if you overcook things. All in all, this bike "does what it says on the tin" and is a top class touring machine and not a track bike! You can, and should, increase the power for not much money. I'd also recommend the dual seat that can split....more comfortable for the passenger and the bike can be converted to a single seat retro look.

Still I love the bike and this is my second one. Just back after 11,000kms through Alaska/Yukon/B.C./and the West coast of USA. It never missed a beat in some horrible weather (snow/sleet/very heavy rain/cold!). It feels much safer with the new brakes (why did it take them so long to sort this out...do Harley think brakes are an afterthought??). The ride is supreme. There is a little money to be spent after market to get the bike right. I always have a beef with Harley for their marketing in getting us to pay for what should be clearly standard items.....racks, adjustable screen, engine power, ABS (Yes, it is available....as an OPTIONAL extra!). They should take a leaf out of the Japanese bikes or BMW who now include all of these on their big tourers...and why not? How many cars today have ABS as an extra?

A really good bike for touring in style. Loads of pannier space especially if you go for the top box. Heavy but well balanced, seems to feel better fully loaded and two up. A comfortable tourer.