1. After 20+ years it's time to pass the torch. If you are interested in acquiring this forum please contact support@cv-performance.com for details. Any spam will be reported and blocked.
  2. Welcome to Bike Talk, a forum for all bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts. If you are new to Bike Talk, be sure to register for free and join the conversation.

    There's always someone around willing to help out with questions or give a friendly wave back. All Harley and metric riders are welcome.
Bike Talk Motorcycle Forum is For Sale Welcome to Bike Talk

Road King

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by racer97489, Aug 15, 2006.

  1. racer97489

    racer97489 New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2006
    Messages:
    4
    Likes Received:
    0
    I'm 5'4" and would love to buy a Road King Custom. My fear is that my feet won't touch the ground. I test drove one but was unable to maneuver the bike as I'd like to. Has anyone out there got suggestions? Maybe a seat that would lower it enough for me?:confused:
    racer97489, Aug 15, 2006
    #1
  3. bikerjim1

    bikerjim1 Moderator

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2005
    Messages:
    794
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Liberty Hill Texas
    Shocks too!!

    Along with the seat, you can get lower suspension for the rear, such as Progressive...etc.
    bikerjim1, Aug 15, 2006
    #2
  4. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2004
    Messages:
    13,682
    Likes Received:
    584
    Location:
    Mouseville USA
    First I'd suggest a Dyna low rider, it's a large comfortable big twin you can add bags and a windshield. You can easily manuver and ride this bike it has one of the lowest seat heights in the fleet. That or a Heritage Softail Classic which has a low seat height, you sit into the Heritage and on a RK, you might find you fit that bike better, plus it comes with detachable windshield and bags.

    If you really want a RK then you need to lower the suspension in the rear with shorter shocks, forget the cheapo kits that move the shocks back, you save money but it kicks the shock out at an odd angle. The ride is worse.

    You can go top of the line with an air bag style system and set the height where you want it, or Progressive and HD make shorter length shocks 440 is the model I believe

    Combine that with a corbin seat which is narrower than the HD, letting your legs reach down at a better angle and the seats are typically lower in height.

    Last, get some boots to add about 2 inches to your height you need boots to ride anyway, protect your legs and ankles from the pipes as well.
    Last edited: Aug 15, 2006
    hotroadking, Aug 15, 2006
    #3
  5. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2005
    Messages:
    12,545
    Likes Received:
    10
    the duece is built lower to the ground from the factory.......nice looking ride also!!
    chuck
    chucktx, Aug 15, 2006
    #4
  6. racer97489

    racer97489 New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2006
    Messages:
    4
    Likes Received:
    0
    Roadking

    Thanks for the tip but I wanted a bigger touring bike... I have a Fatboy right now..
    racer97489, Aug 16, 2006
    #5
  7. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2004
    Messages:
    13,682
    Likes Received:
    584
    Location:
    Mouseville USA
    then it's off to the parts department for

    Progressive 440's and have them set at 12 inch that's a 1 inch drop I believe, they have adjustable dampening. Better JMO than air shocks in the rear.

    Get a Corbin or LePera seat either one with a narrower seat and lower seat height.

    Just remember when you lower the bike you reduce cornering clearance and ride comfort to some extent, the 440's will help take care of that problem.

    Because the softail you ride doesn't have the corner clearance the RK stock height does you may not notice a difference with the lowered rear.

    You can also lower the front by changing out the cartridge system for a lowering kit from progressive.
    hotroadking, Aug 16, 2006
    #6
  8. CD

    CD Guest

    440's use a speed dampening system patented by Ricor and licensed to Edelbrock and are not adjustable. If you want adjustable dampening WP, Ohlins etc come to mind.

    I would go with 440's 12" regular version and lower the front. Add a low profile seat and you'll be set....with some thick soled boots :)
    CD, Aug 16, 2006
    #7
  9. ZZsBagger

    ZZsBagger New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2006
    Messages:
    17
    Likes Received:
    0
    Another idea: Cut down the seat...

    I found a good trick on an old seat is to remove the leather and customize the foam rubber to your own butt. The easiest way to cut foam rubber is with a kitchen electric knife...The seat will be a lot lower, thus letting your feet touch
    the pavement...

    Just my 2-cents...

    ZZsBagger
    ZZsBagger, Aug 16, 2006
    #8
  10. ROADKING06

    ROADKING06 New Member

    Joined:
    May 2, 2008
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Houston Tx
    Road King Custom

    i own a 06 RKC and i'm 5'5". What i did is to run solo w/ about 5 lbs of air in the shocks and sent my seat to get re shaped to bring my legs in closer. hope this helps
    ROADKING06, May 2, 2008
    #9
  11. racer97489

    racer97489 New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 11, 2006
    Messages:
    4
    Likes Received:
    0
    lowering rkc

    I was told by dealer that you couldn't lower a custom. It's already as low as you can go. I'm glad to hear there ARE other ways.. confirm? I've bought a different stock seat and had my shoes built up but still don't feel really safe. YOu say use Progressive 440 on rear will work you think?
    racer97489, May 2, 2008
    #10
  12. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2005
    Messages:
    12,545
    Likes Received:
    10
    you dont say if you narrowed your seat.....that will help a great deal!!!:)
    chucktx, May 2, 2008
    #11
  13. DKIN21

    DKIN21 New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2004
    Messages:
    168
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Knoxville, TN
    I Think You Are Right Seems To Me That Dealer Told Me Also That You Cannot Lower A Rk Custom, But Hd And Mustang Have A Reach Seat That Sits U Forward And Is Not As Wide Which Helps As Well.
    And As Someone Suggested Wear Boots With Thicker Soles. I'm 5-6/5-7, Was Riding A Low Rider Now Riding A Rk Screamin Eagle It Took A Little While To Get Used To It But Done All Of The Above And It Helped A Lot. Something Else To Take A Look At If U Have Not Already Done So And Want A Bagger Take A Look At The Street Glide, Seat Height Is About 1" Lower Than A Rk Ground Clearence Is The Same. A Friend Of Mine Got A Heck Of A Deal On A Sg, I Rode It Saturday, It Sits Lower Than My Rk And Is One Sweet Ride. And Get This It Has A 110 C.i. From The Factory.

    Dkin21

    Live Easy, Ride Hard
    DKIN21, May 3, 2008
    #12

Share This Page

XenPorta © Jason Axelrod from 8WAYRUN.COM