Windshields change the handling, completely. The RKS is WAY better without one, and offers an option that has a terrific view and feeling of being super open on the road. You want wind protection, get a glide. If you really want a shield, get one. The beauty of this bike is that it is stripped down but you can make it how you want it.
Glad to see this review. Love my RKS. Didn’t like the factory bars so upgraded to 16” apes, put some Rinehart slip ons and did the Legends rear shocks. I’m ok without a windshield.
Bought a 24 RKS in black 2 weeks ago. Love the stripped down bagger look. First Harley coming from a 2017 Ducati Xdiavel. Have done a bunch of mods on it already and a windshield is definitely needed. You can only fight the wind so much. Ended up buying a wind splitter windshield and ride is a bit more enjoyable. It’s not as fast as the Ducati but overall I am happy with the RKS
@@canadiansa1nt309 I definitely understand the criticism and it is very 1 note and boring but simple is often better for me. I totally get it though and it does come across as insulting that black is now an upcharge which is rediculous.
I agree on the badging, I’ll send you a pic of my RKS when I get the bars done. I changed the badging and a lot of other things! It’s a great bike. I’m just waiting for bars from Dominator Industries who are being very slow!
This would be my next choice too after my lowrider (standard). HD would need to bring back chrome trim though, I'm not and never have been into the blacked out phase.
I also like the Road King and Fat Boy. I traded my 2021 Police Road King in last year for 2023 Fat Boy because I am 83 yrs old and wanted a lighter bike. The thing I dislike about the Fat Boy is the vibration, after 60 mph the faster you go the worse it is. The Road King rides smooth even over 100 mph, but at about 90 mph Fat Boy is terrible ride. Most of my riding is on back roads under 60 mph but if I were going to travel any distance I’d trade for another Road King.
Yeah, the Road King is a pretty smooth engine with it being rubber mounted. The Fatboy’s engine is solid mounted to the frame so it’s not as good touring wise.
Agreed touring bikes should come with a windshield. It really is like Harley expects you to buy the bike and then walk over to the parts immediately buy the things the bike actually needs before you even starting to customize it.
I took a 24 road king for a test ride. I dont think i could get used to the tank mounted tank. H-D changes the guage location up front tastefully and im in.
'Life Begins When You Get One".... I Own a 2023 RKS. Need to change: SE StreetCanon's, 14'Apes with Kahuna heated grips! Mustang seat (original is too low for 6'2! ) And indeed a Freedomshield.....Rides like a dream and much more emotion then a bagger model..
I didn’t find out until after I bought it😡 No charger when your only electronic feature on this 26K “tourer” is your phone?!? I did get a great windshield from Memphis Shades. Still should have come with it, though.
@@bikeknight54 I agree! Even though it’s a more “performance” built bike than a standard road king, still a bike made to put some miles on. Needs to come with a USB port and windshield! I bought a windshield also and am thinking of getting a USB port to wire in but that would mean taking the tank off. Not real hard, but something I shouldn’t have to do on a “touring” bike. I still love mine though! Minor gripe!
Appreciate this review. The big question is, will they put the 117 in it for next year or are they trying to kill this model off by not updating it? We shall see next model year I guess. Appreciate the time you put into this! Great content as always!
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Windshields change the handling, completely. The RKS is WAY better without one, and offers an option that has a terrific view and feeling of being super open on the road. You want wind protection, get a glide. If you really want a shield, get one. The beauty of this bike is that it is stripped down but you can make it how you want it.
If it was me, I’d get the shield. But to each their own.
Glad to see this review. Love my RKS. Didn’t like the factory bars so upgraded to 16” apes, put some Rinehart slip ons and did the Legends rear shocks. I’m ok without a windshield.
Sounds like a good set up.
Bought a 24 RKS in black 2 weeks ago. Love the stripped down bagger look. First Harley coming from a 2017 Ducati Xdiavel. Have done a bunch of mods on it already and a windshield is definitely needed. You can only fight the wind so much. Ended up buying a wind splitter windshield and ride is a bit more enjoyable. It’s not as fast as the Ducati but overall I am happy with the RKS
It should treat you well. I’ve always been a fan of the King.
I changed out the rear shocks on mine and added a windshield.
Good upgrades 👍
Just stumbled upon your channel today. I also live in Regina and ride an 09 road king, I love it!
Good ol’ Regina folk. The King is one of the best.
Love my Road King but agree with you regarding the lack of a windshield and the grey paint job which is dull and boring. Good review.
Thanks boss 👍
Am I the only one that loves the billiard grey!? Looks great in person and especially on Breakout and Road King Special.
I haven’t heard too many people say they like it that much. Most say it’s a shade or two to light for them.
@@canadiansa1nt309 I definitely understand the criticism and it is very 1 note and boring but simple is often better for me. I totally get it though and it does come across as insulting that black is now an upcharge which is rediculous.
I agree on the badging, I’ll send you a pic of my RKS when I get the bars done. I changed the badging and a lot of other things! It’s a great bike. I’m just waiting for bars from Dominator Industries who are being very slow!
That’ll be nice to see 👍
This would be my next choice too after my lowrider (standard). HD would need to bring back chrome trim though, I'm not and never have been into the blacked out phase.
I imagine they’ll only bring back the chrome if they come out with another standard model.
@@canadiansa1nt309 Sounds about right....Great review though...I think you were spot on with every detail!
I also like the Road King and Fat Boy. I traded my 2021 Police Road King in last year for 2023 Fat Boy because I am 83 yrs old and wanted a lighter bike. The thing I dislike about the Fat Boy is the vibration, after 60 mph the faster you go the worse it is. The Road King rides smooth even over 100 mph, but at about 90 mph Fat Boy is terrible ride. Most of my riding is on back roads under 60 mph but if I were going to travel any distance I’d trade for another Road King.
Yeah, the Road King is a pretty smooth engine with it being rubber mounted. The Fatboy’s engine is solid mounted to the frame so it’s not as good touring wise.
Agreed touring bikes should come with a windshield. It really is like Harley expects you to buy the bike and then walk over to the parts immediately buy the things the bike actually needs before you even starting to customize it.
They definitely expect you to do that. Some dealers almost want to take you by the hand to the parts department.
I took a 24 road king for a test ride. I dont think i could get used to the tank mounted tank. H-D changes the guage location up front tastefully and im in.
It can be a pain to have to glance down. It’s not quite as bad if you’re not wearing a full face helmet.
'Life Begins When You Get One".... I Own a 2023 RKS. Need to change: SE StreetCanon's, 14'Apes with Kahuna heated grips! Mustang seat (original is too low for 6'2! ) And indeed a Freedomshield.....Rides like a dream and much more emotion then a bagger model..
Gotta give the King it’s props. It’s a very smooth ride.
You can put a st fairing on it. Looks badass
I think I’ve only seen that once. It’s different, that’s for sure.
It is crazy that there is no windshield with the special; and no USB port! Another thing that a bike meant to do miles should have.
I definitely agree about the windshield
I didn’t find out until after I bought it😡 No charger when your only electronic feature on this 26K “tourer” is your phone?!? I did get a great windshield from Memphis Shades. Still should have come with it, though.
@@bikeknight54 I agree! Even though it’s a more “performance” built bike than a standard road king, still a bike made to put some miles on. Needs to come with a USB port and windshield! I bought a windshield also and am thinking of getting a USB port to wire in but that would mean taking the tank off. Not real hard, but something I shouldn’t have to do on a “touring” bike. I still love mine though! Minor gripe!
Love these . The bike I would consider instead of my 06 Fatboy . Cost to change is crazy though
It would be a lot more money but it’s a great bike.
Can you get drop bars to protect the bike and bags same as the RK standard?
Come to think of it can you get drop bars for your model fatboy?
I would be surprised if you couldn’t get them for either model.
How tall are you and what is your inseam?
6 feet tall. I think the inseam is 32
Appreciate this review. The big question is, will they put the 117 in it for next year or are they trying to kill this model off by not updating it? We shall see next model year I guess. Appreciate the time you put into this! Great content as always!
Thanks champ. Hard to say whether they’ll go with a 117 next year. That engine should trickle down to the other models in the next couple of years.
@@canadiansa1nt309I like the 114 because it’s oil cooled only. No water cooling like the 117.
i think you are getting a roadking nexet spring lol
Nope. Sticking with the Fatboy. But it would be nice to have a Road King if a guy was going to tour more.
Doesn't come with a windshield so Harley can sell you one for just a little extra 😂
I really wish Harley didn't change their base colour to gloss primer grey 🤨
Agreed 👍.
I love thd RKS, i just think that color is hideous
They definitely could do better with the paint
I don't know what HD was thinking with 2024 colors they all suck except black.
I agree with you on that one.