Topic: How Does the SERK Handle for Touring, 350 to 400 mile day rides and quickies (Read 7055 times)

TheTortoise · « **on:** May 09, 2008, 01:13:53 PM »

How Does the Road King ( SERK ) work for Touring, 350 to 400 mile day rides and quick short rides?

I have owned a 2006 Road Glide and took to Canada and Western US. The bike was great. I kept dreaming of a more classic bike though. So I sold after putting on 12k in 6 months and bought a 2006 BMW K1200S. This bike works for carving turns. Now I need another cruiser. I loved my friends 92 Softtail Custom job, but too loud and now too old for me. I drove a friends 2007 Road Glide from SF to Eureka up and down coast. Much better than the 2006. Engine and tranny work better. In 89 I owned a 87 EG Electra Glide. Did similar tour of Canada and Western US.

I test drove a Street Glide and it was a kick in the pants. With the seat back a bit and lowered with a stiffer rear it just cut up the road. Handling in rear a bit off because of the short travel the bike skips, but still fun.

So the Screaming Eagle Road King has my attention. Nice motor and sits like the Street Glide. Looks good. Can take off the fairing and make a Softtail like bike out of it. Could order a aftermarket bat wing fairing and make a Street Glide too.

So how does this bike cruise. I go fast. I ride hard. I am 49. I am 6'3" and 189lbs. I am very active. I want to do short around town rides, big loops from SF area through Tahoe area and back (350 to 400 in a day) and some touring. The Road Glide is the best tourer. But I want some more character in my ride. I can do the big loops in the K12S but get tired. Lots of wind. I raised the bars a 1" but still....

Does the fairing cause problems with handling. I know I will need the clear larger fairing.

doug
Lafayette, CA
07 KTM 300 XCW
06 BMW K1200S

erniezap · « **Reply #1 on:** May 09, 2008, 01:22:22 PM »

Welcome to the site Doug. While I can't anser your questions, I wanted to welcome you to the site and to let you know that there is a LARGE contingent in the SF Bay Area and that we get together quite often for day and/or weekend rides.

Hugh Janis · « **Reply #2 on:** May 09, 2008, 01:24:57 PM »

Doug, welcome to CVO Harley. The SERK is one of the most versatile platforms in the HD fleet. There are MANY threads and posts in this forum that will take you a week to read. Many cover the mods you are looking for. Hoist just added a King TP and stereo to his.

These bikes come 1" lower than stock from the factory. For someone 6'3" you might want to make sure it fits you good. The cruise control, floorboards, footrests, on the mustache bar, and the driver backrest all lend themselves nicely to long rides.

Ghost Rider · « **Reply #3 on:** May 09, 2008, 01:30:38 PM »

You probably won't get very many unbiased opinions here, but here is what I think of mine.

I FRIGGIN LOVE IT!!!

I have almost 10k miles on mine, including a Stugis trip last year, and the bike has preformed incredibly.

I will also note that I have added the Alloy Art TXR, progressive 440's, and a Mustang seat which helps with both the long rides and the twisties.

I don't think you will be dissapointed in the ride. Now the engine is a different discussion...

Talon · « **Reply #4 on:** May 09, 2008, 01:48:58 PM »

If you get one just stay away from Howie, he'll spend all you money on mods!

I have a RK Custom it sits an inch lower too, I have ridden for hours with no complaints on the ride, the lower stance does cause me to scrape the floor board mounts a lot. If you ride hard you'll probably experience the same. You just have to take that into account when getting into a hard high speed turn, you only get so much lean and that's it.

Hoist! · « **Reply #5 on:** May 09, 2008, 02:48:02 PM »

First off, welcome aboard Tortoise! Let me start by saying, DON'T LISTEN TO THEM FD GUYS!!!

They'll all tell ya that you need a dresser for touring. But I'm here to tell ya the the Road King is HD's best all around touring bike. You get all the capabilities of a dresser, but still have a real motorcycle in front of you. Them fairnings make me feel like I'm in a 2 wheel convertible, not on a bike. They handle better because you don't have that fairing tossing you around. They're less suseptible to the HD dresser wobble because of no fairng too. Plus, they look so damn much better too!!!

Now I'm sure this will piss of most of the FD guys here, who make up the majority of this great site. But then again, so what else is new!!!

Get the SERK. If your 110 engine holds up, you'll be one happy camper with it!

Hoist!

Hoist! · « **Reply #6 on:** May 09, 2008, 02:49:08 PM »

Quote from: Talon on May 09, 2008, 01:48:58 PM

If you get one just stay away from Howie, he'll spend all you money on mods! I have a RK Custom it sits an inch lower too, I have ridden for hours with no complaints on the ride, the lower stance does cause me to scrape the floor board mounts a lot. If you ride hard you'll probably experience the same. You just have to take that into account when getting into a hard high speed turn, you only get so much lean and that's it.

Problem solved. Just raise it back to standard height, preferrably with the Traxxion suspension!!!

Hoist!

naitram · « **Reply #7 on:** May 09, 2008, 02:50:51 PM »

dont listen to Hoist! my serk feels more stable with the fairing on the front

Fired00d · « **Reply #8 on:** May 09, 2008, 03:15:12 PM »

Quote from: Hoist! on May 09, 2008, 02:48:02 PM

First off, welcome aboard Tortoise! Let me start by saying, DON'T LISTEN TO THEM FD GUYS!!!

They'll all tell ya that you need a dresser for touring. But I'm here to tell ya the the Road King is HD's best all around touring bike. You get all the capabilities of a dresser, but still have a real motorcycle in front of you. Them fairnings make me feel like I'm in a 2 wheel convertible, not on a bike. They handle better because you don't have that fairing tossing you around. They're less suseptible to the HD dresser wobble because of no fairng too. Plus, they look so damn much better too!!!

Now I'm sure this will piss of most of the FD guys here, who make up the majority of this great site. But then again, so what else is new!!!

Get the SERK. If your 110 engine holds up, you'll be one happy camper with it!

Hoist!

Piss us off?? No way..... we know you aren't right.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

Ghost Rider · « **Reply #9 on:** May 09, 2008, 03:19:32 PM »

Quote from: naitram on May 09, 2008, 02:50:51 PM

dont listen to Hoist! my serk feels more stable with the fairing on the front

Neal, is that at "Howie speed," or normal speed?

naitram · « **Reply #10 on:** May 09, 2008, 03:20:04 PM »

i dont travle howie speed

Ghost Rider · « **Reply #11 on:** May 09, 2008, 03:34:35 PM »

Quote from: naitram on May 09, 2008, 03:20:04 PM

i dont travle howie speed

That is good to hear.

I can't imagine anything feels stable at howie speed.

Talon · « **Reply #12 on:** May 09, 2008, 03:46:13 PM »

Quote from: Hoist! on May 09, 2008, 02:49:08 PM

Problem solved. Just raise it back to standard height, preferrably with the Traxxion suspension!!!

Hoist!

Lzyboy · « **Reply #13 on:** May 09, 2008, 04:37:15 PM »

I owned a 97 superglide tell the Jan 28,2008. I moved up and bought the SERK. I currently have 1675 miles on it right now. This bike as everything I need. It handles corners just like my Super glide did. Its low and the power is awesome. I put passing lamps and RH TDs with SETNR and its great. Waiting for clearview wind shield to arrive. The bags are a little small but workable. People say baggers are for geezers but I disagree.
The items you can buy for a bagger are awesome. In the military carrying so much crap in a back pack was getting ridiculous. The SERK is the best bike I bought so far.

I hope this helps you while you decide. You might look into floor board extension due to your height.

C-YA!

TheTortoise · « **Reply #14 on:** May 09, 2008, 09:05:44 PM »

Thanks Guys.

From riding the Street Glide (same setup as SERK with out the motor and different fairing ) I will like it. I like the ability to take off the fairing.

A side note: I loved the ride of the Street Glide and did not like the basic Road King. The basic Road King has a higher seat and sits different. The Street Glide and the SERK sit the same. Lower seat and a bit further back and the rear 1" lower. You feel like you are on a Softtail. The Road King sits higher and not in the bike.

I agree with Hoist. The Road Glide feels like a convertible car. The Street Glide feels like a motorcycle with attitude. So the SERK should be the same. I like the handle bars better on the SERK too.

Also a note: I had bought the Hog Tunes speakers for my 2006 Road Glide and it sounded louder, better and clearer. However after a period of time on the freeway it was just a wall of noise. So I ended up putting speakers in my helmet and connected to Ipod. Better. So radio is not a want for me. Less upper weight is.

Thanks Guys. I will let you know what I do. I have 5.75% financing lined up. New or Used.

doug

bikerbehaviorist · « **Reply #15 on:** May 09, 2008, 10:52:45 PM »

I love my SERK!!!!!!!!!!! I have over 11K on mine and I am very pleased. I just recently did a Solvang to Benica on as much as highway 1 as possible - over 400 miles and was very comfortable - the corbin seat may have had something to do with that ..... but like the other say it is a great bike to tour on!!!

Black Diamond · « **Reply #16 on:** May 10, 2008, 12:11:38 AM »

Doug

I had an 07 Street Glide. Very nice bike. One look at the SE Road King and the Glide got kicked to the curb. With the lowered rear, wider tires, front motor mount this is one superb scoot. I have three Harleys. However, I never seem to find time to ride the others. I've put 300 miles on the SERK just messing around and never noticed.

JW

kona76 · « **Reply #17 on:** May 10, 2008, 12:14:15 AM »

Quote from: bikerbehaviorist on May 09, 2008, 10:52:45 PM

I love my SERK!!!!!!!!!!! I have over 11K on mine and I am very pleased. I just recently did a Solvang to Benica on as much as highway 1 as possible - over 400 miles and was very comfortable - the corbin seat may have had something to do with that ..... but like the other say it is a great bike to tour on!!!

Don't you just love the high speed highway 101 above Santa Barbara up to Pismo Beach. One of my favorite rides in California. After Pismo Beach North, it gets pretty cold around Atascadero to Benecia this time of year. That part is a day ride just for the sun.

Oh, and for sure, without a split second of doubt, I Love my 08 SERK !! You'd have to fight me to give up this fine ride.

MiKe K.
kona76

kb · « **Reply #18 on:** May 10, 2008, 12:11:54 PM »

Hi Doug. Welcome aboard. You will find a lot of good ideas and a tremendous amount of knowledge from here. I must agree w/ Hoist. SERK is the way to go. Best of luck with you're new ride. KB

bikerbehaviorist · « **Reply #19 on:** May 10, 2008, 12:53:12 PM »

Quote from: kona76 on May 10, 2008, 12:14:15 AM

Don't you just love the high speed highway 101 above Santa Barbara up to Pismo Beach. One of my favorite rides in California. After Pismo Beach North, it gets pretty cold around Atascadero to Benecia this time of year. That part is a day ride just for the sun.

Oh, and for sure, without a split second of doubt, I Love my 08 SERK !! You'd have to fight me to give up this fine ride.

MiKe K.
kona76

Mike I was down there for a conference and Friday after it ended I went to Santa Barbra and then took 101 back to Solvang chasing the sunset! It was one of those inspirational rides where all I could think was life does not get any better than this!!!

TheTortoise · « **Reply #20 on:** May 10, 2008, 01:31:35 PM »

You guys are great. Nice group. I will let you know. Favoring the SERK now for sure.

doug

Capo · « **Reply #21 on:** May 10, 2008, 02:50:27 PM »

Quote from: TheTortoise on May 10, 2008, 01:31:35 PM

You guys are great. Nice group. I will let you know. Favoring the SERK now for sure.

doug

Doug weighing in going from my FLHRSEI2 SERK to a 2008 SEUC the SERK has 21K miles and they were all great. I notice the extra weight especially in the city and the Ultra's weight is on the top so it absolutely handles different IMO-that being said I wish I could keep both bikes-the partner is a bit more comfy on the SECU of course I guess I could've done a seat upgrade.....hmmmm then no new bike-hope this helps your decision. This day trip turned in about 300 miles total-

Bo

Hoist! · « **Reply #22 on:** May 11, 2008, 07:16:19 PM »

Quote from: Capo on May 10, 2008, 02:50:27 PM

Doug weighing in going from my FLHRSEI2 SERK to a 2008 SEUC the SERK has 21K miles and they were all great. I notice the extra weight especially in the city and the Ultra's weight is on the top so it absolutely handles different IMO-that being said I wish I could keep both bikes-the partner is a bit more comfy on the SECU of course I guess I could've done a seat upgrade.....hmmmm then no new bike-hope this helps your decision. This day trip turned in about 300 miles total-

Bo

You could've! Detachable KTP w/Corbin seat and backrest. Hot Rod SERK around town stripped down. Ultimate touring machine with everything you'd want without the need for that fairing, which I don't like.

Hoist!

Gecko · « **Reply #23 on:** May 12, 2008, 07:53:19 AM »

For the type of riding you describe I think the bike would be perfect. I used to be think an Iron Butt day was something special, but after doing 600 in nine hours on mine (with no windshield) another 400 in the remaining fifteen hours would have been nothing. That said, you know going in that you stand a good chance of having the array of problems that plague 110s. If you are willing to put up with them, or change things on your own dime to get around them, then you will be happy.

Gone Fishin' · « **Reply #24 on:** May 12, 2008, 09:51:46 AM »

It works great. Specifically as a single seater, with the saddlebags changed for hard ones. The combination of easy maneuverability, excellent road holding and it is pretty fast too. Just don't forget to send it to the H-D doctor at around 6k miles to have the engine fixed. '08 models with the added ABS and better brakes make this bike the best choice in the H-D line up.

Ride safely,
Louis

ad2 · « **Reply #25 on:** May 12, 2008, 09:53:35 AM »

Love my SERK. I rode it over 3,000 miles round trip to Sturgis last year and it was great. Like most guys on this site, I spend a great deal of time "making it my own".

56FLE · « **Reply #26 on:** May 12, 2008, 01:33:13 PM »

I got my 08 SERK on March 26th, 2008. I have 5800 miles on it, left Sedona GTG Friday and ran all the way to Newport Beach, CA going across the desert in very windy conditions at between 80~95 mph.

Get it, you will not be sorry.

TheTortoise · « **Reply #27 on:** May 13, 2008, 12:44:09 PM »

ad2 that is the bike. It is beautiful. Love the Dead Center Fairing.

doug

miker · « **Reply #28 on:** May 13, 2008, 01:21:42 PM »

Quote from: TheTortoise on May 13, 2008, 12:44:09 PM

ad2 that is the bike. It is beautiful. Love the Dead Center Fairing.

doug

Yup!

ad2 · « **Reply #29 on:** May 14, 2008, 04:14:51 PM »

Thanks Doug. I really like the way the bike turned out and wish I could stop finding more things to do to it!

TheTortoise · « **Reply #30 on:** May 14, 2008, 11:47:55 PM »

Miker and Ad2. The bat fairing as an option is perfect.

There are a lot of the Anniversary Crystal Copper/Black Onyx available. They have been in stock for about a month at Santa Rosa, Marin, Walnut Creek. The McGuire store in Pittsburg sold their Black Diamond with Silver Dust before getting it in a couple of weeks. There is a $1,000 deposit on it. They have another Anniversary coming.

I kinda like the Crystal Copper/Black Onyx Anniversary edition. Haven't seen the Blue or Black versions yet. The Anniversary Editions are selling real slow. Why? Does nobody like the color. It seems fine. Maybe the other two are much better. Since I haven't seen I will not know

What is everyones opinion on the Anniversary color!

Black Diamond · « **Reply #31 on:** May 15, 2008, 12:08:38 AM »

The anny's are nice but the Black Diamond......oh my! IMO!

JW

bikerbehaviorist · « **Reply #32 on:** May 15, 2008, 12:23:15 AM »

I have to agree with Black Diamond 110 - I just fell in love with the looks of this bike and then it was a 110 and a CVO etc...... I hemmed and hawed about buying it for all of 20 minutes and then just folded like a bad poker hand

:
So I am very biased!!

kona76 · « **Reply #33 on:** May 15, 2008, 03:48:35 AM »

How could I not chime in here? Yes, I also fell in love with mine as well. True duals, the SERT and a CAM.. and I am in Hog Heaven with a 110" and the same paint.

Life is good.

Mike K.
kona76

56FLE · « **Reply #34 on:** May 16, 2008, 12:18:36 AM »

Got to love the paint on the Black Diamond. 6500 mile since March 26, 2008, just left Newport beach this morning and am in Monterey tonight. On to San Fran and Sacramento tomorrow. CA-1 was fantastic.

56FLE · « **Reply #35 on:** May 16, 2008, 12:21:12 AM »

CVOJOE · « **Reply #36 on:** May 16, 2008, 01:07:45 AM »

This is my SERK.
There are many like it but this one is mine.
My SERK is my best friend. It is my life.
I must master it as I must master my life.
Without me, my SERK is useless. Without my SERK, I am useless.
I must ride my SERK true.
I must ride straighter than my cage enemies who are trying to kill me.
I must outride them before they kill me. And I will.
Before God I swear this creed: my SERK and myself are defenders of my being,
we are the masters of my enemies, we are the saviors of my life.
So be it, until there is no enemy. Amen.
(Full Metal SERK 103)

Sean M Cary · « **Reply #37 on:** May 16, 2008, 06:37:41 AM »

Quote from: Hoist! on May 11, 2008, 07:16:19 PM

You could've! Detachable KTP w/Corbin seat and backrest. Hot Rod SERK around town stripped down. Ultimate touring machine with everything you'd want without the need for that fairing, which I don't like.

Hoist!

Howie, did adding the Tour Pack to the back change the handling characteristics? Understand it is not much weight...just wondering.

Sean

Sean M Cary · « **Reply #38 on:** May 16, 2008, 06:38:59 AM »

Quote from: CVOJOE on May 16, 2008, 01:07:45 AM

This is my SERK.
There are many like it but this one is mine.
My SERK is my best friend. It is my life.
I must master it as I must master my life.
Without me, my SERK is useless. Without my SERK, I am useless.
I must ride my SERK true.
I must ride straighter than my cage enemies who are trying to kill me.
I must outride them before they kill me. And I will.
Before God I swear this creed: my SERK and myself are defenders of my being,
we are the masters of my enemies, we are the saviors of my life.
So be it, until there is no enemy. Amen.
(Full Metal SERK 103)

"How do you kill women and children? It's easy, you just don't lead them as much..."

Must have seen this movie - 40-50 times?

Off to post for duty... SUNDAY duty.

Hoist! · « **Reply #39 on:** May 16, 2008, 08:56:48 AM »

Quote from: Florida Marine on May 16, 2008, 06:37:41 AM

Howie, did adding the Tour Pack to the back change the handling characteristics? Understand it is not much weight...just wondering.

Sean

HeHe! I like that Joe!

It affects the low speed manuevering but doesn't affect the normal speed handling too badly. You need to be much more purposeful when coming to stops. Even more so with luggage strapped to the lid. But once at speed, it's not that noticible.

Hoist!

miker · « **Reply #40 on:** May 16, 2008, 09:05:52 AM »

The tp is heavy but it keeps the beer colder than down in the left saddlebag...

FNGw/08SERK · « **Reply #41 on:** May 16, 2008, 09:11:08 AM »

Quote from: CVOJOE on May 16, 2008, 01:07:45 AM

This is my SERK.
There are many like it but this one is mine.
My SERK is my best friend. It is my life.
I must master it as I must master my life.
Without me, my SERK is useless. Without my SERK, I am useless.
I must ride my SERK true.
I must ride straighter than my cage enemies who are trying to kill me.
I must outride them before they kill me. And I will.
Before God I swear this creed: my SERK and myself are defenders of my being,
we are the masters of my enemies, we are the saviors of my life.
So be it, until there is no enemy. Amen.
(Full Metal SERK 103)

That explains IT!! Thanks Joe

naitram · « **Reply #42 on:** May 16, 2008, 09:55:30 AM »

good movie

TheTortoise · « **Reply #43 on:** May 17, 2008, 08:08:13 PM »

56FLE

Take 9 from Santa Cruz to Skyline (35) and go north to 92 then East to 280 and then SF

Simple: From SF take 1 north to Mendocino and just keep going to 101. North on 101 to 36 or 299. I haven't been on 36 but 299 is great.

Also through Wine Country 128 is a very good choice.

Just some suggestions

doug

spepin · « **Reply #44 on:** July 23, 2008, 08:39:54 AM »

Quote from: Jester Whisperer on May 09, 2008, 01:24:57 PM

These bikes come 1" lower than stock from the factory.

I was curious about this as the specs for the SERK list ground clearance at 5.5" and the RK at 5.1". I had been looking because I was thinking of lowering it 1". I've seen reports that the SERK is 1" lower as you mentioned, but the numbers posted on H-D's website don't support this. Who's right, and how do they figure 1" lower with .4" greater ground clearance?

lilbear · « **Reply #45 on:** July 23, 2008, 10:09:21 AM »

Quote from: spepin on July 23, 2008, 08:39:54 AM

I was curious about this as the specs for the SERK list ground clearance at 5.5" and the RK at 5.1". I had been looking because I was thinking of lowering it 1". I've seen reports that the SERK is 1" lower as you mentioned, but the numbers posted on H-D's website don't support this. Who's right, and how do they figure 1" lower with .4" greater ground clearance?

First off, you have great tastes in bikes. Also have the VRSCSE2 and FLHRSE4. Not sure about the ground clearance on the standard '08 Road King, but on the HD site, the '09 is 5.1" which may reflect the "under the frame exhaust" hanging down a bit. Certainly wouldn't consider lowering the SERK 1" though. A custom seat from Corbin or others can accomplish the extra reach if you need it or you could even go the route that TC went and put an adjustable air suspension (I think he used Legends) and lower the bike for maneuvering and then raise it back up for riding and that much needed clearance for cornering.

Craig

genecvo · « **Reply #46 on:** July 24, 2008, 03:55:53 PM »

I'm also 6'3 and 230 pounds and still play rugby at 48. I'll ride up to 850 miles a day at non conforming speeds - I put the rider floorboards forward 2'' and out - bought a rider backrest I could adjust on the fly - put a bigger windshield on to reduce head buffeting - keep around 20 pounds of air in the rear shocks - adjustable foot pegs on the engine guard so I can practically lie down and cruise.

Sean M Cary · « **Reply #47 on:** July 24, 2008, 04:42:33 PM »

Quote from: genecvo on July 24, 2008, 03:55:53 PM

I'm also 6'3 and 230 pounds and still play rugby at 48. I'll ride up to 850 miles a day at non conforming speeds - I put the rider floorboards forward 2'' and out - bought a rider backrest I could adjust on the fly - put a bigger windshield on to reduce head buffeting - keep around 20 pounds of air in the rear shocks - adjustable foot pegs on the engine guard so I can practically lie down and cruise.

I am exploring the windshield issue - I am getting slammed in the eyes with the one I have which is 16" from center to top. Looking at the Clearview in 22" with the reverse curve. Having the stock height one sent to me thinking maybe it will lower the wind to my chest.

Does the back rest help? I don't have mine, but could get it - its the stock adjustable from my 03 SERK.

Sean

56FLE · « **Reply #48 on:** July 24, 2008, 06:42:30 PM »

Quote from: Florida Marine on July 24, 2008, 04:42:33 PM

I am exploring the windshield issue - I am getting slammed in the eyes with the one I have which is 16" from center to top. Looking at the Clearview in 22" with the reverse curve. Having the stock height one sent to me thinking maybe it will lower the wind to my chest.

Does the back rest help? I don't have mine, but could get it - its the stock adjustable from my 03 SERK.

Sean

You should get a windshield that you can see over by about 1~2 inches. HD makes a mid low profile that is 18 in. from headlight cutout to the top just incase you needed something taller but not too much taller. The stock RK windshield is 19 1/2 in from headlight cutout to the top.

F.Y.I.

genecvo · « **Reply #49 on:** July 24, 2008, 06:49:59 PM »

For me I really need the spring release adjustable rider backrest for the long rides - It allows me to lay back and easily ride with one hand not to mention the ability to change the butt comfort situation. I use the 25" clearview curved windshield. I don't mind looking through it to ride - I've taken enough grasshopper hits in the head.

Author Topic: How Does the SERK Handle for Touring, 350 to 400 mile day rides and quickies (Read 7055 times)

Sean M Cary

Sean M Cary

Sean M Cary