bdray, you can't leave out wheel base and weight in your turning equation (don't even say weight doesn't matter!!!). With that being said, I have ridden an FLH (RK shares the same frame) and was amazed at how well it did handle for its size! Makes me think my Triumph salesman is full of sh!t when he bashes HD's handling ability.
I, too, got the large touring fever but asked myself what kind of riding I do? Well, it sure ain't touring unless you count a 4 hour trip from home and back a tour or a weekend getaway a "tour" than maybe yes. "harley Davidson" from MUSA forums chimes in on this subject and brought me back to orbit. 99 percent of my riding is not considered touring so why should I fork out 18k for that 1 percent of my driving? Hmmmm....Ended my desire for a tourer. Now if you have the money to throw at a tourer, go for it!
If I ever decide to tour, I would def go with the Victory Kingpin over the Rk or FLH because it handles better and has much more horsepower stock without dropping 1.5k into a stage1 kit. I test rode a FLH and Victory back to back and was amazed at how much better the Victory felt (subjective), the stock power of the bike (fact), the great braking power (objective), and overall better looks (subjective) of the Vic over the HD. I am NOT saying HD is a bad bike, they are GREAT bikes! Just telling you that my preference would be a vic over HD.
kevin...
kevin...
below is a good link discussing the test beteween and HD RK and a Yamaha. Good article. The feedback is pretty good from a die-hard HD enthusiast on HD touring bikes.
http://forum.motorcycle-usa.com/default.aspx?f=43&m=291145
by the way, the streetglide is my favorite looking HD touring bike. I love the low look!
