2005 Harley-Davidson Road King® Classic

I am the proud owner of an '05 Road King Classic. As my review title states, I won this bike in a Cancer Society raffle. Winning isn't free. You are responsible for gambling tax, just as if you had gone to the casino or track. The tax was 27% of the retail value, or appx $5300. Still, a $19K bike ... for $5300 was (is) a bargain. Having not ridden for ten years prior to winning, I had my doubts on keepin the bike. Now, 4 yrs and 20,000 mile later, I'm glad I did.

The bike was vivid black when I received it. I picked it up in early October '04 and promptly stored it for the winter. I brought it out in spring of '05. I signed up for the Rider's Edge basic motorcycle course to refresh my skills and obtain my motorcycle endorsement since I had let it lapse.

I rode the bike bone stock for that first season, honing my skills and getting used to it. 6000 miles that first season. Over the winter of '05-'06, I did a number of mods to the bike. Complete repaint as you see in the photo, as well as chrome upgrades, etc. Vance & Hines longshots , SE Air Intake and Harley race tuner chip and programming. The service manager at my dealership said he's never ridden a basically stock 1450 w/ more torque.

I ride every chance I get. maintain her by the book. No major mechanical trouble to speak of. 13,300 miles on the first set of tires.

Closing out season 4 with a little over 20,000 on the odometer, all in the states of VT and NH. No long trips to date. However, a few long days in the saddle (250+ miles) and I can still ride further. The saddle is like a couch seat. I added the rider backrest early on and don't ride w/o it.

Overall I am pleased w/ the quality and workmanship of the machine. A far cry from the AMF days. I've often though of trading, possibly a Screaming Eagle Limited Edition. But, I've put time and $$$ and more importantly myself into this bike, and I'd be hard pressed to give it away.

Bob Borsh

Woodstock, VT