|
|
1986 FXR - Superglide |
A group of us traveled to Sturgis in 1995 for the 55th Annual Black Hills Rally and after that trip seeing all the custom scoots, I decided it was time to make some modifications. It wasn’t exactly stock then, but still had the candy apple red factory paint on the stock tank and fenders. Over the next three years I had the bike rebuilt from the frame up. The stock frame was powder-coated black; the engine was torn down and rebuilt with oversized pistons, single fire ignition (employs two sparkplugs on each head) and a thunder jet on a new S&S carb; a big-ass EV5 cam, a plethora of new components and parts too numerous to mention I’d selected and stored during the retrofit & new tanks and fenders in custom paint. My friend Alden Dyer was running a motorcycle shop at that time and he did all the work except for the paint, which was done by Ron Miller, a painter I met through a friend of mine.
Kiro after the retrofit - looking better than new...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 FLHRCI |
|
When I started thinking about buying a new Harley I began investigating what I may be interested in purchasing. I wanted a touring bike as my FXR still has plenty of what a sport bike is all about, even with the older technology. It wasn’t about money so much, just making the right choice because I'll probably ride this scoot for a long time. You can buy radios and CD players, all kinds of different options and I considered going that way. However, in the end result, I just couldn’t get away from my sport riding roots with all this stuff. I figured a windscreen was consolation enough and I never had much interest in riding with fairings and fiberglass bags. That’s what is great about these motorcycles, there’s something for everyone and one doesn’t have to look too hard to find a suitable model.
I bought the FLHRCI right after the new models came out for that year and this photograph was taken in the fall of 2004 shortly afterwards. I had a Vance & Hines oval pipe system and a Power Commander fuel management system installed before I took the motorcycle home. Since that time, like most riders do, I spent several thousand dollars in chrome and accessories to dress it out to my taste. Things added included a new seat, handlebars to change the riding position, a removable padded sissy bar/luggage rack combination, oil cooler and various chrome components. Some of these modifications are visible in this shot, but much was added over the winter of 2004/2005. There are photographs of the Harley in the story referenced below with the new accessories mounted. I also had it wired to accept a Lowrance GPS unit that fits nicely behind the windscreen when I’m touring; this can be mounted or removed easily when required. I won’t consider any engine work on this bike until it gets more wear on it; perhaps after I get it paid off. It had just around 4,600 miles on it when I stored it for the winter going into 2006; not bad for one riding season in Maine. With what a new Harley cost today I didn’t pay cash for this one…
|
Our first road trip of consequence with this new machine was through the Canadian Atlantic Provinces and then by ferry to Newfoundland. My account of this journey can be found here should you wish to check it out:Touring Western Newfoundland via Harley-Davidson. I must say, this motorcycle was everything I’d hoped and we had a great time in our travels. I’m waiting for time off and warmer weather to plan the next excursion. I would ride this scoot cross country if I had the time available to do so. If you're considering buying a touring bike and aren't certain about the RKC, in my opinion this motorcycle will not disappoint. After I got a few miles on the new machine it made me wonder why in the world I waited 19 years... Many Harley enthusiasts have told me they believe this to be the finest of the models being produced these days. And no, they don't all ride Road King Classics, they only wish they did...