When Harley Davidson got hold of me and said they would give me 100% of what I paid for my Sporty towards any upgrade, I figured what was there to lose and went over to the dealership. Harleys are discretionary purchases, to say the least, and like anything discretionary, a little bit of vendor “pull” and self-discipline can pay off. I loved my Sportster, she was my first Harley, but the truth was she rode like a buckboard, and with two up I was really pushing the weight limits. The salesman at the dealership looked up my history and sure enough, said I could trade in the Sporty for the entire 9K I’d spent for it towards any new 2019 Cruiser or Touring model. On the one hand, the math was I’d ridden my Sportster for the last two years for the price of gas/insurance, but on the other hand, it meant I’d need to fork out another 10K plus for the brand-new upgrade. Not a problem.
So, what to buy? There is no better feeling in the world to walk around one of the world’s largest Harley dealerships with well over 100 new bikes on the floor and know you can have anyone you want. I habitually research the shit out of almost anything I buy and know as much as the salesman about the line-up. A faring was a must with the Florida winds, as was something that would easily accommodate the weight of two riders and luggage, which meant a touring model. I wanted that new M8 engine too. For that, Harley pushes you to the Street Glide, Road Glide, or Ultra. I took them all for a ride, and after a few turns, it was clear to me that while the ubiquitous Command Center dash screens and boom stereos were cool, I really couldn’t read the GPS effectively without my glasses, nor could I enjoy music flying down the interstate with a full-faced helmet on. Then I found her, the Road King. No GPS, no stereo, and a bit long in the tooth with a retro look, but a history of being one of the most comfortable and responsive touring bikes Harley has made for the last 20 years. Just a few on the floor—an unloved analog animal in the new digital world. Harley had upgraded the King’s paint and modernized options to help move them, while also seriously dropping the price. Same frame and engine as the sleek new touring bikes, just no stereo or GPS. In other words, everything you need and nothing you don’t. The King easily handled the best in my opinion, and was as comfortable as a sofa and as agile as the Sporty, so I took one home. Got a new sled for Daytona Bike Week 2020.
What Next? 
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