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Streamlining the bike further was a matter of adding sleeker footboards, passenger pegs and even a more slimline brake pedal; other details include bullet turn signals fore and aft; a sculpted chrome lightbar; and slash-cut mufflers for the chromed crossover dual exhausts. Additional custom touches include a stretched chrome fuel-tank console with a larger, restyled silver-faced speedometer, and new nickel-formed, chrome-plated tank emblems. 

For 2004, all seven of Harley-Davidson’s touring rigs get a new 143mm MU85 rear tire that is 8 percent wider than the previous models and promises 30 percent longer life. The Custom’s Dunlop rubber is mounted on 16-inch, slotted, chrome-plated aluminum alloy wheels. Braking is accomplished by dual 11.5-inch discs up front, and a single rotor of the same size out back, all armed with 4-piston calipers.

The Custom benefits from major chassis modifications made to the touring lineup in 2002 to improve stiffness and ride quality at all speeds. Among the upgrades were a larger, 180 percent stiffer swingarm; retuned engine mounts; a larger, one-inch diameter rear axle; and improved, retuned suspension. The FLHRS’ 41.3mm telescopic fork offers 4.6 inches of travel, while the short rear shocks provide an even two inches of leeway.

Adding to the style, Harley’s air-cooled, vibration-isolated, 1,450cc Twin Cam 88 engine is powder-coated in black and sports chrome covers. With a relatively mild compression ratio of 8.9:1, torque is actually rated at a significant 86.0 ft lbs at a mere 3,500 rpm. That considerable power is tamed via the excellent Harley-Davidson 5-speed transmission found on all Road King series engines, and then transferred to the rear wheel via the quiet running  and very reliable carbon fiber belt final drive. The Custom comes standard with a 40mm constant velocity carburetor with enrichener and accelerator pump, but H-D’s Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) is available as a welcome option. 

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More Pamela Anderson in Bay Watch than Annette Funicello in Beach Blanket Bingo, the curvaceous Custom weighs in at a voluptuous 721 pounds dry weight translating to 757 pounds with the vehicle in running order. Wheelbase is a leisurely 63.5 inches, overall length is 93.7 inches, and—although the Road King has never suffered from handling problems—claimed lean angles of over 30 degrees on each side should help keep the hardware from touching down on all but the tightest of corners. For those who like to do the geometry, rake is 26 degrees, and trail is 6.2 inches, both of which will further enhance straight line stability while at the same time helping turn-in on corner entry and keeping the handling pleasantly neutral. With a rider in the saddle, seat height is an easily accessible 26.1 inches—the lowest in the Harley family.

For the style conscious—and isn’t that what this motorcycle is about, after all?—the smart-looking two-up seat matches the brand-new smoothie leather-covered saddlebags that boast no visible rails or guards. With a generous carrying capacity of 1.85 cubic feet, the bags provide plenty of room for towels, sunblock, and other beach essentials.

Suited up in basic Vivid Black, the newest Road King carries a suggested price tag of $16,995. But you can further customize your Custom in Brilliant Silver Pearl, Luxury Teal Pearl, Smokey Gold Pearl, Real Red Pearl, Luxury Blue Pearl, or Lava Red Sunglo for an additional $250. Of course, The Motor Company offers other custom options, including a passenger-pleasing backrest, and you can bet the aftermarket will follow suit with a slew of products to allow you to put your own signature on this already unique motorcycle.

With its worry-free two-year, unlimited mileage warranty; roomy luggage; generous 5.0-gallon fuel tank that promises a range of 185 to 230 miles; comfortable seating for two; and a look and sound that will elicit stares, the FLHRS/I Road King Custom is destined to be the laid-back beach cruiser of choice this summer. It may come out of Milwaukee rather than Malibu, but this is one hang loose Harley-Davidson.