ON LOOKS alone the Harley-Davidson Road King Custom is a success, and I'm pleased to say it rides as well as it looks.

Less is more is the theme to the Custom - no screen and a softer look than its brother the Road King, but there's more than first meets the eye.

Lowered air-adjustable rear suspension brings the seat height down from 683mm to 663mm. Not much but it feels more than it is.

It may be the lower height, but physically moving the bike is a cinch, both on and off the saddle using only leg power.

The chrome visor on top of the classic-looking nacelle adds to the windswept look of the bike and blends in perfectly with the pullback beach bars.

Those bars - love them, great view from the mirrors and they suited me perfectly, adding to the relaxed feel of the bike. The increased leverage also adds to the ease of moving it.

The tank's chromed emblems look sleek and add to the minimalist theme of the bike, as do the large streamlined footboards. Plenty of room to move the feet around without them getting in the way.

Those not used to the toe-and- heel gearchange may consider that style of shifting awkward or unnatural but I put a few years in with just such a set-up and found it anything but. Same goes for the brake pedal being above the board.

Around town it's an easy ride and on the motorway it's a treat.

It may look big and rather daunting - more at home to posing around town - but sit into the bike and get used to it and it feels very secure.

It will take swoops and bends with ease and comfort. Back to comfort again? Well, that's the overall impression the Custom gives.

It won't lose a sports bike on the twisty bits, but let's be fair, that's not what the bike is about.

Brakes are good, the twin front discs provided plenty of feel and response, pulling the bike up very sweetly.

April showers were in the air when I had the bike. The big mudguards keeps a lot of the road spray off the rider and my feet stayed surprisingly dry.

Within the mudguards are chromed cast wheels that have been slotted for a look in keeping with the Custom label.

The Twin cam 88 inch engine has proved to be a major success - 1,449cc with fuel injection makes loads of grunt and eats miles for breakfast.

And that's the feeling I got from the Road King Custom - fill the leather-covered bags with gear and take off on a long week of riding. Pictures don't do justice to the Glacier White Pearl finish - standard paint that looks as good as a custom spray job.

If white isn't for you then pick from seven equally rich and well applied colours; the Vivid Black suits the Custom like a tiger skin on a tiger.

Harleys lend them self to personal touches - ask at Dockgate 20 and you will find an Aladdin's cave of extras and accessories to make any Harley your own.

To misquote an old advert for beer; it looks good, it feels good and by golly it is good.

The Road King Custom starts at £12,995, call Dockgate 20 on 0870 4170170 to arrange a test ride.