I've noticed a couple of times now that my 2004 Road King feels like it's floating (drifting) a little while I'm riding it on the highway. Today it was bad enough that I thought the air in both tires was low. So I checked when I got home - 36lbs - front & back. Is there something about the chassis/suspension on an '04 RK that needs to be addressed? I'm wondering if there's a problem, or I just need to get used to the feel of the bike. All I can say is that I lose a little confidence in the bike's handling when it does that.

 

could it also be rear shock air pressure, or neck bearing adjustment?

 

It's an odd feeling, but normal to me on my older FLHTC. How many miles under the seat, for you?

I changed the front fork oil to 15w, helped at most speeds, plus no major nose dive. If you change the fork oil to 15w you'll notice a stiff front end. Not bad for me! I wanted that.

 

My '04 RK moves around a lot in rain grooves but it doesn't bother me too much.

 

That's a good point. I change my rear to a dunlop e3 no more drifting!

 

Confirm tire pressure with the tires recommended pressure, check tires for wear/cupping, check front wheel bearing for play, do fall away test for steering head, check air in shocks, Cant remember if your 04 has air upfront. Check motor mounts.
Being its an 04, when was the last time the fork oil was changed?

 

Compared to a smaller bike with more modern suspension, my 06 Street Glide floats too. Remember, (especially older) Harley's are big heavy bikes with wiggly frames, rubber mounted engines and pretty archaic suspension. They won't handle like a Japanese touring bike or even an older sport bike.

 

Did you wait till the tires cooled down to check pressure? If you checked them hot, then you may have low pressure.

 

I get the same thing on the same roads. between the road surface and the Dunlops not sure which to blame.
Staying off the crowns of the road helps.

 

I've put about 3K miles on it so far. I had a Dyna Lowrider that I traded in toward the RK.