Road King ABS
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5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Road King ABS
Advice needed from some of you HD veterans. Just finished a 5 hour rental ride on a Road King. I'm sold on the bike and ready to buy a new 2010 since they fixed the 5th gear whine. Need some advice on the following:
1) Is the ABS system worth the expense? Any feelings about buying the security system? I'm definitely going with the cruise...it's awesome!
2) Have any of you had any luck buying a Road King trying a % over dealer cost approach? I got info from CycleBuy on dealer cost but I am running into resistance from dealers on that approach. I figured dealers would be a little more hungry to make a sale in this economy, but now I'm not so sure. I live in northern KY and would be willing to drive 100 miles or more to get a good deal.
Any advice would be appreciated. I'm trying to work a deal now so I have a month of nice weather to ride in.
1) Is the ABS system worth the expense? Any feelings about buying the security system? I'm definitely going with the cruise...it's awesome!
2) Have any of you had any luck buying a Road King trying a % over dealer cost approach? I got info from CycleBuy on dealer cost but I am running into resistance from dealers on that approach. I figured dealers would be a little more hungry to make a sale in this economy, but now I'm not so sure. I live in northern KY and would be willing to drive 100 miles or more to get a good deal.
Any advice would be appreciated. I'm trying to work a deal now so I have a month of nice weather to ride in.
Last edited by mcg; Sep 16, 2009 at 04:03 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,383
Likes: 3
From: Texas City, TX
I've got it on my Ultra and like the fact that it's there. No security system is 100% but at least no one is going to just walk up, turn the switch, and ride off. I also had the siren/pager system installed. I've used it a few times and it seems to work Ok although I've never had it go off. I suppose that's a good thing!
Absolutely!! If there's any way I can put one on, I'll never own a bike without cruise control again.
Good luck with your purchase!
Ride Safe,
Steve R.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,364
Likes: 33
From: So Cal The Golden State
!!
There's been LOT's of discussion on ABS systems this past year. The 2010's ABS systems are supposed to be upgraded relative to the 09's, programming wise. Harley is offering that upgrade to the 09 owners who are still in warranty (which should be just about all of us!) and I had mine done about a week ago. While I wasn't unhappy with the ABS on my Ultra as it was, I must say, I think it's a lot better now. Mainly the system cycles faster than it did and seems to maintain the perceived braking effort better than it originally did. So, IMO, yes, the ABS is well worth the added expense.
I've got it on my Ultra and like the fact that it's there. No security system is 100% but at least no one is going to just walk up, turn the switch, and ride off. I also had the siren/pager system installed. I've used it a few times and it seems to work Ok although I've never had it go off. I suppose that's a good thing!
Absolutely!! If there's any way I can put one on, I'll never own a bike without cruise control again.
Good luck with your purchase!
Ride Safe,
Steve R.
I've got it on my Ultra and like the fact that it's there. No security system is 100% but at least no one is going to just walk up, turn the switch, and ride off. I also had the siren/pager system installed. I've used it a few times and it seems to work Ok although I've never had it go off. I suppose that's a good thing!
Absolutely!! If there's any way I can put one on, I'll never own a bike without cruise control again.
Good luck with your purchase!
Ride Safe,
Steve R.
One comment there was nothing wrong with the 5th. It made noise on some bikes but under no circumstances did it fail. So I have no clue what you are saying.
Don't waste your time trying to negotiate like a car. Harley marketing program does operate that way. And no mater what once you post your deal on this board some can always one up you, but funny thing they never mention the dealer.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,383
Likes: 3
From: Texas City, TX
Ummm, I'm thinking you meant that you'll not own another bike without ABS?? 
Some folks considered the noisy 5th gear to be a defect when in fact, it was just a side effect of the straight cut gear Harley used. Why Harley made that decision to use a straight cut gear there, I don't know. My 09 model does sing a little when I'm in 5th gear but it's no big deal to me. Some folks just have to whine about anything that doesn't do exactly what they want it to. As you said, there's nothing wrong with it and what little noise it make is perfectly normal.
Ride Safe,
Steve R.
Ride Safe,
Steve R.
Trending Topics
ABS is a must-have safety item. Cruise control is a nice to have luxury. As far as the 5th gear whine on the 07-09 bikes, I agree it's no big deal. I've got an '07 and honestly, if there were a 100 dollar fix for it, I wouldn't bother. I don't consider it to be a problem or defect, I think of it as part of the bike's character.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 7,498
Likes: 19
From: East Alton, IL
I will always buy ABS if it's available. If HD offered a free change to the 5th gear sound on my '08 I wouldn't waste the time to do it. It's a non issue to most of us. I guess the whiners don't like hearing the valve noise or exhaust either.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, Arizona
The ABS is a smart move. The security is nice as the key fob never leaves your pocket. The cruise is something I scoffed at but now realize the error of my ways. The whiney 5th gear is what I like to think of as an audible gear selection verification system. You will absolutely love your new Road King. Congratulations and good riding to you!