Hello! RK Questions
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Stage IV
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
Hello! RK Questions
Hey guys.
I've been fighting it for the longest time, but I'm hopping off the metric wagon and onto a Harley. The local HD Dealer just got a 08 Road King in recently and I decided to take it out for a test ride and I was absolutely blown away by the way it performed. I immediately went and sold my Kawasaki and put a deposit down on the RK. I do have a few questions though.
The bike vibrates A LOT when its just sitting in idle. It all goes away though once the bike is in motion though. The sales guy said thats normal, but he's also a salesman. So is that normal?
What is the typical maintenance schedule? I usually just change the oil once a year.
I am new to this brand, so I am open to hear some suggestions on how you guys maintain your bikes. I rode a boulevard for 5 years and simply changed the oil every few thousand miles, then moved onto a Kawasaki Versys which I wish I hadn't purchased.
Anyway, heres a photo of the bike I am planning to purchase.
I've been fighting it for the longest time, but I'm hopping off the metric wagon and onto a Harley. The local HD Dealer just got a 08 Road King in recently and I decided to take it out for a test ride and I was absolutely blown away by the way it performed. I immediately went and sold my Kawasaki and put a deposit down on the RK. I do have a few questions though.
The bike vibrates A LOT when its just sitting in idle. It all goes away though once the bike is in motion though. The sales guy said thats normal, but he's also a salesman. So is that normal?
What is the typical maintenance schedule? I usually just change the oil once a year.
I am new to this brand, so I am open to hear some suggestions on how you guys maintain your bikes. I rode a boulevard for 5 years and simply changed the oil every few thousand miles, then moved onto a Kawasaki Versys which I wish I hadn't purchased.
Anyway, heres a photo of the bike I am planning to purchase.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,466
Likes: 425
From: Illinois
Beautiful bike! They shake around a little at idle-but everybodys perception of a little versus a lot is different. Coming from a Jap bike I'd guess you'd consider the RK as "shaking a lot" when some of us would say that's nothing!!
Enjoy the bike!
Enjoy the bike!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32,934
Likes: 36,032
From: Carlsbad, CA
Typical maintenance os a 5K schedule.
Yes, mine shakes a lot when idling...particularly with performance cams. It's part of the Harley experience.
Beautiful looking RK! Enjoy the ride!
Yes, mine shakes a lot when idling...particularly with performance cams. It's part of the Harley experience.
Beautiful looking RK! Enjoy the ride!
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,521
Likes: 185
From: Ft Myers FL
Yes, that is normal....came from a Kawi vulcan 1500 to the Road King, it's normal unless you have a broken motor mount.....just have the dealer check on them.
As far as maintenance, Oil changes, you can do them at the specified manual interval. Most here I believe do them at the beginning of the riding season then every 3-4 thousand miles.
Do not ask what oil to use lots on this forum, search it. Otherwise let your dealer deal with it. If you are a do it yourself oil changes are easy, lot's of youtube videos on it. Use the recommended oil.
As far as maintenance, Oil changes, you can do them at the specified manual interval. Most here I believe do them at the beginning of the riding season then every 3-4 thousand miles.
Do not ask what oil to use lots on this forum, search it. Otherwise let your dealer deal with it. If you are a do it yourself oil changes are easy, lot's of youtube videos on it. Use the recommended oil.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,088
Likes: 1,962
From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
Welcome from NC, and to the Harley family. Very nice RK indeed.
That shaking at idle is part of the Harley charm, and yes, it's normal. As you said, once you get going, its as smooth as any bike.
Make sure you get the Owners manual with the bike, as it recommends the scheduled service every 5K and 10K for some major stuff. It's a little overkill for me, but I change the engine oil at 2500. There's also the tranny and primary to do as well.
That shaking at idle is part of the Harley charm, and yes, it's normal. As you said, once you get going, its as smooth as any bike.
Make sure you get the Owners manual with the bike, as it recommends the scheduled service every 5K and 10K for some major stuff. It's a little overkill for me, but I change the engine oil at 2500. There's also the tranny and primary to do as well.
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Thread Starter
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Stage IV
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
it appears my thread got moved, so thank you to whomever relocated it.
Also, thanks everyone for the input! The RK I'm looking into is right around 15k miles so i would imagine the dealership has done the services required. I'll ask. Also are there any printable service manuals available? I looked around online and I'm seeing them for $20-30 but if i can get them for free that would be preferable!
Also, thanks everyone for the input! The RK I'm looking into is right around 15k miles so i would imagine the dealership has done the services required. I'll ask. Also are there any printable service manuals available? I looked around online and I'm seeing them for $20-30 but if i can get them for free that would be preferable!
Advanced
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 76
Likes: 7
From: Greenville SC
You can do the oil change you self with a few simple tools. If you don't have these
I would tell the dealer that you NEED oil change and a manual before you walk out the door. Cost on THEM! Make sure you get the manual regardless. But to be honest you can find all info you need online.
Enjoy the bike brother.
I would tell the dealer that you NEED oil change and a manual before you walk out the door. Cost on THEM! Make sure you get the manual regardless. But to be honest you can find all info you need online.
Enjoy the bike brother.