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Road King with Laced Wheels?

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Old Aug 9, 2017 | 09:40 AM
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Default Road King with Laced Wheels?

Hey all - a couple questions from a touring bike novice.....

I'm looking add a RK to the garage and I like the laced wheels and wide whites.

I'm trying to figure out when the laced wheels went away on the RK.

When did H-D make the switch to alloy wheels as standard on the RK?

What was the first year for the 103 in the RK?
 
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Old Aug 9, 2017 | 10:00 AM
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In recent years there were two Road King models, the standard FLHR with aluminum wheels and painted hard bags, and the Classic FLHRC with the 16" spokes, white walls, and leather covered bags. I bought a 96" 2010 Classic back in 2012--it was the exact look I wanted, very retro/nostalgic. The whitewalls were pretty easy to care for, but the spokes started to corrode a bit over time, the chrome hoops have held up well. Back in April I swapped out the spokes and whitewalls for for a set of billet aluminum 18" wheels from Hogpros. Changed the look of the bike but I like the 'restomod' character it has now.

I believe the 103 Road King debuted in 2011. Not counting the CVO model of course.

The Road King Classic was discontinued in the US a few years ago, but they still sell it overseas.

If you're looking for a 103" Road King Classic, you'll be able to choose from 2011-2013.

I'm sure others will chime in and correct any inconsistencies in my data, but I'm pretty close.
 

Last edited by seanl; Aug 9, 2017 at 10:06 AM.
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Old Aug 9, 2017 | 10:11 AM
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Think you need to chase around the classic variant of the Road King to follow the wire wheels. 2016 appears to be the last year, and it's on the Classic, with wide white walls.

Scratch that, I do see the classic with white alls on the 2017 EU listing, but not the USA listing.
 

Last edited by foxtrapper; Aug 9, 2017 at 10:13 AM.
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Old Aug 9, 2017 | 10:16 AM
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Originally Posted by foxtrapper
Think you need to chase around the classic variant of the Road King to follow the wire wheels. 2016 appears to be the last year, and it's on the Classic, with wide white walls.

Scratch that, I do see the classic with white alls on the 2017 EU listing, but not the USA listing.
Last year for the Road King Classic in the North American market was 2013, but laced wheels/WWW were available as options on the standard Road King until the '17 model year.
 
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Old Aug 9, 2017 | 10:23 AM
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On my 07 they run tubes in the tires and if you have a flat your walking. "believe me" I can't swear by it but I have heard others say the newer classic have tubeless spoke wheels could be wrong as well. Me I would buy that same bike again.

rk classic
 
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Old Aug 9, 2017 | 10:39 AM
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Wasn't aware 2017 was last year for laced chrome profile spoke aluminum tubeless rims.... I think they are simply the best looking IMHO.








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2012 FLHR (Road King) Ember Red Sunglo & Merlo
Cruise Control, ABS, Chrome Aluminum Profile Laced Spoke Tubeless Wheels, Security Package, Saddle Bag LED Lid Spoilers, and an array of accessories that enhances nostalgic appearance & blood curdling performance.

Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
 

Last edited by B Bop; Aug 9, 2017 at 10:52 AM.
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Old Aug 9, 2017 | 10:45 AM
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There are two styles of laced wheels for road kings. Most of these guys are talking about the standard RKC wheels, which are 16" steel rims front and rear. You could also get aluminum rim laced wheels as an option on the regular RK - 17" front and 16" rear, like B Bop shows. They are called 'profile' wheels. I'll see if I can find out the years they were available. I know they were available in 2010 and 2012.
 

Last edited by Joe12RK; Aug 9, 2017 at 10:52 AM.
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Old Aug 9, 2017 | 11:57 AM
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My shop manual shows them for the 2014 FLHRC...
 
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Old Aug 9, 2017 | 12:04 PM
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I had a 2015 RK with laced wheels and white walls (LOVED that bike)...
 
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Old Aug 9, 2017 | 12:27 PM
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I would just look for a solid Road King and not worry what wheels are on it. Ridewright makes an excellent wire wheel that is pretty reasonable in price. There are others as well. A wheel swap is simple.

Zach
 
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