Need assistance
Thread Starter
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Stage I
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Upstate New York
Need assistance
Good morning. I need some guidance.
My fiancé and I are in the market for a road king. Budget puts us looking at 2012 or older. Which is fine. Because I love them all.
But, I have a few questions and hope you folks could help.
Is there a year , or engine type to avoid?
Does adding the 6th gear make a substantial difference when on the highway?
Do the five speed transmissions do well on the highway?
Is there a problem getting aftermarket parts beyond a certain year ?
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
My fiancé and I are in the market for a road king. Budget puts us looking at 2012 or older. Which is fine. Because I love them all.
But, I have a few questions and hope you folks could help.
Is there a year , or engine type to avoid?
Does adding the 6th gear make a substantial difference when on the highway?
Do the five speed transmissions do well on the highway?
Is there a problem getting aftermarket parts beyond a certain year ?
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Road Captain
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 668
Likes: 72
From: Wisconsin
I would stay in the 2010 to 2013 range. Gives you the 103 ci motor. Large rear tire, ABS . And 6 speed transmission. 6 speed trans is great on HWY. Would not go back to 5. ABS I believe is on the Limited 2010 and 2011. Standard on 2012,2013. Some people don't care for ABS. Mostly old school. While nothings perfect ABS is amazing. If used as it's supposed to. Mine is a 2011. Day I got it. I got up to 65 miles an hour to test it. Locked it up. I was sold on that tech. Pre 2010 bikes have all of those features sprinkled in you will have to check each bike. 96ci is a nice motor as well. If your going to ride two up a lot get the 103. it's only money. Good luck
Banned
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 17,008
Likes: 14,675
From: in a cave at the foothills
Of course the 6 speed makes a difference, at least has to me. The 5 speed was a big improvement over 4.
Aftermarket stuff is never ending.
Regarding the Road King in particular I can offer you a ton of ways to improve it. Boatloads of enhancements done to mine.
Best of luck and post pics when you get a bike.
Aftermarket stuff is never ending.
Regarding the Road King in particular I can offer you a ton of ways to improve it. Boatloads of enhancements done to mine.
Best of luck and post pics when you get a bike.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 368
Likes: 37
From: Montgomery, Alabama
DON'T be in a major hurry and jump on the first one that comes along. There are a HUGE amount of great used bikes out there. Low miles, great condition, etc. Don't be afraid to kick some tires and walk away if need be in search of something better. You always here about somebody on hear getting the "dream" buy. That's because they didn't rush into the first thing that came along, or were seasoned enough to know a good deal when it presented. If you know somebody who's familiar with that bike (ie, knows the things to look at you may overlook or not know about - not doubting on your abilities), then take them with you. More eyes is always a better way to go. That being said.... 6 speed gives you the overdrive (better fuel economy, rpm on the bike, etc.) Better for the bike and wallet, so definitely a better way to go. 103ci engine is a given, aftermarket parts are everywhere. As for a specific year, I'd look up to a 2013. It's not about the year you can afford, but more about what you find while looking. Believe me, I've seen some 2013's cheaper than a 2009, just because most people want to get the money for any custom work/parts done to it. Not saying it's a bad thing, but you could get a fairly stock newer year than a loaded older bike. Not always the case, but like I said before...look around and do your research, take your time and purchase when you find what you're looking for. Not everybody needs a fully loaded, sometimes the basics are the better way to go if like me. Customize it all yourself to your own tastes. Or you could find the "dream" and fall in love right then and there lol Good luck, post pics.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 218
Likes: 7
From: Indiana
The only positive thing a 6-speed tranny has to offer is keeping a small, high-revving motor in it's power band. Harleys do not have a small, high-revving motor...
Shifting gears makes little difference in engine speed.
My optimal transmission would be five, or even four speeds with the top hole the same as 6th in the new gearboxes.
Now, if you just LIKE shifting gears, then...
Shifting gears makes little difference in engine speed.
My optimal transmission would be five, or even four speeds with the top hole the same as 6th in the new gearboxes.
Now, if you just LIKE shifting gears, then...
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 783
Likes: 126
From: East Coast
I would stay in the 2010 to 2013 range. Gives you the 103 ci motor. Large rear tire, ABS . And 6 speed transmission. 6 speed trans is great on HWY. Would not go back to 5. ABS I believe is on the Limited 2010 and 2011. Standard on 2012,2013. Some people don't care for ABS. Mostly old school. While nothings perfect ABS is amazing. If used as it's supposed to. Mine is a 2011. Day I got it. I got up to 65 miles an hour to test it. Locked it up. I was sold on that tech. Pre 2010 bikes have all of those features sprinkled in you will have to check each bike. 96ci is a nice motor as well. If your going to ride two up a lot get the 103. it's only money. Good luck
If you're new to HD, buy stock from a dealer.
Last edited by JackStaff; Jul 16, 2018 at 06:07 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,007
Likes: 353
From: Ohio
The 2012 and 2013 were equipped with ACR's which really help starting. 2009 thru 2011 were not but some were upgraded. Check for SEPST or other tuner, ABS brakes, maintenance for brake fluid flushes every two years. Check for recalls completed.
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Banned
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 607
Likes: 107
From: Dark Side of the Moon
Get the newest year you could afford. The 103 motor is a reliable motor. The other accessory I would also consider is cruise control, so look for that. It comes in handy on long trips.
Last edited by Ex-Leftcoaster; Jul 16, 2018 at 12:20 PM.
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 420
Likes: 64
From: Southern Bear Flag
I was looking at Road King's as an upgrade from my Sportster until I road an Ultra Classic. The fairings made so much difference I forgot about the Road King altogether. I eventually found a slightly damaged bike that I could afford to pay with cash and upgrade and customize to my wants/needs. Have around 7K in a bike that would have cost double that at any normal dealer. To each their own.
Best advice is to ride several models before choosing the right Touring model for you. If you're handy and can wrench, there are TONS of deals out there that you can truly make yours for a LOT less $$$ than a dealer will charge you for a decent used trade-in.
HTH
Best advice is to ride several models before choosing the right Touring model for you. If you're handy and can wrench, there are TONS of deals out there that you can truly make yours for a LOT less $$$ than a dealer will charge you for a decent used trade-in.
HTH