......get the '07.
Need Help. 05 vs. 07 Road King Classic
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 22
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From: Utah
IDS is about 300 bucks and I know the guy won't budge on the price. I'm wondering if not having ever ridden a six speed, will I even know the difference. I like the added pipes, and a few hundred dollars in extras on the 05. I don't want to spend a lot on extras right now. Tough Deceision
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,341
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in 07 harley got lots of complaints about driveline noise (they never admited a problem)but would sell u a ids kit to fix the problem(that didnt exsist) now its standard on the 08 and 09. its a rubber bushing inbetween the rear pully and wheel.in 07 they became epa compliant the air fuel ratio is 14.7-1 (very lean) lean =heat . it is easily fixed with a tuner,sest,pc,tts,thundermax,fuelpack. going into wich is best opens a BIG CAN OF WORMS so i wont go there already many threads on that.
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Novice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 22
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From: Utah
WOW, Sounds like there are some fairly serious issues with the 07. I really don't want to have to fix a bunch of problems on my first bike. I just want reliable. I won't be doing a lot of highway cruising. I live in Utah and will be cruising the Mountains and Valleys more. The 05 has the high flow kit / super tuner which should add some kick ??
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,341
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the tall gearing shouldnt be a big issue on the rk on the ultra its another story more wieght and pushes more wind. if u ride solo the gearing u probably wont even notice, a tuner for the heat and ids and youll be a happy camper and theres a good chance the ids is already on it
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Novice
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Utah
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2008
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Assuming both bikes are sound running machines and not taking into consideration the color and extra goodies I would definately get the 07 RK Classic. I recently traded in my 07 RK Classic for an 09 EGlide Classic. The 07 RK is a great bike. I liked it alot but my 09 EGlide is way nicer. Amazing bike in my opinion.
Things I liked about the 07 RK Classic...
96 ci engine, I am one of those bigger is better guys. Over 700 new parts - some people may think that is bad but I don't. New crank, starter, oil passages, lighter pistons, shorter rods, new cam, new oil pump, new fuel injection nozzles, new primary chain tensioner.
6 speed - reduces the RPM by 11% in 6th gear. I think HD did this up just right. They could have made it an overdrive but they didn't. It would have been a pig if they did that. You still have some good torque in 6th gear. It actually pulls a bit when you want to accelerate on the freeway. New gears and bearings, smoother shifting, reduced clutch lever.
Great ride for a touring bike.
Things I did notlike about the 07 RK CLassic
Shakes, rattles and rolls when at idle. My teeth chattered.
Porpusing when going through leaning turns (like clover-leafs). The touring bikes have this sway. My 09 does not exibit this at all. They got rid of it in the 09s.
My right thigh got way to hot. Until I installed V&H true duels. This helped a little. You can also add those heat shields. My 09 does not get as hot there.
The bike pinged to much. Common in the crummy California bikes. The pinging may have decreased a little after I installed the PC3, K&N and V&H big shot duals. Most of the pinging went away after they mapped a custom electronic curve for the bike on the dyno.
Good luck
Things I liked about the 07 RK Classic...
96 ci engine, I am one of those bigger is better guys. Over 700 new parts - some people may think that is bad but I don't. New crank, starter, oil passages, lighter pistons, shorter rods, new cam, new oil pump, new fuel injection nozzles, new primary chain tensioner.
6 speed - reduces the RPM by 11% in 6th gear. I think HD did this up just right. They could have made it an overdrive but they didn't. It would have been a pig if they did that. You still have some good torque in 6th gear. It actually pulls a bit when you want to accelerate on the freeway. New gears and bearings, smoother shifting, reduced clutch lever.
Great ride for a touring bike.
Things I did notlike about the 07 RK CLassic
Shakes, rattles and rolls when at idle. My teeth chattered.
Porpusing when going through leaning turns (like clover-leafs). The touring bikes have this sway. My 09 does not exibit this at all. They got rid of it in the 09s.
My right thigh got way to hot. Until I installed V&H true duels. This helped a little. You can also add those heat shields. My 09 does not get as hot there.
The bike pinged to much. Common in the crummy California bikes. The pinging may have decreased a little after I installed the PC3, K&N and V&H big shot duals. Most of the pinging went away after they mapped a custom electronic curve for the bike on the dyno.
Good luck
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 6,913
Likes: 87
From:
I posted before that you should get the 07. I have an 07 Road King Custom (see sig pic) and it is flawless. I have no heat problem (any running internal combustion engine placed between your legs is going to make you feel some heat when not moving), it needs no IDS, and it is a better bike than an 05 Road King.
A few minutes ago I looked at Kelly Blue Book and the average retail price for an 05 RKC is $15,035 and for an 07 RKC is $16,305. According to KBB, which may not mean squat, you are getting a pretty good deal on either bike. However, I will say it again, get the 07or you will always wonder if you should have got the newer, improved version of the Road King.
Buy the 07, buy the 07, buy the 07, buy the 07.
You won't be sorry.
PS: If you have already fallen in love with the 05 then get it. Love can be a beautiful thing.
A few minutes ago I looked at Kelly Blue Book and the average retail price for an 05 RKC is $15,035 and for an 07 RKC is $16,305. According to KBB, which may not mean squat, you are getting a pretty good deal on either bike. However, I will say it again, get the 07or you will always wonder if you should have got the newer, improved version of the Road King.
Buy the 07, buy the 07, buy the 07, buy the 07.
You won't be sorry.
PS: If you have already fallen in love with the 05 then get it. Love can be a beautiful thing.