Hello All, Roadking Question????
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,029
Likes: 9
From: NYC
Good question. I used to ride water cooled and now have a RKC and I live in NYC where there's a ton of bad traffic. I've also ridden in your area and DC.
Harley has done a lot to address the heat in traffic situation. You won't be splitting lanes too much on a Road King.
The later 08s and all 09s have the computer shut off the firing of the rear cylinder when the engine reaches a certain temperature and the bike is at idle. This reduces heat as well as pumping air to cool the firing front cylinder. As soon as you travel under power 3 or 5 feet you have both cylinders firing again. On the 09 touring models the rear exhaust header has been redesigned to lessen the heat coming up to the rider and passenger.
I'd also recommend RJS Originals heat shields. They're stylish and work fantastically well. http://www.rjsoriginals.com/
An oil cooler, either Jagg or Harley, is an excellent idea as well for peace of mind.
I've learned to try not to leave for rides at certain times because of the horrible traffic getting out of the city as well as figuring out alternate routes that may be more distance but less time because of traffic.
All in all, I don't believe air cooling is a viable reason not to own a Harley. You'll be fine.
All the best,
Harley has done a lot to address the heat in traffic situation. You won't be splitting lanes too much on a Road King.
The later 08s and all 09s have the computer shut off the firing of the rear cylinder when the engine reaches a certain temperature and the bike is at idle. This reduces heat as well as pumping air to cool the firing front cylinder. As soon as you travel under power 3 or 5 feet you have both cylinders firing again. On the 09 touring models the rear exhaust header has been redesigned to lessen the heat coming up to the rider and passenger.
I'd also recommend RJS Originals heat shields. They're stylish and work fantastically well. http://www.rjsoriginals.com/
An oil cooler, either Jagg or Harley, is an excellent idea as well for peace of mind.
I've learned to try not to leave for rides at certain times because of the horrible traffic getting out of the city as well as figuring out alternate routes that may be more distance but less time because of traffic.
All in all, I don't believe air cooling is a viable reason not to own a Harley. You'll be fine.
All the best,
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,519
Likes: 2
From: St. Augustine Florida
I suggest that you rent one for the day. I live in Fla and rode an 01 RK for several years. The heat is a manageable issue! I now have a UC and have never looked back. RK's are great bikes!! Go get one!!!
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May 4, 2013 09:58 PM
