'09 Road King Question

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Jun 29, 2010 | 11:44 PM

#11

hougz79

Road Warrior

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 1,255

Likes: 1

From: Superior, WI

What year did they go from 3 to 4 engine mounts? Was it 09? I know that reduced engine vibration a nice amount.

Jun 29, 2010 | 11:48 PM

#12

ehans

Tourer

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 439

Likes: 1

From: Orange Co, California

FWIW, my 09 FLHRC is just as smooth and refined as my wife's FLHX except for the 5th gear whine, which I kind of like. Lets me know what gear I am in. As others have suggested, I'd head to the dealer. It is possible the previous owner skipped the 1K service.

Jun 29, 2010 | 11:49 PM

#13

ehans

Tourer

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 439

Likes: 1

From: Orange Co, California

Quote:

Originally Posted by hougz79

What year did they go from 3 to 4 engine mounts? Was it 09? I know that reduced engine vibration a nice amount.

Yeah, 09, with the new frame.

Jun 30, 2010 | 06:33 AM

#14

Guzzi999

Thread Starter

1st Gear

Joined: Jun 2010

Posts: 5

Likes: 0

I took it out last night after after putting in a capful of Marvel Mystery Oil into the gas tank. About a min or two into the ride the bike started to hack a little - coughed - and smoothed out nicely. I guess it coughed up a hair ball. After that it ran fine. Still not 100% but a big improvement.

One thing about the front shocks, Im getting the pogo stick effect when slowing down for a stop. The shock compresses - bounces back - compresses - bounces back. Are there any adjustments for the front shocks?

I also messed with the rear shock settings. Found a sweet spot where it soaked up all the bumps. Very nice!! The valve and gear noise is still there but Im sure the dealer can take care of that.

Given it's current state Im very impressed with this bike. Coming from the Euro bike world (BMW & Moto Guzzi) where everything is speed, cornering and braking - I have to say that this bike will give them a run for their money - and its comfortable and it looks good. Gotta give Harley a well deserved pat on the back.

Thanks,
Guzzi999

Jun 30, 2010 | 06:45 AM

#15

BigGdawg

Club Member

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 5,481

Likes: 4

From: Georgia

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicliv

The ticking should have been taken care of in the 1st service. Valve adjustment if needed. Tell the dealer about the vibration it is probly in your head bearing had to have mine adjusted 3 times in the 1st 5,000 miles. This shouldn't cost you anything. Also might want to check front tire, the 407f has a bad wear problem cupping dealer will replace for free with a 408. I waited till I had 10,000 miles on mine before I had mine replaced

Hydraulic lifters do not have valve adjustment.

Jun 30, 2010 | 04:41 PM

#16

threeten

Tourer

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 418

Likes: 0

From: Colorado

You might want to make sure the gas tank recall has been taken care of while your at it, and the ABS "upgrade" if you have ABS brakes.

Jun 30, 2010 | 08:20 PM

#17

ddan1130

Novice

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 21

Likes: 0

From: poplarville MS

have you checked the spokes? that could definately cause a strange riding effect. I have about 6 grand on mine and they are still tight, but I've heard of them loosening up early.

Jun 30, 2010 | 11:56 PM

#18

ehans

Tourer

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 439

Likes: 1

From: Orange Co, California

Speaking of the tank recall (a joke really) check up on the front tire cupping issue. Many '09 touring bikes had a front tire that would wear unevenly, eventually make a noise and cause stability problems. Mine had 7,700 miles on it and was replaced free of charge last week due to the silent recall.