'09 Road King Question
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1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
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'09 Road King Question
I picked up a used RK Classic over the weekend. It was a used '09 with less than 4k miles on it. It's not nearly as smooth as the '10 Road Kinfg (not a classic) I tested out eariler. I understand that the only real change was going to a new fifth gear on the '10 models and the position of the cat converter. I didnt expect this much difference. The '09 is way more shaky, makes a valve clatter sound (sounds a bit like my Moto Guzzi) and the gear whine is much louder than the '10. Could it be that there is more of a difference between the new model years?
Thanks,
Thanks,
I don't have the Classic, but I do have an 09 Road King. Just hit 10k miles. Bike has had regular service (and will be going in real soon now), but I don't have any of the issues you relate. I'm certain the gear whine is louder, but I don't think it's by that much. But, I'm old and don't hear too well and listen even worse :-) Otherwise, my bike runs fairly well.
When you say shaky, what do you mean? Vibration, uncertain ride/handling issues, loose components, etc.? Just curious as it can be a subjective area.
When you say shaky, what do you mean? Vibration, uncertain ride/handling issues, loose components, etc.? Just curious as it can be a subjective area.
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1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
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He said that he took it in at 1k but he only mentioned that they changed the oils. He is a new rider and he wouldnt know if something was amiss. I have to believe that nothing got adjusted - especially that valve noise. This is my 1st Harley (that I own) but I've them many times and at no time did I hear a noise like that. Probably a simple adjustment when I take it in for the 5K service.
Thanks for your reply!
Thanks for your reply!
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1st Gear
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Vibration is subjective. The only thing I can compare to is the '10 RK that I rented last week. The '10 RK was soooo smooth and quiet (no gear whine at all with all gears) that I couldnt believe it. I get bad gear whine at 1st (on decel) & 5th (which I expected - hence the new heli gear on the '10). My '09 motor shakes a lot more than the '10 and it has a distinctive valve rattle. It sounded like my Moto Guzzi where our motto is "loud valves - save lives". I've got to put more seat time in it and get new gas. By then I should have a good idea where to start looking. THe guy that owned it didnt ride much - you can let motors sit or bad things happen.
I don't have the Classic, but I do have an 09 Road King. Just hit 10k miles. Bike has had regular service (and will be going in real soon now), but I don't have any of the issues you relate. I'm certain the gear whine is louder, but I don't think it's by that much. But, I'm old and don't hear too well and listen even worse :-) Otherwise, my bike runs fairly well.
When you say shaky, what do you mean? Vibration, uncertain ride/handling issues, loose components, etc.? Just curious as it can be a subjective area.
When you say shaky, what do you mean? Vibration, uncertain ride/handling issues, loose components, etc.? Just curious as it can be a subjective area.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 247
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From: Ocala, FL
I had an '08 RKC which I traded for an '09. Big difference with the new chassis, engine mounts, tires, etc. If you were compaing an '08 to an '09, I would understand your concerns, butI don't have any of the issues you describe (except slight 5th gear whine). I'd suggest a visit to the dealer asap. I'll bet its a minor adjustement somewhere and you'll be good to go.
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Joined: Feb 2010
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From: New Mexico
Thats the hard part about buying a used bike. I have an 09 RKC and I dont have any of these problems you are having. Of course I have the whine in 5th gear but thats normal. You may want to check some things out or have someone check your bike for you.
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 418
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From: Colorado
When I had my 1000 mile service done, I had my mechanic put synthetics in my '09 RK. It seemed to me like it quieted the bike down a lot.
Also, it came from the dealer with NO air in the shocks. Check the shocks and your tire pressure.
Also, it came from the dealer with NO air in the shocks. Check the shocks and your tire pressure.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 211
Likes: 1
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