Question about Road King performance
Question about Road King performance
Greetings. I bought an 06 Road King back in February. Its a great bike, I've ridden the hell out of it. Its the fuel injected model, big bore 96" kit, 5 speed, and was already equipped with a Power Commander 3, S&S headers, and SuperTrapp exhaust. I've noticed when I go anything over 65-70 mph it feels like the bike is working to hard to maintain/exceed that speed. My question is this, are my expectations wrong and this is normal for the bike, or is it possible the bike isn't properly set up? I have dyno sheets where the previous owner had it dyno'd, and I've done all the proper maintenance since I've had it. Like I said, great bike, runs like a champ, just not sure if performing properly. I don't care to get it dyno'd again, but I hate to spend the money on it if it isn't needed. Also, I'm averaging about 36-38 MPG. Thanks.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 17
From: Mid West
5 speed? My '03 hates over 70 riding, mileage also drops drastically from around 45/48 to less then 40 crossing the magic number 70mph. The six speed bikes don't seem to have the issue as I have seen in buddies bikes on long rides. Have seriously considered a Baker 6 speed box to get that added little gear ratio but concerned the engine, mine is a 88ci, may not have enough to pull it well.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 702
Likes: 16
From: Zebulon, NC
My 5 speed is the same way. I roll on the Highway above 70....I'll set the cruise at 75.....but she is better between 60-70......that works out great because when we plan road trips, we mostly stick with the 2 lane country roads.
I've been eyeing the six speed conversions though....
I've been eyeing the six speed conversions though....
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
I've noticed when I go anything over 65-70 mph it feels like the bike is working to hard to maintain/exceed that speed.
I would be curious to see the Map of AFR's and Timing specifically in the higher RPM ranges.
I would be curious to see the Map of AFR's and Timing specifically in the higher RPM ranges.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,508
Likes: 169
From: WPB, FL
09 Road King Here
I didn't buy my Road King until the 09's came out. 6 speed trans and NEWER FRAME! I'll get 34 MPG local (all stop and go) and approach 39 highway! Around here, that is considered low (if you can believe 1/2 of what you read). I will say this. The 6th gear is GREAT for cruisin high speeds. The bike doesn't feel at all like it's pushing hard to maintain the speeds, more like chuggin along at a relaxed pace!
Doesn't sound like there is anything "wrong" with your bike. They are all made to run at the higher RPM's. You'll just need to find the speed that you're comfortable with and ride. You always have the option of an upgrade to a 6 speed or for that matter upgrading to a 6 speed bike.
Doesn't sound like there is anything "wrong" with your bike. They are all made to run at the higher RPM's. You'll just need to find the speed that you're comfortable with and ride. You always have the option of an upgrade to a 6 speed or for that matter upgrading to a 6 speed bike.
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Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 20,530
Likes: 2,305
From: texas panhandle
I have never gotten consistent mpg figures in the 40 mpg range. I have a 96" with 204se cam and would say I average 38 mpg highway. We usually run 75-80 on highways when traveling.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
I didn't buy my Road King until the 09's came out. 6 speed trans and NEWER FRAME! I'll get 34 MPG local (all stop and go) and approach 39 highway! Around here, that is considered low (if you can believe 1/2 of what you read). I will say this. The 6th gear is GREAT for cruisin high speeds. The bike doesn't feel at all like it's pushing hard to maintain the speeds, more like chuggin along at a relaxed pace!
Doesn't sound like there is anything "wrong" with your bike. They are all made to run at the higher RPM's. You'll just need to find the speed that you're comfortable with and ride. You always have the option of an upgrade to a 6 speed or for that matter upgrading to a 6 speed bike.
Doesn't sound like there is anything "wrong" with your bike. They are all made to run at the higher RPM's. You'll just need to find the speed that you're comfortable with and ride. You always have the option of an upgrade to a 6 speed or for that matter upgrading to a 6 speed bike.
I was getting 42's when my timing was 0's across the board but it would ping when it got real warm. I was adding more fuel at the 0% throttle from 750-2250 RPM to assist with decel popping but since then lowered it to 750-1200 and haven't been able to see hat effect thats had on mileage. Power was unaffected by retarding 1 degree so if 39 is my MPG Im cool with that.
In reff to the OPs power appearing topped out at the upper RPM range in 5th, I would like to look at the map to see if theres something out of
whack it will likely show advanced timing but can only guess.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,128
Likes: 27
From: florida swamp
So if you have dyno sheets, what do they show as far as HP and torque? And what does the torque curve look like? My 06 with 95 cubes and 203 cam will run at 80 easily and with power to spare. I've had it over 110 on the speedometer with the windshield on. I get between 35 and 40 mpg depending on speed and headwinds. Saying the bike "seems" to be working too hard is subjective. If it pulls from 65 up to say 95-100 mph in fifth fairly strong and steadily then all is well. If not then your tune may be off or it may even be a fuel filter problem.
Last edited by carpetride; Jul 17, 2012 at 11:53 AM.