Newby here looking to learn.
Thread Starter
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Newby here looking to learn.
Hi All
My kids are moving on and I’m wanting to go biking again. I owned a lot of bikes before my kids, but nothing as big as a Harley. So I’m already enrolled in Motorcycle Rider Training to learn more skills for the big guys. I have a friend who has been riding big bikes a long time and who pushed me into taking the class. Heis wanting to help me learn how to be safe.
I’m an engineer by trade, and a licensed aircraft mechanic, although I don’t do that anymore. But I just plain like to tinker around with things, so I am looking forward to working on this bike as much as riding it.
I’ve wanted a Harley ever since they came out with the Revolution engine and the cruiser style like soft tail Heritages, Road Kings, Street/Electic Glide cruiser style has always attracted me the most. While I like the Harley history and heritage, I didn’t care much for their quality until the Evos came out.
So as a newby, I hope you will have patience with my new found obsession because I want to learn more, a lot more. As I’ve been looking at a lot of Harleys lately, I seemed to be attracted most to the Road Kings. I’m not sure how much long distant cruising I will like or in town driving, so the Road King seems a good compromise until I get enough experience to see what I like.
My first question is I’m having a hard time learning the year to year difference in the Road Kings. Things like engine changes, EFI, frame changes and so on. One, I just like the history of such things, I think it is a guy thing, but also I want to be able to talk and ask the right questions as I look at them. I’m basically looking later model bikes, but honestly they all look a like. So I would like to learn from you folks the differences in the bikes and what they did to the performance. Strangely, I'm finding Harley sales folks don't know all the much.
Well I’ve ramble too much. I look forward to getting to know everyone.
Beary
My kids are moving on and I’m wanting to go biking again. I owned a lot of bikes before my kids, but nothing as big as a Harley. So I’m already enrolled in Motorcycle Rider Training to learn more skills for the big guys. I have a friend who has been riding big bikes a long time and who pushed me into taking the class. Heis wanting to help me learn how to be safe.
I’m an engineer by trade, and a licensed aircraft mechanic, although I don’t do that anymore. But I just plain like to tinker around with things, so I am looking forward to working on this bike as much as riding it.
I’ve wanted a Harley ever since they came out with the Revolution engine and the cruiser style like soft tail Heritages, Road Kings, Street/Electic Glide cruiser style has always attracted me the most. While I like the Harley history and heritage, I didn’t care much for their quality until the Evos came out.
So as a newby, I hope you will have patience with my new found obsession because I want to learn more, a lot more. As I’ve been looking at a lot of Harleys lately, I seemed to be attracted most to the Road Kings. I’m not sure how much long distant cruising I will like or in town driving, so the Road King seems a good compromise until I get enough experience to see what I like.
My first question is I’m having a hard time learning the year to year difference in the Road Kings. Things like engine changes, EFI, frame changes and so on. One, I just like the history of such things, I think it is a guy thing, but also I want to be able to talk and ask the right questions as I look at them. I’m basically looking later model bikes, but honestly they all look a like. So I would like to learn from you folks the differences in the bikes and what they did to the performance. Strangely, I'm finding Harley sales folks don't know all the much.
Well I’ve ramble too much. I look forward to getting to know everyone.
Beary
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,515
Likes: 6
From:
RE: Newby here looking to learn.
Well first the revolution motor is water cooled and only comes in the V-rod. The road kings first came EVO 1340cc motors till 98, then twincam 88 1450cc from 99 till 06, 07 is when it went to 96CI, and 6 speed. EFI changed over the years, two different ones up to 98,then another from 99-01 and now 02-07 is basicly the same. You can buy a book at most book stores the big book of harley davidsons that gives the complete history up to its printing date of about the late 90's there may be a updated version too.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,920
Likes: 6
From: Upstate New York
RE: Newby here looking to learn.
In the beginning there were 2 guys that like to fish,, but their bicycle was to hard to ride up to the fishing hole,,, so being they tinkered with motors, they mounted one onto a bike frame,,,,
made fishing lots ezer,,,, but it caught on,, many people were interested,,, Grandma didnt like the noise, mess in the basement, so out to the shed these fellas went,,,,, production began,,,,,
and the rest is history!!!!!!!!!!!!
made fishing lots ezer,,,, but it caught on,, many people were interested,,, Grandma didnt like the noise, mess in the basement, so out to the shed these fellas went,,,,, production began,,,,,
and the rest is history!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thread Starter
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
RE: Newby here looking to learn.
>>EFI changed over the years, two different ones up to 98,then another from 99-01 and now 02-07 is basicly the same. You can buy a book at most book stores the big book of harley davidsons that gives the complete history up to its printing date of about the late 90's there may be a updated version too.<<
Thanks I will look forthe book. Can you tell just by looking the difference in an 01 and an 02? And, are all Road Kings EFI, or was that an option. If so, can you tell the differencejust by looking?
Thanks a head.
Beary
Thanks I will look forthe book. Can you tell just by looking the difference in an 01 and an 02? And, are all Road Kings EFI, or was that an option. If so, can you tell the differencejust by looking?
Thanks a head.
Beary
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
RE: Newby here looking to learn.
ORIGINAL: beary
My kids are moving on and I’m wanting to go biking again. I owned a lot of bikes before my kids, but nothing as big as a Harley. So I’m already enrolled in Motorcycle Rider Training to learn more skills for the big guys. I have a friend who has been riding big bikes a long time and who pushed me into taking the class. Heis wanting to help me learn how to be safe.
I’m an engineer by trade, and a licensed aircraft mechanic, although I don’t do that anymore. But I just plain like to tinker around with things, so I am looking forward to working on this bike as much as riding it.
My kids are moving on and I’m wanting to go biking again. I owned a lot of bikes before my kids, but nothing as big as a Harley. So I’m already enrolled in Motorcycle Rider Training to learn more skills for the big guys. I have a friend who has been riding big bikes a long time and who pushed me into taking the class. Heis wanting to help me learn how to be safe.
I’m an engineer by trade, and a licensed aircraft mechanic, although I don’t do that anymore. But I just plain like to tinker around with things, so I am looking forward to working on this bike as much as riding it.
Aha! A tinkerer. Boy, you're perfect for this, and are headed for some fun. You have no idea how high the tinkerability score is on these bikes.
So as a newby, I hope you will have patience with my new found obsession because I want to learn more, a lot more. As I’ve been looking at a lot of Harleys lately, I seemed to be attracted most to the Road Kings. I’m not sure how much long distant cruising I will like or in town driving, so the Road King seems a good compromise until I get enough experience to see what I like.
If you buy a Road King you're starting at or near the top, so be prepared to become smitten. I had a '96 that I recently traded in, rode it 106k miles through 33 states in nine years, and it never stranded me or even burped in that period, except for one flat I couldn't fix on the road. It took a pretty face sitting on the showroom floor one November day to wedge a gap between me and "Old Blue," but that bike remains my favorite vehicle of all time. Looks like this new SG is going to bump it out of the top slot, though, as it's a winner too.
My first question is I’m having a hard time learning the year to year difference in the Road Kings. Things like engine changes, EFI, frame changes and so on. One, I just like the history of such things, I think it is a guy thing, but also I want to be able to talk and ask the right questions as I look at them. I’m basically looking later model bikes, but honestly they all look a like. So I would like to learn from you folks the differences in the bikes and what they did to the performance. Strangely, I'm finding Harley sales folks don't know all the much.
They do look alike, but there are subtle differences.
1994-96: First-generation RK's
1997: Frame change. Seats, side covers, and many other parts will not fit older bikes.
1999: Twin-cam engine and upgraded brakes introduced
2002 (?): Axle (1") and swingarm beefed up
2007: TC96 engine introduced.
Problems: Evo engines had issues with base-gasket leaks, but there are fixes (Hayden, etc.). Mine never leaked, but may have been the exception. [size="3"][font="tahoma"]To come alive, Evos must have a cam, ignition-module, and breather upgrades--but after that becomes a great, durable engine that has more character (sound, etc.) than newer TC's, IMO. Carbed Evos properly tun
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
RE: Newby here looking to learn.
beary - You sound like me with the tinkeritis. Just as basic information, all the Electra glides (Classic, Ultra,Standard), Tour Glide and King are based on the same touring frame (exposed rear shocks) and, as such can be turned in any other touring bike by adding or subtracting stuff - fairings, nacelles, saddle bags, etc. The Softailshave their own frame type (hidden rear shock).
I bought a junkyard Eglide Classic mainly so I could work on it and begin to understand the bikes. I'm a lot more comfortable tearing apart a paid for $5k bike as opposed to a $25k one I'm making payments on. I wasn't interested in fuel injection as I'm not as comfortable screwing around with that as I am carbs. So for me a mid 80's to mid 90's touring frame with the Carb'd EVO motor was perfect.
Do lot's of research, find the bike in your comfort range - tinkerability, cost, options - and go nuts. You won't be sorry.
I bought a junkyard Eglide Classic mainly so I could work on it and begin to understand the bikes. I'm a lot more comfortable tearing apart a paid for $5k bike as opposed to a $25k one I'm making payments on. I wasn't interested in fuel injection as I'm not as comfortable screwing around with that as I am carbs. So for me a mid 80's to mid 90's touring frame with the Carb'd EVO motor was perfect.
Do lot's of research, find the bike in your comfort range - tinkerability, cost, options - and go nuts. You won't be sorry.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,738
Likes: 7
From: St. Charles, IL
RE: Newby here looking to learn.
Welcome to the ride and the forum! Just get the service manual and pick up a wrench. This is how I have got to know my bikes since I was 12, sorta like "Immersion therapy". 
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
RE: Newby here looking to learn.
Well, thanks for the great replies. Getting a manual is a great idea and I have thought about looking for a Road Kingthat needs a rebuild. That is the reason I ask so many questions. But the problem with that idea is it would be like a kid on December 23 waiting for Christmas, I WANT TO RIDENOW. Still, I like the idea a lot and I have developed more patience in my years of looking for wisdom. It would allow me to customize a bit. I have enjoyed the "Turn a Classic into a Classic" thread as well as the few other tech discussions as well.
I've tolearn that my taste in most things are old school looks with new tech mechanics and systems.
I love the pictures, thanks again for welcoming me in.
Beary
I've tolearn that my taste in most things are old school looks with new tech mechanics and systems.
I love the pictures, thanks again for welcoming me in.
Beary
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 980
Likes: 0
From: Stafford, Virginia
RE: Newby here looking to learn.
Beary, In response to your response-post; once you're bittten, you'll probably go for the rider AND the fixer-upper. If you've got the knack, the fixer-upper becomes the next rider, a new fixer-upper appears, and the original rider makes a newbie's dreams come true. Or, you could get a newscooter and just .....ride on!
Welcome to the family .....wishing you lots of miles and smiles!!
Welcome to the family .....wishing you lots of miles and smiles!!
Thread Starter
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
RE: Newby here looking to learn.
>>Beary, In response to your response-post; once you're bittten, you'll probably go for the rider AND the fixer-upper.<<
Great, my wife will love that.[sm=smiley24.gif]
Beary
Great, my wife will love that.[sm=smiley24.gif]
Beary