Road King Wheel Selection
Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 792
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Planning on purchasing a Road King in the next couple months and I have a few questions. This will be my first street bike and planning on taking the MSF course.
1. Do the spoke wheels stay true or are there issues/maintenance that needs to be done on them? I really like the look of them, but it seems like the other wheel would be much more durable.
2. Is ABS a definite yes? I'm going to be a new rider, so I think yes for ABS.
3. Yes or No on the security option? If I'm correct and you don't have the security option, you must key lock the bike each time you park it. I remember talking to a guy who said HD has lots of problems with the security option and he wouldn't purchase another bike with it. He's really the only one I've talked to about it, so I don't know if he just had a bad experience or do many people have issues with the security?
4. How many miles on average would you get out of a set of tires on a RK?
5. Is there anything else I'm missing or should consider before purchasing?
Thanks in Advance.
1. Do the spoke wheels stay true or are there issues/maintenance that needs to be done on them? I really like the look of them, but it seems like the other wheel would be much more durable.
2. Is ABS a definite yes? I'm going to be a new rider, so I think yes for ABS.
3. Yes or No on the security option? If I'm correct and you don't have the security option, you must key lock the bike each time you park it. I remember talking to a guy who said HD has lots of problems with the security option and he wouldn't purchase another bike with it. He's really the only one I've talked to about it, so I don't know if he just had a bad experience or do many people have issues with the security?
4. How many miles on average would you get out of a set of tires on a RK?
5. Is there anything else I'm missing or should consider before purchasing?
Thanks in Advance.
2. Can't answer this one as I have never owned a bike with ABS
3. Same as the answer for #2. Like others have said, if they really want it, they are going to get it. That's why I have insurance.
4 . Last set I had around 11k on the rear Harley Dunlop. At that time I probably could have went another 2k or so but I went ahead and changed my wheels and put new rubber on at that time. The jury is still out on the Metzlers.
5. MSF class and just remember, every body out on the road is out to get you. Keep your head on a swivel and have fun.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 10,858
Likes: 5,420
From: My own little slice of heaven
Road kings don't have spokes. At least not the newer ones.
ABS I have had it on other bikes. I did not get it on this one. I don't miss it. I think without it I pay more attention to riding appropriately. JMHO
Did not and would not get security. That is why I have insurance. Just another thing to go wrong.
To many variables to estimate tire wear. I don't know how you ride.
ABS I have had it on other bikes. I did not get it on this one. I don't miss it. I think without it I pay more attention to riding appropriately. JMHO
Did not and would not get security. That is why I have insurance. Just another thing to go wrong.
To many variables to estimate tire wear. I don't know how you ride.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,674
Likes: 84
From: New Jersey
Road kings don't have spokes. At least not the newer ones. ABS I have had it on other bikes. I did not get it on this one. I don't miss it. I think without it I pay more attention to riding appropriately. JMHO Did not and would not get security. That is why I have insurance. Just another thing to go wrong. To many variables to estimate tire wear. I don't know how you ride.
Paying attention or not, the ABS will save your butt at some point. There are emergency braking situations where all the skill and experience in the world can't beat the computer. That's why they eliminated traction control in F1 racing. Silly not to get it.
The security is handy for low risk situations, ie where you can see your bike at a lunch stop etc. just walk away and it's locked. I'm not aware of that being a weak area for HD as far as reliability goes.
I agree with you on the tire wear. I've never gotten more than 10k out of a rear tire on any bike but some guys claim 20k.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 529
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
Planning on purchasing a Road King in the next couple months and I have a few questions. This will be my first street bike and planning on taking the MSF course.
1. Do the spoke wheels stay true or are there issues/maintenance that needs to be done on them? I really like the look of them, but it seems like the other wheel would be much more durable.
2. Is ABS a definite yes? I'm going to be a new rider, so I think yes for ABS.
3. Yes or No on the security option? If I'm correct and you don't have the security option, you must key lock the bike each time you park it. I remember talking to a guy who said HD has lots of problems with the security option and he wouldn't purchase another bike with it. He's really the only one I've talked to about it, so I don't know if he just had a bad experience or do many people have issues with the security?
1. Do the spoke wheels stay true or are there issues/maintenance that needs to be done on them? I really like the look of them, but it seems like the other wheel would be much more durable.
2. Is ABS a definite yes? I'm going to be a new rider, so I think yes for ABS.
3. Yes or No on the security option? If I'm correct and you don't have the security option, you must key lock the bike each time you park it. I remember talking to a guy who said HD has lots of problems with the security option and he wouldn't purchase another bike with it. He's really the only one I've talked to about it, so I don't know if he just had a bad experience or do many people have issues with the security?
2. ABS was definite yes for me. Can't think of a reason why I wouldn't want it.
3. Haven't had a problem with the security system on my bike. Works well.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 538
Likes: 15
From: Eastern MA
Planning on purchasing a Road King in the next couple months and I have a few questions. This will be my first street bike and planning on taking the MSF course.
1. Do the spoke wheels stay true or are there issues/maintenance that needs to be done on them? I really like the look of them, but it seems like the other wheel would be much more durable.
2. Is ABS a definite yes? I'm going to be a new rider, so I think yes for ABS.
3. Yes or No on the security option? If I'm correct and you don't have the security option, you must key lock the bike each time you park it. I remember talking to a guy who said HD has lots of problems with the security option and he wouldn't purchase another bike with it. He's really the only one I've talked to about it, so I don't know if he just had a bad experience or do many people have issues with the security?
4. How many miles on average would you get out of a set of tires on a RK?
5. Is there anything else I'm missing or should consider before purchasing?
Thanks in Advance.
1. Do the spoke wheels stay true or are there issues/maintenance that needs to be done on them? I really like the look of them, but it seems like the other wheel would be much more durable.
2. Is ABS a definite yes? I'm going to be a new rider, so I think yes for ABS.
3. Yes or No on the security option? If I'm correct and you don't have the security option, you must key lock the bike each time you park it. I remember talking to a guy who said HD has lots of problems with the security option and he wouldn't purchase another bike with it. He's really the only one I've talked to about it, so I don't know if he just had a bad experience or do many people have issues with the security?
4. How many miles on average would you get out of a set of tires on a RK?
5. Is there anything else I'm missing or should consider before purchasing?
Thanks in Advance.
There are a ton of wheel options on the HD site, I finally decided on the stock impeller cast wheels.
The ABS also includes the reflex linked improvement, when you apply front, you get equalizing rear braking. I think at resale time, this will help also. Will probably be standard soon, so a bike without will be worth a lot less.
Security I am getting, I also get a discount on the comprehensive part of insurance.
Cant answer the mileage questions.
I am putting on the saddlebag rear guard rails, backrest & luggage rack (detachable). I am sure I will be putting on Kuryakn ISO grips, I love them on my current bike. Looking at about $21K w/sales tax
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