Hello I am new to this forum and to Harley Davison as well. I have only owned Honda motorcycles. long story short I test drove a Harley Davidson Road King at bike week and fell in love with the bike. I have just recently purchased a 2007 Road king. I am looking for some help with the sound of the bike and the engine shake. I am interested in getting and exhaust that is a little louder than the stock pipes on the bike now. As for the engine shake I test drove the new Harley with the 103 engine and I don't remember the bike shaking as much as the used on I just purchased. I have read that maybe the front mount on the engine might be worn out. 33000 miles on the bike now. any help would be appreciated.

 

The 2009+models have a different frame which could be responsible for the lessened shake.

As for pipes, your best option is to go to your local biker bar or a dealership bike night event, and listen to different setups until you find one you like

Mufflers can be acquired quite cheap online all year round, check craigslist and eBay. You might also want to consider drilling out your stock pipes

 

Exhaust sound is SO subjective. I suggest going to some bike nights around you to listen to some different setups. Buy what catches your ear.

 

jeez, rather than +3, let me welcome you to the Forums.

Just about everybody started off on an import.
Many of us own more than one brand of bike.

the touring drivetrain is suspended on rubber mounts- at idle speeds the drivetrain will bounce around and smooth out at as the rpms rise.
applying the front brake at a stop will really transfer the vibes to the frame, get in the habit of using the rear brake once stopped

you are sitting on a motor- it's gonna shake some and throw off some heat

mike

 

Welcome to the forum, and, to the insane world of Harley Davidson.

I had an 07 Road King and I don't remember the engine 'shaking' that much. They do jump around in the frame at idle but smooth right out as soon as you take off. That was a while ago and my memory may not be that great, LOL!

You are going to have lots of options on exhaust and will likely get a lot of recommendations here. I echo the advice given and that is go to an event where there are many bikes and check them out. Most folks will answer questions about their bikes. Find a sound you like and go for it. I don't know if all of the 07's were catless buy mine was. You could likely just do slip-ons and get a great sounding bike.

 

First of all, welcome. Secondly, like others have said about exhaust...its all subjective to each individual and their preference. I have been told that my exhaust is obnoxiously loud, but to me it sounds perfectly fine. Its all on you. And finally...the engine shaking more in the frame than the newer models is all due to the redesign of the frame. Harley added an additional mount in 2009 and made changes to the mounting points. That was the reason for the tighter vibration control on the 09 and newer models. And no, I dont think your mounts are bad. I was about 98% sold on a 2007 Road King myself and it shook like a salt shaker compared to the newer frame models. That was the reason I decided to buy new. Anyways, good luck to you and happy riding and enjoy. I am still on my first Harley too and it will be my last one as well....at least for a long, long time.

 

Thanks for the replies. I don't mind the shake just wanted to make sure nothing was wrong. it only shakes at idle and it smooth's out as soon as you get on the gas. I just joined a motorcycle club for the first time going to meet up with them in a few weeks so maybe I can hear some exhaust on some of the bikes there. thanks for all you help I think I will need a lot more help in the coming months.

 

Welcome to the forum from So Cal
At least it had 2 Wheels

 

[QlUOTE=sbeast;12938516]The 2009+models have a different frame which could be responsible for the lessened shake.

As for pipes, your best option is to go to your local biker bar or a dealership bike night event, and listen to different setups until you find one you like

Mufflers can be acquired quite cheap online all year round, check craigslist and eBay. You might also want to consider drilling out your stock pipes[/QUOTE]
Dead on the money...

 

Knowing what you have now as far as exhaust goes will help a lot. I also suggest going to bike nights/rally's etc... to have a listen. Sound is very subjective.
Being a 07 I would check the front motor mount. I just had to replace one on a 2010 wide glide. It look good. Once I got it out the rubber was not connected to the metal mount.
Replaced it and it is so much better.
just a thought

Welcome to the forum.