So last week I test rode a Road King M8. It was a regular but I have a deposit on a special. Dealer had one but vivid black and dint want me to put miles on it (not a huge fan of the sales team but next closest is 75 miles away).

I literally only rode the bike a mile and didn't get over 45 as I do agree with not putting miles on a bike I'm not going to buy but that's not the point. The engine is this very noticeable hesitation getting on it about half throttle, two noticeable flat spots. If I eased into it they were still noticeable but didn't upset the bike. Full throttle wasn't an issue and loved the torque but is this normal?

Anyone else face this and will smooth it out? Thanks!

 

"I literally only rode the bike a mile" was it cold? if it was and you were "getting on it about half throttle"........guess ride another one for comparison either way, my RK has never exhibited what you described

 

No hesitation from mine either.

 

Wow, the bike didn't even get warmed up. My Ultra is smooth as glass from idle to full throttle. This big, heavy behemoth of a bike SCOOTS down the road. This as absolutely not most riders experience. The new motor is a huge step forward for Harley.

 

They all do that

 

I usually experience those flat spots when the engine is cold as well. This is with a completely stock bike.
Once it warms up, it's all go.

So, normal (for some) I suppose.

 

And this, ladies and gentlemen, is why I don't buy test ridden bikes. The OP only rode it a mile and "Full throttle wasn't an issue and loved the torque".....
Cold engine not even close to operating temp yet and he's doing WOT pulls on it.....

 

Too funny... full throttle doesn't equal redline, and proper break in is heat cycling the motor. I am sure it wasn't warmed all the way up but it did sit idling a few minutes before I rode it.

 

Pretty sure the owners manual states how the break in should occur and last I checked it doesn't say anything about going WOT as part of a proper break in. Either way, going WOT on a brand new engine when it's not even half warmed up yet is not smart.

 

Not smart because? Ain't your bike. Who cares. Get over it.