Greetings all,

I'm looking at getting my first REAL bike, and rode a Dyna, and it didn't fit...

I'm now looking at a '07 Road King, but have seen threads about tranny issues. Is this
a reliable bike, or should I start looking at '06 bikes? Thanks in advance

 

REAL bike [sm=WTFsgign.gif]

 

Er... let me clarify...

I'm coming off a metric, test rode a Dyna, but it didn't fit me (I'm 6'2, 260, and felt like a circus elephant on a tricycle....my issue). Looking at a bigger ride, but have read some threads that suggested
there were tranny issues on the '07

... no offense intended....

 

There is nothing wrong with the transmission on the 07 models, they do make a liitle noise in fifth gear (which is completely normal for this bike) and canbe gotten partiallyrid of by using heavier gear lube in the trans or by adding the IDS system like the new 08's come with.
I have an 07 RC and Iadd heavier lube first and was completely happy with it and then latter I bought a set of 08 wheels that came with the IDS system and after adding it I found that there was a further improvement in the overall sound level of the bike.
The 96 CI engine is a wonderfull piece and makes the dealing with miner trans noise worthwhile.

 

2007 Road King owner here and love the bike. 5000 miles on it now and no complaints..........

 

I've got an 07 Road King with 8800 miles and no problems and love my bike. 5th gear may be a little louder than others, but with new pipes I can't hear it

 

Just get the latest with the lowest miles if you have to buy used. There are no real "issues" that would turn me away from a 07'. At least nothing that cant be cured with a switch over to "Red Line Shockproof Heavy" gear lube. Heck.....you may as well just buy a 08' if you can swing it.

In any case just get the one that fits you best......dont back away from a nice 07' because of a little tranny noise.

 

RK Custom with 3500 miles with no problems. I usedMobil 1 gear oil and my little bit of 5th gear whine went away, I kind of liked it though since it was kind of gear indicator.

 

No tranny issues unless a bit of whining in 5th gear bothers you, a factor of the spur-cut gears in 1st and 5th, but for most it is of no consequence. If you are buying from a dealer insist that IDS is installed before purchasing, as IMO it is a necessity. If you don't know what IDS is do a search here and read up on it before purchasing. If IDS is not included in the package, plan on installing it soon after taking delivery, as the '07 6-speed has issues with clattering in 5th and 6th at low RPM's. IDS costs about $200 from Zanotti's and is worth every penny of it.

 

No problems here with my '07, and I'm closing in on 5,000 miles. Yes, fifth gear certainly has a distinctive whine to it, but nothing overly major. I'm totally diggin' my '07 RKC and have no regrets.