I usually stay in the Softail section but came here for expert advice. I've done some searching and reading but still not sure of a few things..

I rented a 2010 Road King last year and fell in love. So, I'm in the market. But, I need to know what I'm looking at. Since I'm in Japan, there can sometimes be a language barrier. I want to learn what to look for with my own eyes.

I know how to spot the ABS lines. When was this first an option, 2008? Is it optional or standard on 2009-2012?

When did they make the last major changes to frame, wheels, engine mounts on the bagger line, 2009? Any big changes since 2009?

Is there any specific part(s) of a Road King I could quickly look at to know its a 2009 or later.

Thanks in advance,

Deadeye

 

103 power-plant in 2012!

 

As far as how to tell 08 and earlier from 09 and later the easiest way is to look at the back fender and tire- on the later models these are noticably wider.

In '08 they started throttle-by-wire standard with electronic cruise control option, ABS option, and 6 gallon tank instead of 5 being standard. '09 they changed the frame to a machine stamped instead of welded- look at the front downtubes on pre 08 and 09 and you'll see the difference in the seams- also I believe the fourth motor mount, and definitely the wider rear tire at 5.5" instead of 3.5" The 103 was standard in the Classics I believe in '10 or '11, but not on the Standards until this year.

The only big advantage I can say the 12's have over any others is if you get a Classic the laced wheels are now tubeless from Harley so you don't have to go elswhere to get a legitimate touring wheel and not worry about a tube blowout on the long hauls with no way to plug on the side of the road.

 

Thanks so much for the rundown. I will look for all the clues you listed.

I thought I had read ABS was now standard on the baggers -- still just optional I guess?

Is factory integrated oil cooler just on the 103" engines?

 

Oil coolers come on the 12 103. For us up here in Michgigan that is no big deal. 2 things that get over looked a lot stating in 11 all Turing bikes come with a SE compensater and the Kings seat was lowerd 1 1/4 ".

 

I bought a 2011 road king classic and it came standard with a 103 engine, cruise control, oil cooler and abs brakes. Can't say if the 2012 have the same package available.

 

Yep, 2012 Road King Classic has ABS, Security package and cruise as standard equipment.

 

I almost forgot- 2008 started the Brembo brakes and the six-speed transmission also.

You can get the Harley online catalogs/brochures from years past, they keep them active which is really a good thing about HD. Check the links-

http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/C...otorcycles.jsp

http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/C...otorcycles.jsp

http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US....html#/home/NB

 

The SE Compensator was standard in 2011 (huge thing to keep in mind).

 

2012 RK ( non classic), the ABS is still an option. 103 is standard and cruise.