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.

 

I can answer some of your questions.

1) Don't know, haven't had spokes since my 1976 RM 125 MotoX bike.

2) ABS, YES. New or experienced rider. These bikes without ABS have a propensity to lock the rear and that is NOT fun.

3) I had a 2002 Fat Boy with the security option and never had a single issue in the 12 years I owned it.

4) 5-8k for the rear.

5) Take the MSF course, Take it again with your RK.

 

You didn't say that you were going to buy a new or used one. For sake of this writing, I'll assume a new Road King.

1. I think the cast aluminum would be the stronger of the two and you'd never have to worry about loose spokes. However, I have the low profile chrome aluminum spoke (laced) wheels. I was told that they need checking at every 5,000 mile service interval. I like the look of them and these new ones do NOT have an inner tube - they are tubeless, which is a plus in my opinion.

2. ABS. Get it. Nuff said.

3. Security - I would get it. It's handy.

4. I put 17,000 miles on my '10 Street Glide tires before trading it in. Back tire was good for about another 1,000 miles. Front tire could have easily made 20,000 miles. Since the frame change (and tire change) in 2009, tire mileage has greatly improved.

5. My first motorcycle was 2006 Road King. I'm on my 3rd one now - I kinda like 'em. If you're going to ride with a passenger you'll need to buy the 4-point docking hardware, backrest, backrest pad and probably a 2-up luggage rack for additional bag or two. Also, get some highway pegs. Point being is, that will add $700+ to the total cost. Anyway, that'll get 2 of you down the road comfortably.


6. Absolutely take the MSF course.

 

1. Harley has been building wire-spoked wheels since 1903, they were invented long before that. Cast wheels are the new kids on the block!

2. ABS is stock on an increasing range of vehicles including bikes and the time cannot be far off when we get no choice. Personally I am not a fan of it on a bike, however if you change your mind later it will be very expensive to retrofit, so decide before you buy!

3. Yes, a no-brainer for me. Locks are lockable with good reason, but the stock factory steering lock is easily defeated (International models have better locks) and an alarm plus immobiliser add more stuff for a thief to bust before he gets his prize.

4. I can't get excited about how tyre miles. Ride, enjoy, replace, ride, enjoy.....

 

The look of a RK with spoke wheels is great, the only problem is that it takes a bit more to maintain, and getting a flat with a tube tire is a hassle.

I have a '12 RKC with the tubeless wheel option, it looks great, and adds a piece of mind. I don't think that it is the option offered on the '14 RK but someone can confirm.

Other than that, take the MSF, learn to ride safely, and have a lot of fun. The RK is a great riding partner.

 

A spoke wheel will need more attention that a nice billet wheel. Tire mileage varies widely. On my 13 RG I am at about 10K miles on the rear and I am going to replace it this week. I Could go another week or two but prefer to air on the side of caution with tires.

I got ABS on my bike. I ride in city traffic daily so anything that increases my chances of stopping quicker when i get cut off (It will happen) is worth it to me. I have never had ABS on a bike before this one and have owned 15 bikes.

I like the security system although I have owned plenty of bikes without. My bags still got stolen with the "security system". If someone wants your bike they will get it system or not. Insurance.

Tire mileage varies widely. Check air pressure weekly.

 

My 08 RKC had laced wheels and I was averaging ~12-15k on the rear and ~18-20k on the front riding 2 up. In 60K miles I never had a problem with loose spokes or the wheels staying true.

When my wife bought her RKC last year she got the new tubeless laced wheel option because she likes the old school look. The advantage is at least I can put a temp plug in if she gets a flat rather than needing to wait for a pick-up.

Yes to ABS and Security.

You will love the Road King no matter what wheels you get!

 

Get an 09 up with the new frame. SJ Ron

 

1) Have a friend with a 2002 RK.......he just had to true the spoke wheels so I'd say that's not too bad.

2) I've never had ABS......and I've never locked the rear/front so I can't answer that one.

3) I had a Fatboy with security.....the key fob was a proximity type so I didn't have to lock the bike every time I walked away. Conversely if I touched the bike without the key fob the alarm would start screaming. Pick your poison.

4) My friends gets about 20K+ on his RK.......my Fatboy sucked 7-8K.

5) When you decide don't look back, set your price and know where/how much you willing to give....then just enjoy your bike!

 

The dealer disabled the alarm on my bike - all it does is disable the ignition - thief's gonna put it in a trailer not ride it away. You still have to lock the forks with the alarm.

I haven't had problems with the spoked wheels in 15k miles. Replacing the tires in a week or so -we'll see how true they still are.

Detachable backrest is a good idea - my gf loves it. I havn't used the luggage rack yet, but it came with the bike.

Road king is a great choice, but somewhat of a handful for a first bike! Maybe you should think about a dyna - switchback if you want hard bags.