Road King Owners:-

I have just joined your forum as I believe I have some important information to share with you based on my experiences regarding quality of  Harley Road King that I purchased new in 2009.

I am an experienced, conservative and sole rider of my unit which I have accumulated 73,000 kms since acquiring it.  At about 52,000 kms the sticthing on the seat started to let go and one muffler rusted through the chrome service which occurred approximately 6 months out of the warranty.  My concerns were brought to the attention of Harley Australia and matter of muffler resolved through local agent providing left over one from an owner who upgraded to another system.  However, Harley would not come to the party on repair to the seat.  Somewhat a little dissappointed I moved on until now.

The motorcycle now has 73000 kms on it and had developed a noise (Whine) in the drive train.  The noise of was of the nature that it came in at about 50 kph and increased with speed regardless of gear selected.  Also with clutch disengaged it still remained while the bike was in  motion. 

Subsequently upon being disassembled by the local agent I was shown a worn main gearbox bearing on left side of transmission.  Also minute particles of metal were found attached to the magnetic drain plug.  The advice I received from the mechanic was that he had a number  models of this era containing same components as my Road King and with similar mileage, encounter the same failure.

After owning and operating a range of motor cycles both European and Asian over many kms and varying conditions I have never encounter such a component failure as described.

Therefore, I am becoming somewhat livid about the quality of the modern Harley in this case, given the money forked out for a new bike.

Not much I can do except to warn other owners to be mindful of any unusual whine creeping into the drive line as failing to check it out could result in a catastrphic failure of the entire transmission.

Safe riding

 

Sorry to hear about your bike Eveready. I made a conscious decision a long time ago never to buy a new HD due to the crap QC, cheap parts and dont give a fuck attitude of the MoCo. I will stick with my Shovels and Evo's. When I do get my next bike it will be a Pan.

Hearing stuff like this makes me think twice about trading my 88 cube RKing for a newer bike. Not the only time I've heard the bigger motors putting stresses on other components. Makes you wonder how many "isolated incidences" are required before any recalls are issued. Welcome mate. I'll try to PM you a link for the other site as discussed. Cheers. Chris.

The frustrating process now is a wait of nearly four weeks for parts to arrive from America.  Not what I call supporting the product.

 

 

The frustrating process now is a wait of nearly four weeks for parts to arrive from America.  Not what I call supporting the product.

 

 

The frustrating process now is a wait of nearly four weeks for parts to arrive from America.  Not what I call supporting the product.