Segment:
Full-size cruiser motorcycle, often referred to as a 'bagger' due to its touring capabilities.
Target Audience:
Riders seeking comfort, classic styling, and long-distance touring capabilities, as well as DIY mechanics and professional technicians.
Key Competitors:
Indian Chief, Victory Cross Country, Honda Gold Wing (though a different class), some European touring bikes depending on specific touring needs.
Unique Selling Points:
Iconic Harley-Davidson styling, strong V-twin torque, vast customization options, strong dealer network, rider community.
Styling:
Classic 'cruiser' aesthetic with large front fairing, comfortable rider and passenger seating, hard saddlebags.
Performance:
Torquey Twin Cam 103 engine providing strong acceleration for cruising and passing.
Comfort:
Ergonomically designed for long-distance riding, including rider floorboards and passenger backrest.
Storage:
Integrated hard saddlebags offer substantial, weather-resistant storage for touring.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of Twin Cam 103 engine, including top end (cylinder heads, valves, camshafts) and bottom end (crankcase, crankshaft, connecting rods).
Fuel System:
EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) system diagnostics, fuel pump, injectors, throttle body, sensors, and related components.
Ignition System:
Ignition module, spark plugs, coils, and related wiring.
Transmission:
6-speed Cruise Drive transmission: disassembly, assembly, inspection, clutch operation, gear shifting mechanisms, and lubrication.
Drive Train:
Primary drive, belt drive, final drive belt inspection and replacement, chain inspection (if applicable to specific sub-models).
Chassis Frame:
Frame inspection, welding points, steering head bearing replacement, swingarm and pivot bearings.
Suspension:
Front fork (telescopic) overhaul, fork seals replacement, rear shock absorber inspection and replacement.
Braking System:
Front and rear brake systems: hydraulic system, calipers, master cylinders, brake pads, rotors, bleeding procedures, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) if equipped.
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator, stator, regulator/rectifier), lighting, starter motor, and accessory circuits.
Instrumentation Controls:
Speedometer, tachometer, gauges, handlebar controls, and their electrical connections.
Bodywork Fenders:
Fairing removal and installation, fender mounting, fuel tank removal and installation, seat assembly.
Lighting Accessories:
Headlight, tail light, turn signals, auxiliary lighting, and accessory wiring.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts for common and uncommon issues, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and diagnostic procedures using a service tool (e.g., Digital Technician).
Preventive Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment (if applicable), tire pressure checks, brake inspection, battery maintenance.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for all major and minor repairs, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, and electrical system repairs.
Troubleshooting Guides:
Systematic approaches to diagnosing and resolving mechanical, electrical, and fuel system problems.
Diagnostic Techniques:
Guidance on using diagnostic tools and interpreting data for accurate fault finding.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners to ensure proper assembly and prevent component failure.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds).
Detail Level:
Factory-level detail with explicit instructions, diagrams, and specifications.
Engine Type:
Harley-Davidson Twin Cam 103
Configuration:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin
Displacement:
103 cubic inches (1690 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
3.875 in. x 4.375 in. (98.4 mm x 111.1 mm)
Valve Train:
Pushrod-activated, overhead valves (OHV), two valves per cylinder.
Horsepower Estimate:
~70-75 HP (at crank, estimated)
Torque Estimate:
~95-100 lb-ft (at crank, estimated)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Exhaust System:
Dual exhaust with catalytic converters (region-dependent).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 91 octane (R+M)/2 (95 RON) recommended.
Audio System:
Optional 80-watt AM/FM/WB, CB, weather band, and PA, with CB and passenger intercom functionality; typically features handlebar-mounted controls.
Display:
Integrated instrument cluster with analog speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and indicator lights. May include a small LCD display for odometer, gear indicator, etc.
Cruise Control:
Electronic cruise control for highway comfort.
Accessories:
Pre-wiring for accessories, including auxiliary lighting and charging ports, depending on the factory configuration.
First Service:
1,000 miles (1600 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Subsequent Services:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, for routine checks and fluid changes.
Engine Oil Change:
Recommended every 2,500 miles (4,000 km) or 6 months when using non-synthetic oil, or per manual recommendations for synthetic.
Transmission Oil Change:
Recommended at 5,000 mile intervals (refer to manual for specific recommendations and fluid types).
Primary Chain Tensioner Inspection:
Inspect at 10,000 miles (16,000 km) and every 10,000 miles thereafter.
Engine Oil:
Harley-Davidson Genuine V-Twin 20W-50 (or equivalent SAE 20W-50 motorcycle-specific oil, synthetic or conventional).
Transmission Oil:
Harley-Davidson Formula + (or equivalent GL-4 75W-90 synthetic gear oil).
Primary Chain Case Lubricant:
Harley-Davidson Formula + (or equivalent GL-4 75W-90 synthetic gear oil).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (if equipped with ABS); check manual for specific recommendations.
Fork Oil:
Harley-Davidson Type E or 10W (check manual for specific application).
Primary Chain Tensioner:
The hydraulic tensioner can wear over time, leading to noise and potential primary drive damage. Manual provides inspection and replacement procedures.
Cam Chain Tensioner:
Early Twin Cam models had issues; the Twin Cam 103 in 2012 generally uses updated tensioners, but manual covers inspection and replacement if needed.
Electrical Gremlins:
As with many complex motorcycles, occasional electrical issues can arise; the manual's detailed wiring diagrams are crucial for diagnosis.
Fuel Injector Issues:
Rare but possible; manual covers diagnostic procedures and component testing.
Brand Legacy:
Harley-Davidson, founded in 1903, is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer renowned for its V-twin engines, classic styling, and strong brand identity.
Road King Introduction:
The Road King lineage began in the early 1990s, offering a blend of classic styling and touring comfort, distinct from the fully-faired tourers like the Electra Glide.
Evolution To 2012:
The 2012 model represents a refinement of the FLHR platform, featuring the larger Twin Cam 103 engine and incorporating contemporary technologies while retaining its retro appeal.
Manufacturing Location:
United States (primarily York, Pennsylvania and Milwaukee, Wisconsin).
