Vehicle Segment:
Full-size cruiser motorcycle, touring-oriented.
Target Audience:
Riders seeking comfort, versatility, and classic Harley-Davidson styling for long-distance touring and cruising.
Key Competitors:
Indian Chief, Victory Kingpin, Honda Gold Wing (though in a slightly different niche), Yamaha Royal Star.
Styling:
Classic cruiser styling with a large fairing and saddlebags as standard, contributing to its 'Road King' moniker.
Comfort:
Ergonomic riding position, comfortable seat, and effective fairing for wind protection.
Versatility:
Can be easily adapted for touring with luggage capacity or stripped down for a cleaner cruiser look.
Engine Mechanics:
Detailed procedures for Twin Cam 88, 88B, and 95 engines, including disassembly, inspection, assembly, and torque specifications.
Fuel System:
Carburetor (Keihin CV 40) and fuel injection (EFI) system diagnostics, maintenance, and repair, including fuel pump, injectors, and pressure regulator.
Ignition System:
Ignition module, spark plugs, coils, and timing system troubleshooting and replacement.
Transmission:
5-speed Cruise Drive transmission maintenance, repair, clutch service, and gearset troubleshooting.
Drivetrain:
Primary drive, belt drive, and final drive belt inspection, adjustment, and replacement.
Braking System:
Front and rear brake system service, including caliper overhaul, pad replacement, hydraulic system bleeding, and master cylinder service.
Suspension:
Front fork (Telescopic) and rear shock absorber service, including fluid replacement, seal replacement, and tuning adjustments.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive coverage of the electrical system, including wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), lighting, starter system, and accessory circuits.
Frame And Bodywork:
Frame inspection, front fender, rear fender, fuel tank, seat, fairing, and saddlebag removal, installation, and repair.
Wheel And Tires:
Wheel bearing service, tire inspection, and replacement.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, air filter cleaning/replacement, and chassis lubrication.
Troubleshooting:
Detailed diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems across all vehicle systems.
Component Overhaul:
Complete disassembly, cleaning, inspection, and reassembly of major components like the engine, transmission, and brake calipers.
Wiring Diagrams:
High-quality, detailed electrical wiring diagrams for accurate troubleshooting and repair.
Assembly Disassembly:
Step-by-step instructions for removing and installing all major and minor components.
Diagnostics:
In-depth diagnostic charts and fault code interpretation for EFI models.
Rebuilds:
Comprehensive instructions for complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Specifications:
Precise torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, and technical specifications for all components.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, Twin Cam 88, 45-degree V-twin
Displacement:
1449 cc (88 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
3.75 in x 4.00 in (95.25 mm x 101.6 mm)
Valve Train:
Overhead valves (OHV), two valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
Approx. 65-70 HP (rated at crank)
Torque:
Approx. 86-90 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM (rated at crank)
Carburetor Model:
Keihin CV 40 (some models might have EFI)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) on some models
Oil Capacity:
3.5 US quarts (3.3 liters) with filter change
Oil Type Spec:
Harley-Davidson Genuine 20W-50 SYN3 or equivalent API CG-4 rated diesel engine oil.
Length:
Approx. 93.1 inches (2365 mm)
Width:
Approx. 37.2 inches (945 mm)
Height:
Approx. 53.9 inches (1370 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 63.7 inches (1618 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 5.1 inches (130 mm)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 700 lbs (317.5 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 1160 lbs (526 kg)
Saddlebag Capacity:
Approx. 3.5 cu ft (combined)
Safety Certifications:
Complies with all applicable US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for motorcycles.
Braking:
Dual-disc front brakes, single-disc rear brake with hydraulic actuation. ABS was an option on some 2004 models, check specific VIN.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, marker lights, taillight, and turn signals for visibility.
Chassis Stability:
Steel frame construction for rigidity and stability.
Audio System:
Optional AM/FM/WB stereo system with cassette player and CB/intercom functionality was available on some models.
Display:
Analog gauges for speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, voltage, and fuel level.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional feature for 2004, not standard.
Cruise Control:
Electronic cruise control was available as an option on some FLHR models.
First Service:
1,000 miles (1600 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Subsequent Service:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 12 months.
Belt Tension Check:
Inspect and adjust at every service interval, or as needed.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
20W-50
Primary Chain Case Fluid:
Harley-Davidson Primary Chain Lubricant
Fork Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Type "E" or Type "HD" 15W fork oil, or equivalent.
Crankcase Seals:
Potential for oil leaks from crankcase seals, particularly the inner primary seal.
Clutch Adjustment:
Clutch cable adjustment can be critical for smooth operation.
Charging System:
Occasional issues with regulator/rectifier failure or stator output.
Cam Chain Tensioner:
Hydraulic cam chain tensioners on early Twin Cam engines can wear; this was updated in later models.
Brand Legacy:
Harley-Davidson, an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer with a rich history dating back to 1903.
Road King Lineage:
The Road King model has been a cornerstone of Harley-Davidson's lineup, evolving from earlier Big Twin models to represent classic touring comfort and style.
Twin Cam Introduction:
The Twin Cam engine was introduced in 1999, representing a significant update over the Evolution Big Twin, offering increased power and reliability.
Manufacturing Location:
United States (York, Pennsylvania and Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
Model Year Significance:
2004 models often featured minor refinements and updates to existing platforms. The Twin Cam 88 engine was prevalent.
