Market Segment:
Flagship cruiser motorcycle in Harley-Davidson's Touring lineup, designed for comfort, style, and long-distance riding.
Competitors 2006:
Key competitors in 2006 included Indian Chief, Honda Gold Wing, and Kawasaki Vulcan series, though Harley-Davidson held a dominant position in the American cruiser market.
Key Features:
Road King Custom variant distinguished by its stripped-down aesthetic, custom styling elements, lower profile, and typically equipped with a larger displacement engine for the year.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of the Twin Cam 96 engine (1584cc), including cylinders, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valvetrain, and oil pump.
Fuel System:
Covers fuel injection system (EFI), fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, and diagnostics for fuel delivery issues.
Ignition System:
Details ignition module, spark plugs, ignition coils, and troubleshooting ignition system faults.
Transmission:
Covers the 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission, including disassembly, assembly, clutch operation, gear inspection, and fluid service.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive coverage of the entire electrical system, including wiring diagrams, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), starting system (starter motor, solenoid), battery maintenance, lighting, gauges, and accessory wiring.
Braking System:
Detailed procedures for front and rear brake systems, including caliper service, master cylinder overhaul, brake lines, brake fluid replacement, and bleeding procedures.
Suspension And Steering:
Covers front fork assembly (including internal components and oil changes), rear shock absorbers, and steering head bearing service.
Frame And Bodywork:
Procedures for frame inspection, body panel removal and installation, fairing components, seat, fenders, and fuel tank.
Wheels And Tires:
Information on wheel removal and installation, bearing maintenance, and tire replacement.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, including oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, and component checks.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for common mechanical and electrical issues.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for repairing or replacing virtually every component on the motorcycle.
Rebuilds:
Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including torque specifications and critical measurements.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including diagnostic procedures for electronic systems.
Print Quality:
Full printable quality, allowing users to print specific sections or the entire manual.
Binding Type:
Digital Download (PDF format, no physical binding)
Paper Type:
Not applicable (digital format).
Zoom Capabilities:
YES - Allows for detailed examination of diagrams and text.
Searchability:
Likely searchable text within the PDF, enabling quick access to specific information.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, Twin Cam 96 V-Twin
Displacement:
1584 cc (96 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
3.75 in. x 4.38 in. (95.25 mm x 111.25 mm)
Horsepower:
Approx. 70 HP (at crank, estimated, as Harley-Davidson historically did not publish HP figures).
Torque:
Approx. 86 ft-lbs (at 3500 RPM).
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 89 octane (octane rating may vary by region and specific recommendations).
Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson recommends SYN3 (synthetic) or equivalent SAE 20W50 motorcycle oil.
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4 quarts (3.8 liters) with filter change.
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Cruise Drive
Clutch:
Cable-actuated, multi-plate wet clutch.
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios for each of the 6 speeds are detailed within the manual for performance analysis and troubleshooting.
Final Drive:
Carbon-reinforced, belt drive.
Transmission Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Formula + Transmission Oil (or equivalent SAE 80W-90 gear oil).
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approx. 1 quart (0.95 liters).
Overall Length:
Approximately 94.5 inches (2400 mm).
Seat Height:
Approximately 26.5 inches (673 mm) laden.
Dry Weight:
Approximately 705 lbs (319.8 kg).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 1260 lbs (571.5 kg).
Safety Ratings:
Motorcycles are not typically assigned NHTSA or IIHS crash test ratings like cars. Safety relies on rider skill and adherence to safe riding practices. Manual covers safety-related maintenance.
Active Safety Features:
Linked braking system (front and rear brakes applied together in some configurations), although primary braking is individual. Effective braking system design.
Passive Safety Features:
Sturdy frame construction, rider ergonomics for control, standard lighting for visibility.
Infotainment System:
Typically equipped with a basic AM/FM radio with CD player and fairing-mounted speakers. Some may have aftermarket upgrades.
Driver Assistance Features:
No electronic driver assistance features like ABS or traction control were standard on this model in 2006, though ABS was becoming an option on some Harley-Davidson models around this time. The manual details the standard braking system.
Connectivity Features:
Limited connectivity features for the era, primarily focused on audio playback via CD. No integrated Bluetooth or smartphone connectivity.
Engine Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for specific operating conditions.
Transmission Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 24 months.
Primary Chain Case Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 24 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 brake fluid (refer to manual for specific Harley-Davidson approved fluid).
Fork Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Suspension Oil (e.g., Type 15 Fork Oil) or equivalent specified viscosity.
Common Issues 2006 Twin Cam:
Potential issues include early cam chain tensioner wear (hydraulic tensioners in later Twin Cam models addressed this, but earlier models had spring-loaded), potential for oil leaks from primary or transmission seals, and clutch release bearing wear. Manual provides diagnostic steps for these.
Brand Heritage:
Harley-Davidson, founded in 1903, boasts a rich history of motorcycle manufacturing, particularly known for its V-twin engines and cruiser-style motorcycles.
Road King Evolution:
The Road King line has been a staple in Harley-Davidson's lineup, evolving from its early versions to incorporate modern technologies while retaining its classic cruiser appeal. The 'Custom' designation typically signifies a more stylish or personalized factory offering.
Production Era:
The Twin Cam 88 and later Twin Cam 96 engines powered Harley-Davidson Touring models throughout the early to mid-2000s, with the 96 ci becoming standard for many models in 2007, making the 2006 model a transitional year or featuring the newer engine.
