Positioning:
The FLHRC Road King Classic represents Harley-Davidson's commitment to classic styling and touring comfort. It appeals to riders who value heritage, long-distance capability, and a premium ownership experience.
Competitors:
Competes with other large displacement touring motorcycles from manufacturers like Indian Motorcycle and some high-end cruisers from Japanese brands adapted for touring.
Distinctive Features:
Classic styling with whitewall tires, chrome accents, leather saddlebags, large windscreen, comfortable seating for rider and passenger, and the iconic Harley-Davidson V-Twin sound and feel.
Engine:
103 Cubic Inch (1690cc) V-Twin Engine Overhaul, Tuning, and Diagnostics
Fuel System:
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), Throttle Body, Fuel Pump, Injectors
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition, Spark Plugs, Ignition Coils, Sensors
Transmission:
6-Speed Cruise Drive Transmission Service, Clutch, Primary Drive
Drivetrain:
Belt Drive System, Rear Wheel Hub Assembly, Swingarm
Brakes:
Front and Rear Hydraulic Disc Brakes, Calipers, Master Cylinders, ABS (if equipped)
Suspension:
Front Fork Assembly (including oil change and seal replacement), Rear Shock Absorbers
Electrical System:
Battery, Charging System (Stator, Regulator/Rectifier), Starting System (Starter Motor, Solenoid), Lighting, Fuses, Relays
Instruments And Controls:
Gauges, Handlebar Controls, Cruise Control System
Bodywork And Frame:
Frame, Fairings, Saddlebags, Fenders, Seat Assembly, Fuel Tank Mounting
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel Bearings, Tire Mounting and Balancing, Valve Stems
Routine Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacement, Chain/Belt Adjustment, Tire Pressure Checks
Engine Repair:
Top-end Rebuild, Piston and Ring Replacement, Valve Adjustment, Camshaft Service
Transmission Repair:
Clutch Replacement, Gear Inspection and Replacement, Transmission Fluid Service
Brake Service:
Brake Pad Replacement, Brake Fluid Flush and Bleed, Caliper Rebuild
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring Diagrams, Troubleshooting Fault Codes, Component Testing
Suspension Service:
Fork Oil Replacement, Fork Seal Replacement, Rear Shock Replacement
Troubleshooting:
Systematic Fault Finding and Diagnostic Flowcharts
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical diagnostics.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures for all major systems, including use of diagnostic tools.
Special Tools:
Identifies and explains the use of specialized Harley-Davidson tools required for specific procedures.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, Twin Cam 103™ V-Twin
Displacement:
103 cubic inches (1690 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
3.875 in. x 4.380 in. (98.4 mm x 111.3 mm)
Torque:
Approx. 101 ft-lbs @ 3500 RPM (rated)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium unleaded gasoline, 91 octane or higher recommended
Type:
6-Speed Cruise Drive®
Gear Ratios:
1st: 9.593, 2nd: 6.650, 3rd: 4.938, 4th: 3.814, 5th: 3.110, 6th: 2.790
Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated, 9-plate, wet clutch
Primary Drive:
Gear to gear, 37/26 ratio
Final Drive:
Carbon belt, 32/66 ratio
Features:
Overdrive gear for relaxed highway cruising
Safety Certification:
Meets applicable U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), designed for North American market.
Braking System:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on front and rear wheels.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight, front and rear turn signals.
Frame Construction:
Steel, two-section, cradle frame with a bolt-on tail section.
Audio System:
Boom!™ Audio system, often featuring AM/FM radio, CB/Intercom, and passenger audio controls. Some models may have iPod/iPhone integration.
Display:
Analog gauges for speedometer and tachometer, with integrated digital display for odometer, gear selection, fuel level, and diagnostics.
Cruise Control:
Electronic cruise control is standard on FLHRC models for highway comfort.
Connectivity Options:
Limited connectivity compared to modern vehicles; primarily focused on audio playback from external devices via auxiliary input or USB port (if equipped).
Initial Service:
First service typically at 1,000 miles (1600 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Includes oil change, primary chain tension adjustment, and inspection.
Regular Maintenance:
Subsequent service intervals generally every 5,000 miles (8000 km) or 12 months for oil changes and inspections. More comprehensive checks and fluid changes at higher mileage intervals (e.g., 10,000, 20,000 miles).
Engine Oil:
Harley-Davidson SYN3 (20W50 Full Synthetic) or equivalent API SG/SH/SJ/SL/SM/SN certified motorcycle oil.
Primary Chain Case Fluid:
Harley-Davidson Primary Chain Case Oil or Syn3 (20W50 Full Synthetic). Capacity: 2.8 US qt (2.6 L).
Transmission Oil:
Harley-Davidson Transmission Fluid (75W140 Synthetic) or Syn3 (20W50 Full Synthetic). Capacity: 3.0 US qt (2.8 L).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 hydraulic fluid (for ABS and non-ABS systems).
Fork Oil:
Typically Harley-Davidson Factory Specified Fork Oil (e.g., 10W) or equivalent. Check manual for specific quantity and type per fork.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, brake pads, tires, wheel bearings, fork seals, primary chain tensioner (especially earlier Twin Cam models before hydraulic upgrade).
Potential Electrical Issues:
Battery connections, voltage regulator, stator can be points of failure over time; starter solenoid issues. ECM/PCM diagnostics are crucial.
Engine Specific Considerations:
Ensure proper oil levels and regular oil changes to manage heat in the air-cooled Twin Cam. Lifter oil pressure and cam chain tensioner wear are critical inspection points.
Heritage:
Harley-Davidson boasts over a century of motorcycle manufacturing, synonymous with American freedom and iconic design. The touring line has evolved from early Panheads and Shovelheads to the modern Touring chassis.
Road King Evolution:
The Road King line, introduced in 1994, was designed to evoke the styling of classic touring bikes from the 1950s and 60s. The 'Classic' designation (FLHRCI) typically denotes added traditional styling elements like leather saddlebags, chrome accents, and sometimes wire-spoke wheels.
Manufacturing Location:
York, Pennsylvania, USA (primary assembly)
Key Model Years:
The FLHRC Road King Classic has been a staple in the Harley-Davidson lineup for many years, with the Twin Cam 103 engine becoming standard for most touring models around 2011.
Industry Acclaim:
Harley-Davidson motorcycles, particularly the Touring models, consistently receive praise from riders for their comfort, style, and unmistakable character. Specific awards for the 2013 FLHRC are less commonly cited than overall model line recognition.
Owner Satisfaction:
Generally high owner satisfaction ratings, attributed to brand loyalty, comfortable ride, and iconic status.