Category:
Cruiser Motorcycle
Target Audience:
Harley-Davidson owners, independent repair shops, and motorcycle enthusiasts seeking detailed maintenance and repair information.
Competitors:
Other large displacement V-twin cruisers from brands like Indian, Victory (prior to discontinuation), and Japanese manufacturers.
Road King Classic Features:
Chrome accents, leather-look saddlebags, floorboards, comfortable touring ergonomics.
Road King Custom Features:
Lowered profile, custom styling cues, often different handlebars and seat configurations.
Platform Shared Features:
Robust Twin Cam engine, stable chassis, designed for comfortable long-distance riding.
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul for Twin Cam 88 and Twin Cam 88B engines, including fuel injection (EFI) and carburetor systems.
Transmission:
Service, repair, and overhaul of the 5-speed Cruise Drive transmission, clutch, and primary drive.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, component testing, troubleshooting for lighting, ignition, starting, charging, instrumentation, and accessories.
Chassis:
Suspension (front fork, rear shock absorbers), steering, wheels, tires, brakes (hydraulic systems, calipers, rotors, ABS if applicable), frame, and bodywork.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, injectors, throttle body, carburetor adjustments and rebuilding.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipes, mufflers, catalytic converters (if applicable), and heat shields.
Cooling System:
Not applicable for these air-cooled models, but manual may cover engine temperature management.
Comfort Convenience:
Seat removal/installation, fairing components, saddlebag attachment, and controls.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, air filter cleaning/replacement, drive belt inspection and adjustment.
Engine Repair:
Top-end overhaul (cylinder head, valves), piston removal/installation, crankshaft balancing, cam timing.
Transmission Repair:
Gearbox disassembly and reassembly, clutch adjustment and replacement, primary chain tensioner service.
Brake Service:
Brake fluid flush and bleed, pad replacement, caliper servicing, rotor inspection.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common electrical faults, component testing using multimeters and specialized tools.
Suspension Service:
Fork oil change, seal replacement, shock absorber adjustment and replacement.
Wheel Tire Service:
Tire mounting and balancing, wheel bearing replacement, spoke tensioning (if applicable).
Bodywork Refinishing:
Fairing removal/installation, fender replacement, saddlebag repair, chrome care.
Diagnostic Flowcharts:
Systematic troubleshooting guides for common issues.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic scheduled maintenance and fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical troubleshooting and component replacement procedures.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 45-degree V-twin, OHV, 4 valves per cylinder (2 per cylinder)
Displacement:
1450cc (88 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
3.75 in. x 4.00 in. (95.25 mm x 101.6 mm)
Compression Ratio:
8.4:1 (typical)
Horsepower:
Approx. 65-70 HP (at crankshaft, varies slightly by year/tuning)
Torque:
Approx. 85-90 lb-ft (at crankshaft, varies slightly by year/tuning)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) or Carbureted (depending on specific sub-model/year)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane
Ignition System:
Electronic, breakerless
Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson SYN3 Synthetic Motorcycle Oil (20W-50) or equivalent.
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4 quarts (3.8 liters) with filter change
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, whichever comes first, for routine checks and oil changes.
Drive Belt Inspection:
Inspect at 5,000 mile intervals for wear, tension, and alignment.
Engine Oil:
Harley-Davidson SYN3 20W-50 or equivalent.
Transmission Oil:
Harley-Davidson Formula Plus or equivalent EP Gear Lubricant.
Primary Chain Case Oil:
Harley-Davidson primary fluid or SAE 50 weight oil (non-detergent).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 hydraulic fluid.
Primary Chain Tensioner:
Early Twin Cam models (pre-2007) had a hydraulic tensioner that could wear out, leading to noise or damage. Manual covers inspection and replacement.
Crankshaft Runout:
Potential for excessive crankshaft runout on some early Twin Cam engines, which can lead to vibration and component wear. Manual addresses inspection and potential remedies.
Cam Chain Tensioner Shoes:
Similar to the primary tensioner, the cam chain tensioner shoes can wear. Manual details inspection and replacement.
Intake Manifold Seals:
Potential for vacuum leaks due to aging intake manifold seals on fuel-injected models. Manual provides procedures for inspection and replacement.
Founding:
Founded in 1903 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Legacy:
Iconic American motorcycle manufacturer known for its V-twin engines and customization culture.
Road King Introduction:
The Road King line was introduced in the early 1990s, offering a classic styling with modern amenities. The 'Classic' and 'Custom' variants emerged to cater to specific aesthetic preferences.
Twin Cam Introduction:
The Twin Cam 88 engine, introduced in 1999, replaced the Evolution engine, offering increased displacement and improved performance.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Kansas City, Missouri, USA.
