Segment:
Cruiser / Touring
Target Audience:
Harley-Davidson owners seeking to perform maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs on their Road King Classic.
Competitors:
Other large-displacement V-twin cruisers from manufacturers like Indian Motorcycle, Victory Motorcycles (discontinued).
Model Identity:
The Road King Classic is characterized by its classic styling, often featuring whitewall tires, leather-covered saddlebags, and a large windshield, offering a blend of heritage and touring comfort.
Engine And Powertrain:
Detailed coverage of the 1584cc Twin Cam engine, including disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of internal components, fuel system, ignition system, and exhaust.
Chassis And Frame:
Frame inspection, alignment, and repair procedures. Coverage of suspension components, including forks, shock absorbers, and related linkages.
Wheels And Bearings:
Wheel removal and installation, bearing inspection, maintenance, and replacement. Tire mounting and balancing procedures.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system diagnosis, repair, and maintenance, including master cylinder overhaul, caliper service, fluid bleeding, and pad replacement.
Steering And Forks:
Steering head bearing inspection, adjustment, and replacement. Fork seal replacement, oil changes, and internal component service.
Controls:
Throttle control system, clutch control system, and brake lever adjustments and repair.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, troubleshooting of lighting, ignition, charging system, and accessories. Battery maintenance.
Bodywork And Trim:
Fairing, fender, tank, seat, and saddlebag removal, installation, and adjustment. Detailing of cosmetic components.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks, including oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, drive belt adjustment, and lubrication schedules.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, fault codes, and symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Repair And Rebuild:
Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly, including engine internal work, transmission servicing, and brake system overhauls.
Technical Specifications:
Detailed specifications for torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, and electrical parameters.
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic owner maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics.
Engine Type:
V-Twin, 4-stroke, Air-Cooled
Displacement:
1584 cc (96 cubic inches)
Valve Train:
OHV (Overhead Valve), Pushrod Actuated
Bore X Stroke:
3.75 in x 4.38 in (95.25 mm x 111.25 mm)
Compression Ratio:
8.8:1 (Typical for Twin Cam 96)
Ignition System:
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Horsepower:
Approx. 65-70 HP (Varies by specific tuning and emissions regulations)
Torque:
Approx. 86-90 ft-lbs @ 3,200 RPM (Varies by specific tuning and emissions regulations)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline, minimum 91 octane (Research Grade Recommended)
Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Genuine V-Twin 20W-50 Synthetic (or equivalent)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.0 US quarts (3.8 L) with filter change
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Cruise Drive
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate, hydraulic actuation
Primary Drive:
Duplex chain, hydraulic tensioner
Final Drive:
Belt Drive (70-tooth pulley)
Gear Ratios:
1st: 9.593, 2nd: 6.650, 3rd: 4.938, 4th: 3.874, 5th: 3.307, 6th: 2.790 (Typical for 6-Speed Cruise Drive)
Transmission Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Formula Plus (or equivalent transmission lubricant)
Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.4 US quarts (2.3 L)
Length:
Approx. 93.5 in (2375 mm)
Width:
Approx. 38.0 in (965 mm) (Handlebar width)
Height:
Approx. 57.9 in (1470 mm) (Windshield top)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 63.5 in (1613 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 4.7 in (119 mm)
Dry Weight:
Approx. 720 lbs (327 kg)
Gvwr:
Approx. 1260 lbs (572 kg)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
5.0 US gallons (18.9 L)
Front Tire Size:
MT90B16 (Whitewall)
Rear Tire Size:
130/90B16 (Whitewall)
Front Suspension:
Telescopic forks, cartridge damping, 4.8 in (122 mm) travel
Rear Suspension:
Coil-over, preload-adjustable shock absorbers, 3.1 in (79 mm) travel
Crash Test Results:
N/A (Motorcycle safety is not typically rated by agencies like NHTSA/IIHS in the same way as cars).
Braking System:
Dual-action, four-piston front caliper and three-piston rear caliper with hydraulic disc brakes (292 mm diameter rotors).
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, auxiliary passing lamps, front and rear turn signals, brake lights.
Frame Construction:
Steel, under-seat, rigid cradle frame.
First Service:
1,000 miles (1,600 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (includes oil change, primary chain tensioner check, inspection).
Subsequent Services:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 12 months for regular service (oil change, inspection). Specific component checks at higher mileages (e.g., 10k, 20k).
Engine Oil:
Harley-Davidson Genuine V-Twin 20W-50 Synthetic (or equivalent spec)
Transmission Oil:
Harley-Davidson Formula Plus (or equivalent spec for 6-speed transmissions)
Primary Chain Case Oil:
Harley-Davidson Primary Chain Case Oil (or equivalent spec)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 High-Performance Synthetic Brake Fluid
Fork Oil:
Harley-Davidson Genuine Fork Oil Light or Medium (depending on preference and conditions)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, brake pads, tires, fork seals, drive belt.
Potential Engine Issues:
Primary chain tensioner wear (especially early hydraulic units), potential oil leaks at seals, exhaust flange leaks.
Electrical Issues:
Wiring harness integrity, voltage regulator or stator failure, battery health.
Brand Origin:
Harley-Davidson, founded in 1903 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is one of the oldest motorcycle manufacturers in the world.
Road King Lineage:
The Road King model line has been a staple of Harley-Davidson's touring range, evolving from earlier FL-series models with a focus on classic styling and comfort.
Engine Platform:
The 1584cc Twin Cam 96 engine was introduced in 2007, replacing the previous 1450cc (88 cubic inch) Twin Cam 88 engine, offering increased displacement and torque.
