The Road King motorcycles were introduced in 1994 by Harly Davidson and have since become popular among riders due to their classic design. Each model year of the Road King features improvements such as the detachable windshield, saddlebags, and multi-positional floorboards.
So then, are there any Road King years to avoid? Yes. You should avoid 2003, 2004, 2006, 2013-2014 Road Kings. These model years have had several problems and have been recalled due to
- A faulty fuel system
- Engine and motor issues
- Transmission issues
Wait, it doesn’t stop there! In this article, you will find everything there is to know about the Road King issues and which years to avoid.
Overview Of Common Issues With Road Kings
A customer always expects a new version of something to be better than its predecessor. However, this was not and has not been the case with some Road King model years. Some updated versions have even proved to be worse than their predecessors.
As a result, experts and users alike advise new motorcycle riders to avoid these versions. Let’s now look at the Road King years to avoid, one by one.
2003 Harley Road King
These Road King years have had a fair share of their issues. Let’s find out what makes them the worst years to avoid.
Oil Pump Issues
The 2003 Road King model used the 88 cubic inch Twin Cam engine series, known for having oil pump issues. This oil pump design in these models was ineffective at keeping the engine cool, resulting in oil starvation and engine failure.
And the problem was so severe that Harley-Davidson recalled these affected models to replace the oil pump.
Faulty Fuel System
In addition to the oil pump problem, these models had a faulty fuel system. Some users had issues with their fuel tanks, which could develop cracks or leaks and cause fuel to leak out.
This could be a severe safety issue, as leaking fuel can cause fires or explosions. If you own a 2003 Road King, you must check your fuel tank regularly for any signs of damage or leaks and have it repaired or replaced if necessary.
Engine Problems
Another issue some owners of the 2003 Road King models experienced was engine problems. This model’s engine was incompatible with powering it, which could cause engine issues such as engine knocking.
Electrical Issues
A few users have also complained about electrical issues. The wiring harnesses used in the Road Kings from 2003 were prone to chafing and short-circuiting. This could cause the bike to shut down unexpectedly.
2004 Road King
After the 2003 Road King disaster, users expected the 2004 version would make a big comeback. However, the 2004 models still had some serious downsides.
The 2004 version was known as the Dyna Super Glide. It was expensive, making its downsides hit users even harder. Here are some of the most significant issues users found in this model.
Transmission Problems
The Harley Davidson 5 Speed transmission problems were prominent in the 2004 model. Some riders experienced issues with slipping gears, difficulty shifting, and other transmission-related problems.
Cam Chain Tensioner
Another issue in the 2004 Road King was a problem with the cam chain tensioner. This part is responsible for maintaining proper tension on the cam chain, which controls the timing of the engine’s valves. Some riders reported that the cam chain tensioner on their 2004 Road King failed.
Reliability Issues
On top of these problems, the motorcycle had plastic shards in its construction which broke away quickly. This was dangerous to the riders and meant the bike was not long-lasting.
The motorbike could not even run for long hours due to its inefficient motor. Therefore, this bike was not ideal for long touring.
2006 Road King
The 2006 Road King models were also powered by the 88 cubic inch Twin Cam engine. It is known as the infamous Harley Electra Glide, which makes the 2006 Road King one of the main electra glide years to avoid.
Harley Davidson had to recall many 2006 motorcycles due to massive complaints about the following:
Wobbly Bolts
2006 Road King owners reported loose or wobbly bolts as the most prevalent problem. Loose bolts could cause parts to detach from the bike while riding. Also, various sections of this motorbike were challenging to separate during maintenance and repairs.
Inferior Cylinder
On top of that, the 2006 Road King had an inferior cylinder attached to the fuel tank. The cylinder was not as strong as it should have been, and eventually, it would crack.
Faulty Fuel Injectors
Finally, some 2006 Road King owners reported issues with their fuel injection systems. They experienced problems like rough idling and poor fuel efficiency. The fuel injectors were prone to clogging, causing the bike to run poorly or not start.
2013-2014 Road Kings
The 2013-2014 Road King models used the 103 cubic inch Twin Cam engine series and had one of the most impressive outlooks. However, it still had significant issues, such as:
Engine Issues
More than 19 accidents occurred due to this motorbike’s engine issues. This ruined its reputation altogether, considering one of Harley’s selling points is reliability.
Hydraulic Clutch Issues
The hydraulic clutch systems were prone to leaks, which could cause the clutch to fail and the bike to stall unexpectedly.
Faulty Saddlebag Mounts
In 2014, Harley Davidson recalled over 150,000 bikes in the U.S. alone because of faulty saddlebag mounts. According to the NHTSA service bulletin, the saddlebag retaining receptacle may fail.
As a result, the mounting stud may become disengaged from the plate, and the saddlebag may become loose and fall off. This could happen while the bike moves, posing a hazard to other motorists.
To address this issue, Harley-Davidson included new receptacles with the kit. The following video shows how to replace the saddlebag mounts:
What Should I Do If I Already Own One Of These Models?
There are a few tips you can take to address some of the common issues that these models have experienced.
● Take The Bike To A Qualified Automobile Shop
Have your bike inspected by a qualified technician to ensure it is in good working order. This is especially important if you’ve had any problems we’ve discussed, such as oil pumps, electrical systems, or transmission problems.
● Address Any Notable Issues
If your bike has experienced any issues we’ve discussed, address them immediately. This may necessitate replacing or upgrading components such as the oil pump, electrical wiring, or transmission.
● Regular Maintenance
Keep up regular maintenance tasks such as oil changes and other basic maintenance tasks. This can help prevent problems and extend the life of your bike.
● Join Online Forums
Consider joining an online forum or community of Road King owners. These groups can be a great source of information and support and help you connect with other owners who may have experienced similar issues.
Also, monitor any recalls or service bulletins related to your bike. These may provide important information or instructions for addressing known issues.
FAQs
Here are other related questions on road king.
Q1. How many miles will a Harley Road King last?
Harley Road Kings have been known to last for more than 75,000 miles with proper maintenance and care. However, the bike’s lifespan will depend on the rider’s riding style and how well the bike is maintained over time.
Q2. What is the best Road King Years?
While opinions differ, 2005, 2016, and 2017 model years are some of the most popular and dependable Road King years. However, remember that every bike is unique, and your preferences and needs will determine the best Road King for you.
Q3. Can I fix the common issues with a Road King myself?
An experienced DIYer can do basic maintenance and repairs, but a qualified technician should address more complex issues. Working on motorcycles can be dangerous, so following proper procedures and safety protocols is essential.
Conclusion
The Road King is a classic touring motorcycle that has long been a favorite among Harley-Davidson enthusiasts. However, not all Road King models are created equal, and some years have issues that make them less appealing to potential buyers.
If you’re looking for a Road King, research and avoid 2003, 2004, 2006, and 2013-2014 models. These model years have been known to have issues with oil pumps, engine issues, fuel injectors, and hydraulic clutches. If you already own a Road King from one of these years, keep up with regular maintenance.