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Harley-Davidson ROAD KING reviews

4.9 (22 reviews)
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Reliability
4.8
Overall quality
4.9
Performance
4.6
Comfort
4.6

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22 ratings and reviews

Voted most helpful review

Sebastian Santiago

South Carolina, USA

Reviewed on December 20, 2023

Motorcycle reviewed 2008 Harley-Davidson Road King view listing

2.5
I recently had the unfortunate experience of owning a 2008 Harley Road King, and it pains me to say that it has been nothing short of a headache on two wheels. The combination of chronic electrical issues, particularly battery drain and bad ground problems, has turned what should have been an enjoyable riding... read more
I recently had the unfortunate experience of owning a 2008 Harley Road King, and it pains me to say that it has been nothing short of a headache on two wheels. The combination of chronic electrical issues, particularly battery drain and bad ground problems, has turned what should have been an enjoyable riding experience into a constant struggle. First and foremost, the ongoing battery drain problems were a nightmare. No matter how diligently I maintained the bike, it seemed like the battery just couldn't hold a charge for more than a few days. Replacing the battery didn't solve the issue, and trips to the mechanic became a regular occurrence. The frustration of being stranded due to an unexpected dead battery became an unfortunate part of the ownership experience. Adding insult to injury, the bad ground issues exacerbated the electrical woes. Constantly chasing down wiring problems and dealing with shorts became a routine maintenance task. The lack of reliability in the electrical system was not only inconvenient but also a major safety concern. It's disheartening to invest in a bike that can't be trusted to start reliably and without issues. To make matters worse, the maintenance costs for the 2008 Harley Road King were exorbitant. Frequent visits to the dealership and specialized mechanics drained my wallet faster than the battery on this ill-fated machine. The combination of high parts costs and labor charges made routine maintenance feel like a financial burden, turning what should be a joyous pastime into a regrettable expense. In conclusion, the 2008 Harley Road King may have the classic looks and a storied brand behind it, but the chronic electrical issues, specifically the battery drain and bad ground problems, along with the high maintenance costs, make it a regrettable choice for anyone seeking a reliable and cost-effective ride. Save yourself the frustration and explore other options in the market that offer a better balance of performance and reliability.
Reliability
2.0
Quality
3.0
Performance
2.0
Comfort
3.0
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Voted most helpful review

Larry White

Reviewed on November 12, 2022

Motorcycle reviewed 2019 Harley-Davidson Road King view listing

5.0
I've owned 3 Roadking bikes over the years. No other Harley gives you the comfort and plush ride quite like this model. You get all comfort without having a permanent fixed fairing stuck to you bike. 20 seconds and the quick detach windshield is off. Just as easy to put it back on. You get two bikes in one wi... read more
I've owned 3 Roadking bikes over the years. No other Harley gives you the comfort and plush ride quite like this model. You get all comfort without having a permanent fixed fairing stuck to you bike. 20 seconds and the quick detach windshield is off. Just as easy to put it back on. You get two bikes in one with the roadking. Great bike like I said I've owned 3 of em. A 2001 a 2010 and a 2019 currently. Get one you will NOT be disappointed!
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

Grant Harrington

Minnesota

Reviewed on April 21, 2022

Motorcycle reviewed 2010 Harley-Davidson Road King view listing

4.8
I just bought this bike yesterday and it rides great. It has a lot of custom parts and paint job. Very beautiful bike. I noticed on the back right side of the fuel tank it has the numbers 40/200 with a little silver Harley symbol. I would love to know what this means. It's number 40 of something.... read more
I just bought this bike yesterday and it rides great. It has a lot of custom parts and paint job. Very beautiful bike. I noticed on the back right side of the fuel tank it has the numbers 40/200 with a little silver Harley symbol. I would love to know what this means. It's number 40 of something.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
4.0
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Kevin

Oregon

Reviewed on August 23, 2021

Motorcycle reviewed 1997 Harley-Davidson Road King view listing

5.0
I purchased this machine in 1998 and have ridden it often. It’s comfortable and and very stylish. I am often asked if this bike is new. It’s unique style and low miles make this Motorcycle a great purchase.... read more
I purchased this machine in 1998 and have ridden it often. It’s comfortable and and very stylish. I am often asked if this bike is new. It’s unique style and low miles make this Motorcycle a great purchase.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

Kevin G

New York

Reviewed on September 30, 2019

Motorcycle reviewed 2019 Harley-Davidson Road King view listing

4.8
The road king has Excellent ride quality.and a great seating position. It is great for long haul riding. just a little heavy backing up. So you just have to get used to the additional weight. Oh and BTY this is my wife's ride. She is 5ft 7in.... read more
The road king has Excellent ride quality.and a great seating position. It is great for long haul riding. just a little heavy backing up. So you just have to get used to the additional weight. Oh and BTY this is my wife's ride. She is 5ft 7in.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
4.0
Comfort
5.0
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Phillip Friedland

Los Angeles, California

Reviewed on October 13, 2018

Motorcycle reviewed 2016 Harley-Davidson Road King view listing

5.0
I was looking for my bike for the last year and finally found it at Freedom Road Cycles and Sales in Wichita, Kansas. Shannon made it easy to purchase exactly what I wanted and was a pleasure to work with him.... read more
I was looking for my bike for the last year and finally found it at Freedom Road Cycles and Sales in Wichita, Kansas. Shannon made it easy to purchase exactly what I wanted and was a pleasure to work with him.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

omaho5bill

Pembroke, New Hampshire

Reviewed on September 3, 2012

Motorcycle reviewed 2012 Harley-Davidson Road King view listing

5.0
I just sold my 1999 K1200RS BMW. It was too uncomfortable for me. I got a "great" deal on a 2012 Road King. This is an all day-bike. It's comfortable and relaxing to ride. The new Brembo brakes do very well. The motor is a honey. The tranny is great. The new frame is very rigid. The bike han... read more
I just sold my 1999 K1200RS BMW. It was too uncomfortable for me. I got a "great" deal on a 2012 Road King. This is an all day-bike. It's comfortable and relaxing to ride. The new Brembo brakes do very well. The motor is a honey. The tranny is great. The new frame is very rigid. The bike handles well for a big machine. I added heated grips for the riding in cool weather in New Hampshire's fall. You will not be disappointed with this tourer.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
4.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

Jake

Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan

Reviewed on November 19, 2011

Motorcycle reviewed 2009 Harley-Davidson Road King view listing

5.0
I owned a 2005 Road King with the twin cam 88 and loved the bike. But 10 klm. down the road I was convinced I'd made a great choice to trade her in. The refinement of the new RC is amazing - better motor, better frame, better brakes and transmission. I had to keep looking to see if I was on a Japanese spor... read more
I owned a 2005 Road King with the twin cam 88 and loved the bike. But 10 klm. down the road I was convinced I'd made a great choice to trade her in. The refinement of the new RC is amazing - better motor, better frame, better brakes and transmission. I had to keep looking to see if I was on a Japanese sport bike.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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Voted most helpful review

KevinM40

Littleton, Colorado

Reviewed on June 14, 2010

Motorcycle reviewed 2010 Harley-Davidson Road King view listing

5.0
At 49 years of age, 6 feet tall and just over 300 pounds, I knew my first bike was not going to be a 250cc rice burner or current crop of Euro naked bikes. Nor was it going to be one of the smaller Harleys on the market either. So I went with the base model Road King and have not second guessed that decision ... read more
At 49 years of age, 6 feet tall and just over 300 pounds, I knew my first bike was not going to be a 250cc rice burner or current crop of Euro naked bikes. Nor was it going to be one of the smaller Harleys on the market either. So I went with the base model Road King and have not second guessed that decision yet. The bike is solid, sturdy, stable when it needs to be and responsive when you need it to be. Drawbacks? I have laid her on her side twice and at 850# she is a real bear to get back upright. Despite the advertising there is still a lot of vibration but that smoothes out the faster you go and even with after-market Rinehart pipes she still sounds like a riding lawnmower. I have no other motorcycle riding experience to base this on but for my dollar I do not think I could have bought a better first motorcycle. I commute with it regularly and have taken it up into the Colorado Rocky Mountains with ease. She is a real joy to ride. Worse thing: the vibration. Best thing: Setting off car alarms in parking garages.
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
4.0
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Voted most helpful review

Bill Cote

Waterford, Connecticut

Reviewed on January 19, 2010

Motorcycle reviewed 2009 Harley-Davidson Road King view listing

5.0
I waited for my first full riding season to be over before submitting this: Searched and reviewed for months the various makes and models. From the patience of the local Harley sales folks to the great people in the service department, this has been an extremely satisfying experience. I knew I wanted a bike l... read more
I waited for my first full riding season to be over before submitting this: Searched and reviewed for months the various makes and models. From the patience of the local Harley sales folks to the great people in the service department, this has been an extremely satisfying experience. I knew I wanted a bike large enough to carry a passenger, me and our stuff for a quick weekend getaway, yet small enough to have fun on by myself. With every model I looked at I kept coming back to the Road King. The bike is large enough to carry everything you need for a weekend trip and still have plenty of power to get up a go when passing on the interstate while being fully loaded with two people. A really stable, comfortable machine. We ride for hours without that stiffness. Yet when I am by myself on the twisties, she is responsive and agile. Like others the only complaint I have is the fith gear whine. Plenty of torque and a comfortable ride. The 4 point rubber engine mounting system has all but done away with the vibrations from hell that Harleys were known for. Being of short stature, I outfitted the bike with a Reach Seat. This pushed me forward and lowered my legs enough to comfortably hold the bike at a red light. She is heavy (800 lbs) and you need to respect the fact that if you drop it, you won't be picking it up by yourself. Have replaced all fluids with the synthetics. This helped the gas mileage and the whine on the 5th gear. Will be replacing the stock mufflers in the spring. With everything from the windshield to the backrest being quick disconnects, you can radically change the look of the bike within seconds. Long road trip, windshield, back rest & luggage rack go on. Riding by myself without any interstates, Off everything comes and you have a classic, big muscled bike. I would recommend for anyone who wants that in-between bike. Not a heavy cross country cruiser yet not a rough riding, bare bones sportster. If this is you, get the Road King!!!
Reliability
5.0
Quality
5.0
Performance
5.0
Comfort
5.0
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