2005 Harley Road King Review by Owner
Article by Mark Trotta
If you had to describe the ride in just one word, it would be "comfortable".
The comfort starts with a long wheelbase, fat tires, and large V-Twin engine. Add a firm, wide seat with lower back support, neutral handlebars, and foot boards that allow several resting positions, and you're ready for hours of relaxed, non-stop riding!
Old Man's Bike ?
My first Road King was a 1997 model, which I bought second-hand in 2004. At the time, I was in my forties, and regarded it as an old man's bike.
After five riding seasons, I sold it and went back to sport bikes. First was a 1974 Triumph Trident, followed by a 1976 Sportster, then a BMW R1100R, and finally my 1974 Norton Commando.
It's been 20 years since the Evo Road King.
I'm now in my sixties, and ready for a cruiser.
So, yeah, it's an old man's bike, what of it ?
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The Road King is by far the most classic of Harley's line of motorcycles, a rolling tribute to Panheads of the fifties and sixties.
Pictured: 1960 Harley Duo-Glide
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For the 2005 model year, there were four versions; the basic Road King (FLHR), Classic (FLHRC), Custom (FLHRS), and Police (FLHP). A carburetor was standard equipment, fuel injection was optional.
Harleys Are Never Stock For Long
The original owner of this 2005 FLHRS did not like the factory beach bars, and replaced them with conventional bars.
He also swapped out the factory wheels for a pair of Street Glide wheels.
Add-ons include detachable windshield, back rest, and luggage rack, engine guards, and a few tasteful pieces of chrome.
Hard Bags vs Soft Bags
Personally, I like the look and function of hard bags (like on my '97) but soft bags were standard equipment on the Custom, and they serve their intended purpose.
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2005 Road King Stats
Overall length: 94 inches - two inches shy of eight feet.
Wheelbase: 63.5 inches
Weight: 750 pounds
Seat height: 27 inches
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Twin-Cam 88 Specs
First-Generation Twin Cam engines, produced from 1999 to 2006, have a displacement of 1450cc (88 cubic inches). For those that need more cubes, big-bore kits can increase displacement to 98ci.
This bike is fuel injected, like my Evo Road King was. But this version, called Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), features some minor improvements. Always easy to start, no hesitation, power at all RPM's.
Compression ratio is 8.9:1 and premium gas is not necessary. I fill up exclusively with 90 octane Non-Ethanol.
Here in central North Carolina, you can find Non-Ethanol fairly easily, but it is more expensive than premium blend.
Fuel Controller
Tucked under the seat is a Dobeck TFI fuel controller. For those unfamiliar, it's an electronic device that adds or subtracts fuel based on load.
By adjusting the pulse sent to the fuel injectors at different RPM's, a fuel controller increases throttle response and boosts performance. And there's a nice side effect on Twin Cam Harleys--it richens the fuel mixture when idling, allowing the engine to run cooler.
Cam Chain Tensioners
If you're looking to buy a First-Gen Twin Cam bike, you'll hear and read a lot about the cam chain tensioners. Some of them, not all of them, wear out prematurely (before 50k).
Checking the tensioners requires removing the exhaust and the cam cover. Of the two, the front one is easy to check, but the rear one requires a pair of skilled hands and an inspection mirror.
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Drivetrain
Transmission is a 5-speed with belt drive.
Even with 43k on the clock, this bike shifts as it should (with a pronounced 'clunk') and neutral is always easy to find.
Five vs Six Speed
A 6-speed transmission became standard on Harley touring models in 2007. Although offering better fuel economy and a quieter ride at highway speeds, these advantages aren't really seen until 70+ MPH. And many riders complain that they lug too much when dropped below 70.
The Harley 5-speed is very durable unit, and will do everything you ask of it.
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Brakes
Front: Dual Disc
Rear: Single Disc
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Service Manual
The first 'accessory' I bought for the bike was a second-hand Harley factory service manual off ebay.
According to the FSM, engine oil and filter, primary chaincase oil, and transmission fluid should all be changed initially at 1,000 miles and then at every 5,000 miles thereafter.
It is also recommended to remove and clean or replace the air filter at these intervals as well.
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Family Resemblance
I didn't notice the similarity until I parked it next to my 1961 Servi-Car.
Although there's a difference of 44 years, the gas tanks, front forks, and headlamp nacelles are nearly identical.
Conclusion
Regardless of how old you are, the Harley Road King is a great ride. It's equally at ease on short local rides or long road trips.
Because of the absence of fairing, radio, and tour pack, some call it a minimalist bagger.
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