Road King FLHR 2008 - Rode Test
Kirk G. Hedgecock - Oct 5, 2007

New features (including the Brembo triple-disc brake system, 6 gallon fuel tank, improved 6-speed cruise drive transmission, and isolated drive system) on the Harley-Davidson 2008 Road King influenced me to trade, a 2007 Road King with a 103 inch big bore, for a 2008 FLHR Road King. I made the decision in August and took delivery in September. Having nine years and 90,000 miles on Road King motorcycles, I was confident this Harley-Davidson Road King’s new features would only enhance an already super ride.

   

Following are some observations after the purchase.

 

Visually, the new six gallon tank takes on the same lines as its predecessor.  The size isn't particularly noticeable until you ride the motorcycle for a time.  Shortly, the rider will notice that the tank is in fact longer and wider.  For those on past Harleys that found your leathers rubbed the tank, and roughed up the shine, you'll find that situation is much worse on the new Road King.

 

The fact that the new tank is longer requires a change in how the seats are mounted.  None of the pre 2008 seats, and only a couple of seats in the 2008 catalog, will interchange with the stock seat.  Harley-Davidson associates might tell you that the standard seat is much like the comfort stitch on past bikes.  Not so.  The seat isn't nearly as comfortable or as narrow as the old comfort stitch.  The passenger seat is nearly 4 inches narrower than the old seat and, therefore, very uncomfortable for a passenger destined for many miles and accustomed to the wider seat.   Old back rests will work with the new stock seat.

 

The higher and wider tank resulted in a change in the geometry of the handlebar while creating a longer reach for the operator.  If you don't fit the stock bars, your choices are limited. The new 2008 accessory catalog offers only one handle bar option; the fat handlebar.

 

This change in handlebar geometry is required primarily by the introduction of the drive-by-wire throttle system.  The new throttle is a wire resistance process, and modifying the wire length isn't an option.  Again bar choices are virtually slim and none.  The throttle system will also effect how the optional cruse control system can be applied.
  
The new throttle won't accept any pre 2008 grip options.  So again, the buyer has no choice.

 

I found the six speed noise on the 2007 model to be much improved on the 2008 Road Glide.  There didn't seem to be nearly the amount of noise generated regardless of the RPM's.  This in part probably due to the new rear sprocket. 

 

The brakes are just plain great!  No jerk and very positive.  The action at the hand break is very nice, soft and smooth.  On the other side, the clutch is a delight.  Probably more noticeable to those who have the extra clutch disc in the previous big bores.

 

The 95 inch 2005 big bore from the past, and the 103 inch big bore on the 2007 that I traded, makes the new 2008 Road King seem really flat in 5th and 6^th gears.  Air intake and cams would probably go a long way toward bringing the 2008 Road King FLHR up to snuff.

 

In all, I found the longer reach to the handlebar and wide seat to be so uncomfortable and that exacerbated a chronic back pain that I was not willing to endure. While uncharacteristic of Harley-Davidson, lack of customizing options is a problem and one they will need to address quickly to support other improvements on the FLHR 2008 model.  

 

Fortunately, my Harley dealer was kind enough to let me out of the deal and put me back on my 2007 Road King FLHR.

 

Ride before you buy!  I'll stay put for a while. 

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