10/02/2001
Harley-Davidson FLHRSI Road King Custom: A Deep Dive
The Harley-Davidson FLHRSI Road King Custom, introduced in 2004, represented a significant evolution for the beloved Road King lineage. Designed to cater to the growing demand for more contemporary custom styling, this model took the classic Road King formula and injected it with a dose of attitude and a leaner profile. It was, and remains, a machine that blends the expected comfort and road-worthiness of a Road King with a distinctively modern, custom aesthetic. If you're considering a Harley-Davidson that offers a unique blend of classic touring capability and custom flair, the FLHRSI Road King Custom is certainly a model worth exploring.
The Genesis of the Custom
Harley-Davidson's decision to introduce the Road King Custom was a direct response to customer feedback and emerging trends in the motorcycle customisation scene. Building upon the established success of the standard Road King, the "Custom" variant was conceived as a more 'pared-down' and 'dressed-up' version. This meant a focus on cleaner lines, a lower stance, and specific styling cues that appealed to riders seeking a more personalised look straight from the factory. It aimed to capture the spirit of stripped-down classics, harking back to models like the 1978 FLHS Electra Glide "Stripped," which is reflected in its FLHRS designator.
Key Features and Styling
The FLHRSI Road King Custom distinguished itself with a range of specific enhancements designed to create its unique identity. These included:
- Lowered Stance: A key characteristic was its reduced seat height, making it the lowest in the Road King family at the time. This contributed to a more accessible and custom-cruiser-like feel.
- "Beach Bar" Handlebars: The adoption of pullback "beach bars" was a significant styling element, offering a different riding posture and contributing to the bike's custom profile.
- Clean Aesthetics: The front and rear fenders were designed with a cleaner, less cluttered look.
- Smoothie Theme: A "smoothie" theme permeated many of the components, from the wheels to the saddlebags, creating a cohesive and flowing visual appeal.
- Leather Saddlebags: The inclusion of smooth, leather-covered saddlebags provided practical storage with a touch of classic custom style.
- Chrome Accents: New cast and chromed wheels, along with various chrome trim pieces like the wind deflector, nacelle trim strip, and triple clamp cover, enhanced the bike's premium look.
- Streamlined Details: Updated rider footboard and brake lever pads, along with new passenger foot pegs and a nickel-plated fuel tank nameplate, added to the refined custom finish.
- Sculpted Rear Light Bar: A redesigned rear light bar contributed to the overall smooth and custom rear-end appearance.
- Bullet Turn Signals: The use of bullet-style front and rear turn signals further enhanced the custom look.
- Enhanced Tyre Life: The specification of a wider rear tyre was noted to offer a nominal increase in tyre life, a practical consideration for riders.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the FLHRSI Road King Custom beats Harley-Davidson's renowned Twin Cam 88® engine. This air-cooled, 45° V-Twin powerplant displaces 1449 cc (88.4 cubic inches). It was available in both carbureted (40 mm CV) and Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) variants, with the "I" in FLHRSI denoting the fuel-injected version. The ESPFI system offered a 38 mm throttle bore, contributing to smoother throttle response and improved fuel efficiency.
Producing approximately 67 horsepower at 5200 rpm and a substantial 116.6 Nm (86 lb-ft) of torque at 3500 rpm, the Twin Cam 88® provided ample power for cruising and touring. Power is transmitted to the rear wheel via a 5-speed transmission and a reliable belt final drive, a hallmark of Harley-Davidson's modern drivetrain.
Chassis and Running Gear
The FLHRSI Road King Custom shared its fundamental chassis with the standard Road King, featuring a mild steel, square section backbone with twin downtubes. This provided a solid and stable foundation for the motorcycle.
Suspension duties were handled by 41.3 mm telescopic forks at the front and short, air-adjustable shock absorbers at the rear. The air-adjustable rear suspension allowed riders to fine-tune the ride quality and load-carrying capacity.
Braking was handled by a capable system consisting of twin 292mm discs with 4-piston calipers at the front and a single 292mm disc with a 4-piston caliper at the rear. While perhaps not "cutting edge" by some standards, this braking package was considered effective and provided reasonable feedback for its intended purpose.
The motorcycle rolled on 16-inch cast alloy wheels, fitted with Dunlop D402F MT90B16 72H tyres at the front and D402 MU85B16 77H tyres at the rear. These tyres were chosen for their durability and ride characteristics.
Specifications at a Glance
Here's a summary of the key specifications for the Harley-Davidson FLHRSI Road King Custom (circa 2004-2005):
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Harley Davidson FLHRS/I Road King Custom |
| Year | 2004 - 2005 |
| Engine | Four stroke, 45° V-Twin, Twin Cam 88® |
| Capacity | 1449 cc / 88.4 cu-in |
| Bore x Stroke | 95.3 x 101.6 mm |
| Cooling | Air cooled |
| Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 |
| Induction | 40 mm CV Carburetor or ESPFI 38 mm |
| Max Power | 67 hp / 48.8 kW @ 5200 rpm |
| Max Torque | 116.6 Nm / 86 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
| Transmission | 5 Speed |
| Final Drive | Belt |
| Frame | Mild steel, square section backbone w/ twin downtubes |
| Front Suspension | 41.3 mm, telescopic |
| Rear Suspension | Short, air-adjustable |
| Front Brakes | 2x 292mm discs, 4 piston calipers |
| Rear Brakes | Single 292mm disc, 4 piston caliper |
| Front Tyre | D402F MT90B16 72H |
| Rear Tyre | D402 MU85B16 77H |
| Rake | 26° |
| Trail | 157.5 mm / 6.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 1613 mm / 63.5 in |
| Seat Height | 718.8 mm / 28.3 in |
| Ground Clearance | 119.4 mm / 4.7 in |
| Dry Weight | 327 kg / 721 lbs |
| Wet Weight | 344 kg / 757 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 19 Litres / 5.0 US gal |
Riding Experience and Practicality
The riding experience of the FLHRSI Road King Custom is defined by its cruiser ergonomics and distinctive styling. The low seat height makes it very approachable, particularly for shorter riders or those who prefer a more planted feel. However, for taller riders, this low seat can sometimes lead to a cramped riding position, especially over longer distances.
The "beach bar" handlebars, while visually appealing and contributing to the custom look, received mixed reviews. Combined with the forward-mounted footboards, they could be somewhat awkward to use and potentially uncomfortable for extended periods. Many riders found themselves considering aftermarket handlebar options to improve ergonomics.
Cornering clearance was another area where the Custom's styling choices had an impact. The lowered suspension and the general cruiser design meant that leaning too aggressively into corners could lead to footboards or other components making contact with the tarmac, limiting the bike's lean angle. This is a trade-off for the custom aesthetic, and riders who prioritise spirited cornering might find the standard Road King or other models more suitable.
The Twin Cam 88® engine and 5-speed gearbox were generally praised for their smooth operation and reliability. They offered a satisfying power delivery for cruising and were known for being relatively inexpensive to maintain and run, especially when ridden in a manner that didn't push the engine to its absolute limits.
Practicality was a mixed bag. The smoothie leather saddlebags offered a stylish way to carry essentials, but their internal capacity was somewhat limited. For those intending to do significant two-up riding, the sloped pillion seat area was often considered more of a temporary perch, and aftermarket seats were commonly sought to improve passenger comfort.
Colour Options
The FLHRSI Road King Custom was offered in a range of attractive colour options, allowing riders to further personalise their machine. These included:
- Vivid Black
- Brilliant Silver
- Luxury Teal
- Smokey Gold
- Real Red
- Luxury Blue
- Lava Red Sunglo
FAQs
Q1: Is the FLHRSI a fuel-injected model?
Yes, the "I" in FLHRSI denotes that it is equipped with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI).
Q2: What is the weight of the Harley-Davidson FLHRSI Road King?
The claimed dry weight of the FLHRSI Road King Custom is 327 kg (721 lbs), with a wet weight of 344 kg (757 lbs).
Q3: What are the main differences between the FLHRSI Road King Custom and a standard FLHR Road King?
The Custom typically features a lower seat height, pullback "beach bar" handlebars, cleaner fender styling, and a more streamlined overall appearance with specific custom trim elements.
Q4: Is the FLHRSI good for two-up riding?
While it can accommodate a passenger, the pillion seat is often considered less comfortable for extended rides. Many owners opt for aftermarket seats to improve passenger comfort.
Q5: What are the pros and cons of the "beach bar" handlebars on the FLHRSI?
Pros include a distinctive custom look and a different riding posture. Cons can include potential ergonomic issues for some riders, leading to discomfort on longer rides, and a potentially awkward feel in conjunction with forward-mounted footboards.
Conclusion
The Harley-Davidson FLHRSI Road King Custom carved out its own niche by offering a more custom-oriented take on the versatile Road King platform. It appealed to riders who appreciated its unique styling, lower stance, and the inherent capabilities of the Road King. While certain ergonomic and practicality aspects might lead some to consider modifications, its distinctive look and the proven performance of the Twin Cam 88® engine ensure its place as a desirable machine for custom cruiser enthusiasts.
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