How much horsepower does a 2006 Harley Road King make?

Question

Some tool on a BMW k1200 told me his bike puts out way more hp than my 1450cc Road King. I call BS. For some reason, though, Harley doesn't put this stat on their web site with the other specs. I can't find any official Harley number anywhere. I did find several articles in which HP was stated as anywhere from 60 to 80 hp. That seems pretty low... anyone know the real number?

Answer 1

As stated, H-D 1450 cc engines (88 ci) put out about 65 horsepower from the factory, BUT simple, approved aftermarket modifications can get you as much as 10% more. Aftermarket mufflers, a K&N air filter, re-mapping, and a Race Commander fuel optimiser, can get you as much as 75 H.P. for about $500 on a good day. The real issue, as described by others, is torque! The above changes will also add torque, which gets that big, 800 pound cruise moving quickly and gives you better throttle response and higway passing ability. Crotch rockets will fly by you, but are only getting to the graveyard that much quicker. Have you noticed that there are a lot of used metric bikes, and parts for sale, but Harley's just keep going, and going and going? Yes, proper and regular maintenace is required, but I'll still have a $25k bike in 10 years, whereas we'll be drinking soda from one of those metrics!

Answer 2

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RE:
How much horsepower does a 2006 Harley Road King make?
Some tool on a BMW k1200 told me his bike puts out way more hp than my 1450cc Road King. I call BS. For some reason, though, Harley doesn't put this stat on their web site with the other specs. I can't find any official Harley number anywhere. I did find several articles in which HP was...

Answer 3

2006 Road King

Answer 4

The others are right about the low HP. One more thing, if you've removed the baffles from your exhaust pipes so that your bike is nice and loud now, you can deduct another 5-10hp. Reduction in backpressure on an old-style engine like that robs horsepower.

If you enjoy your bike, that's all you need to know, but in terms of technology Harleys are 40 yrs behind the times.

Answer 5

They have about 65 horsepower, and I guarantee that the BMW puts out more horses. Harleys are gutless I raced a harley rider in my peice of junk 2000 v-6 mustang and smoked him bad! I have a 600cc bike and it puts out about 125.

Answer 6

60 on a good day. Harleys get their thrill from torque. If you want horsepower try a 1400 Kawasaki Ninja...200 at the rear wheel !!

Answer 7

Sadly, its true. The good "engineers" at HD put 1450 cc's of major wimpitude in the 750 pounds of dead weight located under your sexy chaps. If Harley publicized the hp stats, my guess is they might lose a few customers since the 65 hp your honkin Road King puts out pales in comparison to the 165 that the k1200 makes. Then again, Harley's have never been associated with performance, so they can continue to put out underpowered, uncomfortable, unreliable "lifestyle" toys, and leather clad posers will continue to buy them.

Answer 8

Its about 68 hp Harley will tell you everyithing except hp. And yes, for a 1450, that's pretty low. But what you're really buying is heritage, right?

Answer 9

Polar Bear gave good advice. If you can drain the tank, fresh gas would be a good place to start and then takeit from there if it still won't run. No use stewing about more complex possibilities until you've covered the easy ones.

Answer 10

the tool is right
HD Road King makes about 75 horses
try www.powercommander.com for specs on your bikes potential