Canadian-owned.   No duty surprises.   Need help? 1-800-291-9509

2020 Harley-Davidson Road King (FLHR) — Maintenance & Ownership Guide

Routine Maintenance

Key maintenance tasks to keep your 2020 Harley-Davidson Road King (FLHR) running reliably.

3-Hole Oil Change

Requires three different fluids: engine oil (~4.5-5 qts), primary lubricant (~1 qt), and transmission fluid (~1 qt). Intervals are typically every 5,000 miles after the initial 1,000-mile break-in.

Drive Belt Tension

The final drive belt should be inspected for debris and tension every 5,000 miles to prevent premature wear or snapping under heavy load.

Common Wear Items

Parts that wear over time on the 2020 Harley-Davidson Road King (FLHR) and should be inspected regularly.

Rear Tire

Due to the 800+ lb weight and high torque, rear tires often require replacement between 8,000 and 12,000 miles depending on riding style.

Brake Pads

Heavy touring use wears the Brembo pads quickly; linked braking means front and rear often wear at similar rates.

Popular Upgrades

The most popular aftermarket upgrades for the 2020 Harley-Davidson Road King (FLHR).

Stage 1 Kit

Includes high-flow air intake, slip-on mufflers, and a tuner to improve throttle response and heat management.

LED Lighting

While the Hiawatha nacelle is iconic, many owners upgrade to Daymaker LED inserts for significantly better nighttime visibility.

Handlebars

The stock 'Heritage' style bars are often replaced with 10-14 inch ape hangers for improved ergonomics and wrist angle.

Common Replacement Parts

Parts that commonly need replacing on the 2020 Harley-Davidson Road King (FLHR).

Battery

The high-compression M8 engine requires a strong battery (typically 300+ CCA). Parasitic draw from the security system can drain the battery if not kept on a tender.

Windshield Bushings

The rubber grommets for the quick-detach windshield can dry rot or tear over time, causing the shield to rattle.

Used Buying Inspection Checklist

What to look for when buying a used 2020 Harley-Davidson Road King (FLHR).

Primary Vent Kit

Check if the primary vent tube has been installed to prevent 'fluid transfer' from the transmission to the primary, a known issue on early M8 touring bikes.

RDRS Functionality

If the bike is equipped with the optional RDRS, ensure no warning lights persist after moving 3-5 mph, as sensor failures can be expensive to repair.

Service History (1k Service)

The 1,000-mile service is critical for M8 engines to check for sumping and to change all three fluids after break-in.