Harley-Davidson FLHR Road King Firefighter - 2008 Specifications and Reviews
The 2008 Harley-Davidson FLHR Road King Firefighter is a heavyweight touring cruiser purpose-built for first responders and enthusiasts seeking classic American style with practical long-distance capability. Its 96-cubic-inch V-twin engine delivers reliable torque for highway cruising, while the six-speed transmission and air suspension provide comfort on extended rides. Best known for its commemorative firefighter livery and patriotic appeal.
General information | |
| Category | Touring |
| Year | 2008 |
| Model | Harley-Davidson FLHR Road King Firefighter |
| | |
Engine and Transmission Specifications | |
| Transmission typefinal drive | Chain |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Cooling system | Air |
| Starter | Electric |
| Fuel system | Injection. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI ) Carburetor or Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI ) |
| Bore x stroke | 95.3 x 111.3 mm (3.8 x 4.4 inches) |
| Compression | 9.2:1 |
| Torque | 126.10 |
| Stroke | 4 |
| Engine type | V2 |
| Capacity: | 1573.25 ccm (96.00 cubic inches) |
Physical measures and capacities | |
| Wheelbase | 1,613 mm (63.5 inches) |
| Ground clearance | 130 mm (5.1 inches) |
| Overall length | 2,380 mm (93.7 inches) |
| Seat height | 759 mm (29.9 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting. |
| Weight incl. oil, gas, etc | 352.4 kg (777.0 pounds) |
| Dry weight | 335.7 kg (740.0 pounds) |
| | |
Harley-Davidson FLHR Road King Firefighter dimensions and frame | |
| Exhaust system | Chrome, cross-over dual |
| Rear tyre dimensions | 200/55-R17 |
| Front tyre dimensions | 140/75-R17 |
| Trail | 157 mm (6.2 inches) |
| Rake (fork angle) | 26.0° |
Speed and acceleration | |
| Color options | Fire Engine Red |
| Fuel capacity | 22.71 litres (6.00 gallons) |
Other specs | |
| Maintenance | Find parts, fluids, filters, maintenance tools and service items on eBay |
Performance Profile & Rider Fit
Best For
Rider Profile
| Best For | This heavyweight tourer suits riders who already have solid low-speed handling skills to manage its substantial weight at parking-lot speeds. |
| Purpose | Built as a highway-mile-eating cruiser derived from a fire department special edition, it prioritizes relaxed long-distance comfort over outright speed or cornering agility. |
| Rider Fit | Riders should be comfortable with a heavy, low-slung machine that demands strength and confidence when pushing it backward or balancing at stops, though the low seat height helps shorter riders plant their feet. |
| Character | It appeals to traditionalists who value classic V-twin torque, chrome styling, and a commanding highway presence over sharp handling or modern electronics. |
| Not Ideal For | This is not the right bike for riders seeking sportbike agility, off-road capability, or a lightweight, flickable ride through tight corners. |
Character map is an editorial estimate based on this bike's specifications, not a lab-tested measurement.
⚠ Safety Recalls (2)
Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling all 2008-2011 Touring, CVO Touring and VSRC motorcycles equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS), including Road King (FLHR), Road King Police (EFI) (FLHP), Road King Police (EFI) (FLHPE), Electra Glide Standard Police (EFI) (FLHTP), Electra Glide Classic (EFI) (FLHTC), Electra Glide Ultra Classic (EFI) (FLHTCU) and Street Glide (EFI) (FLHX), 2008 VROD (VRSCAWA), CVO Road King 4 (FLHRSE4), Night Rod (VRSCDA), CVO Ultra Classic 3 (FLHTCUSE3), Night Rod Special (VRSCDXA), 2008-2010 Road King Classic (EFI) (FLHRC), 2008-2009 Road Glide (EFI) (FLTR) and Electra Glide Standard (EFI) (FLHT), 2009-2010 V-Rod (VRSCAW), 2009 CVO Ultra Classic (FLHTCUSE4) and CVO Road Glide 3 (FLTRSE3), 2009-2011 Night Rod Special (VRSCDX) and V-Rod Muscle (VRSCF), 2010 CVO Ultra Classic 5 (FLHTCUSE5) and CVO Street Glide (FLHXSE), 2010-2011 Electra Glide Ultra Limited (FLHTK) and Road Glide Custom (FLTRX), 2011 Road Glide Ultra 103 (FLTRU103), Street Glide 103 (FLHX103), Road King Classic 103 (FLHRC103), CVO Ultra Classic 6 (FLHTCUSE6), CVO Road Glide Ultra (FLTRUSE), Road Glide Custom 103 (FLTRX103), and CVO Street Glide 2 (FLHXSE2) motorcycles. Deposits may form on components within the brake system if the DOT 4 brake fluid is not replaced for a prolonged period of time beyond the 2-year maintenance schedule specified in the OwnerÂ’s Manual.
Risk: These deposits may cause a valve within the ABS Hydraulic Control Unit to stick, reducing braking ability and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will flush the entire brake system with new Platinum Label DOT 4 brake fluid, free of charge. The recall began on February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson's number for this recall is 0171.
HARLEY DAVIDSON IS RECALLING 47,579 MY 2008 FLHP, FLHPE, FLHR, FLHRC, FLHRSE4, FLHT, FLHTC, FLHTCU, FLHTCUSE3, FLHTP, FLHX, AND FLTR MOTORCYCLES. THESE MOTORCYCLES MAY EXPERIENCE A CRACKING OF THE FUEL FILTER SHELL LEADING TO LOSS OF FUEL PRESSURE. THIS LOSS OF FUEL PRESSURE CAN CAUSE DIMINISHED PERFORMANCE AND, IN SOME CASES, MAY CAUSE AN ENGINE STALL OR A NO-START CONDITION.
Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WHICH COULD CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH TO THE RIDER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER SHELL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 31, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HARLEY DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.
Source: NHTSA. View all Harley-Davidson recalls →
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