Touring Motorcycles

2008Harley-Davidson FLHR Road King Firefighter

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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.

Capacity: 1573.3 ccm
Engine: V-Twin
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 335.7 kg
Seat height: 759 mm
Power: 75.0 HP (55.2 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years ⚠ Recalls listed (2)

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering30%

City riding45%

Daily riding65%

Touring90%

Two-up80%

Track10%

Best for: 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.
Built for: 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.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 759mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2008 Harley-Davidson FLHR Road King Firefighter, with a cramped knee angle of around 85 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1573.3 ccm
Power: 75.0 HP (55.2 kW)
Torque: 126.1 Nm (12.9 kgf-m)
Engine type: V-Twin
Power/weight ratio: 0.2234 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 95.3 x 111.3 mm
Compression: 9.2:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Chain

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1613 mm
Overall length: 2380 mm
Seat height: 759 mm
Dry weight: 335.7 kg
Wet weight: 352.4 kg
Fuel capacity: 22.70 litres
Ground clearance: 130 mm

Chassis & suspension

Rake (fork angle): 26.0°
Trail: 157 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front tyre: 140/75-R17
Rear tyre: 200/55-R17

Other

Color options: Fire Engine Red

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

Safety Recalls

⚠ 2 recalls may apply

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUIDJan 2018 · 18V076000

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 Owners 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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAPJul 2008 · 08V357000

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.

These recalls cover some 2008 bikes of this model. Whether one applies to a specific bike, and whether the repair has already been done, depends on its VIN — check your VIN with NHTSA or ask a dealer.

Source: NHTSA. View all Harley-Davidson recalls →