2007–2011 Harley-Davidson Police Twin Cam 103 (FLHP Road King)

The 2007–2011 Harley-Davidson Police Twin Cam 103 (FLHP Road King) is a purpose-built motorcycle designed for law enforcement duty, based on the company’s popular FLHR Road King touring platform. This specific generation of police motorcycles is notable for its use of the larger Twin Cam 103 engine, which at the time was not widely available on civilian models, giving it a distinct performance advantage. Produced for five model years, this series saw significant mechanical and structural upgrades that enhanced its capability and solidified its reputation as a durable and reliable service vehicle.

This model represented a major advancement over the previous generation of Harley-Davidson police motorcycles, which were primarily equipped with the 88 cubic inch (1450cc) Twin Cam engine and a 5-speed transmission. The 2007 model year introduced two key upgrades across the touring line that were particularly beneficial for police use: the new 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission, which lowered cruising RPMs for improved highway pursuit and patrol, and the larger engine displacement. While civilian models received the Twin Cam 96, law enforcement agencies were given the more powerful Twin Cam 103, providing superior acceleration and load-carrying capacity for an officer and their equipment.

Powertrain and Chassis Evolution

The heart of the FLHP during this period was the air-cooled, 103 cubic inch (1690cc) V-Twin engine. This engine was engineered for high-torque output at low RPMs, a crucial characteristic for city patrol and rapid response. It featured Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), which provided reliable starting and consistent performance across various temperatures and altitudes.

A pivotal change occurred within this production run in 2009. Harley-Davidson introduced a completely redesigned frame for its entire touring family. The new single-spar, rigid backbone frame, along with a new swingarm, significantly increased torsional stiffness. This engineering update transformed the bike’s handling dynamics, offering greater stability at high speeds and more precise cornering. The new frame also allowed for a higher Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), enabling the motorcycle to safely carry more equipment. Coinciding with the new frame, the 2009 and later models were equipped with a wider 180-section rear tire (up from 144-section) and new wheels, further enhancing stability and road grip.

Special Features of the Harley-Davidson Police Twin Cam 103 (FLHP Road King)

To meet the demanding requirements of police work, the FLHP Road King was outfitted with numerous features not found on its civilian counterpart. These modifications were designed to improve rider comfort, vehicle durability, and the integration of essential law enforcement equipment.

Solo Saddle: The most visible feature is the air-adjustable solo saddle, which allows an officer to tailor the seat’s firmness for comfort during long shifts.
Upgraded Electrical System: The motorcycle featured a high-output charging system to support the continuous power draw from police radios, emergency lights, and sirens.
Specialized Saddlebags: The saddlebags often featured a “puck” style single-latch system for quick, one-handed access, and were designed to accommodate police gear.
Run-Flat Tires: Many agencies equipped their FLHP models with run-flat or self-sealing tires for added safety during pursuits.
Pre-Wiring and Mounts: The frame and wiring harness were factory-prepared for the installation of pursuit lamps, sirens, and other police-specific electronics, ensuring clean and reliable integration.
Heavy-Duty Components: Components such as the clutch and brakes were often specified for heavy-duty use to withstand the rigors of police service.

After being decommissioned from service, these motorcycles have become popular on the civilian market. Enthusiasts value them for their robust build quality, powerful engine, and often well-documented maintenance history, making them a unique and capable platform for customization or long-distance touring.

Specifications Table