What year Road King?

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Dec 16, 2011 | 10:30 AM

TurkeyRun

Thread Starter

Road Warrior

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 1,367

Likes: 54

From: Somewhere in NorCal

What year Road King?

Hey all, remember me? I traded off my 1996 FLHR (the gaudy looking one with the complex paint, apes, and stretched bags) on a 2003 FLHRCI - see sig pic. Fun bike, but.... it ain't the same.

So, I'm saving my nickels to start shopping another Evo Road King.

I figured I'd start asking (dreaming) here, what years have pros/cons associated with them? My '96 was great, but one thing I noticed when I went shopping for after market parts for example, lots of stuff was '97 and up. I always ended up having to really dig around, or modify stuff to fit.

FWIW, I have a perfect rear fender/stock tail light assy, and tank for a carbed 96 FLHR if anyone is in need.

Back to my question, what was the prime years for the Evo Road King?

Thanks all

Dec 16, 2011 | 01:31 PM

FXD_One

Cruiser

Joined: Sep 2011

Posts: 236

Likes: 0

From: Ontario, Canada

I have been told by several people here that the later EVO's were great. I own a 1998 Dyna and although I'm unsure if the later EVO's being good is across the entire model lines it likelt a good place to start.

As for why they are good? I'm hoping that someone more experienced will chime in and explain it to me as well. lol

Good luck with your search.

Just out of curiousity, can you explain why the newer bike is not the same? Is there something in particular that makes it not as good?

Dec 16, 2011 | 02:38 PM

TurkeyRun

Thread Starter

Road Warrior

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 1,367

Likes: 54

From: Somewhere in NorCal

Quote:

Just out of curiousity, can you explain why the newer bike is not the same? Is there something in particular that makes it not as good?

Well.... the sound, the simplicity of the carb, those are two things that you can quantify. I'm not sure really, my '03 just doesn't "feel" the same. I know, that's like nailing Jello to the wall, but.... yeah.

I loved my 96, just couldn't stand they way it looked. Probably should have just "sucked it up" and done paint, bags, bars, etc. Not that I'm regretting my 03, it's a fine bike. Just lacks soul or something.

Dec 16, 2011 | 04:02 PM

EVOrider

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 2,558

Likes: 280

From: Russellville, Arkansas

If you really want a EVO Road King....I would look for a late 1997 or 1998 year model. Those models use the current clutch and the electronics were upgraded. Parts can be found more easily with more bolt-on and parts can be retro-fitted.

Main thing though....if you like it and the price is right....go for it reguardless of year model.

Dec 16, 2011 | 04:33 PM

TurkeyRun

Thread Starter

Road Warrior

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 1,367

Likes: 54

From: Somewhere in NorCal

Quote:

Originally Posted by EVOrider

Thanks - that's the kind of information I'm looking for. I'm probably a year or so out from picking up another bike, but hey - it's nice to dream (and prowl craigslist)

Dec 16, 2011 | 08:14 PM

Spanners39

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2010

Posts: 7,736

Likes: 1,524

From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand

97-98 were the last years of the Evo RK and the motors had been developed pretty much to perfection....the TCs do lack Soul, love my 98 Evo!

Dec 16, 2011 | 09:34 PM

carlgrover

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 8,852

Likes: 2,493

From: Decatur, Alabama

98 was the last year for the EVO Road king. That's what I went with. I figured that the motor was as developed as it was ever going to be in that year (at least for the Road king).

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Dec 19, 2011 | 12:47 PM

patcham48

Cruiser

Joined: May 2011

Posts: 140

Likes: 0

From: UK

Ive got a 1995 Roadking. I love it, its got real personality and character

Dec 20, 2011 | 09:27 AM

#10

gioss

Advanced

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 81

Likes: 1

From: Queens, NYC

I have a 95 Police RK, last year of the breadbox dash. I think it was officially called an Electraglide Sport. I absolutely love this bike, it has 70k on the speedo and just an amazing bike, the way it rides. I put a king tourpak and ride 2 up all the time. For the price in which you can get one of these, they can't be beat.