I recently bought a 2002 Road King Classic with 36k on it. The bike ran well, no issues other than the fuel gauge not working.I noticed a small fuel leak at the fuel tank quick disconnect after riding it for a few days. You can’t replace the quick disconnect without opening the tank. I am glad I opened the tank, it was a mess inside. The filter had fallen off the pump and had begun to deteriorate leaving pieces all in the tank. The fuel hoses were so brittle just moving them would cause them to crack. I am amazed the bike was running so well. This would have left me on the side of the road at some point in the not too distant future. It’s easy to forget about things if you can’t see them.I replaced everything since I had it open, works great now, even the fuel gauge is working now. The filter must have blocking the float.

 

I was having issues around 55k so I replaced everything in the tank. It can leave you stranded. I hope I am not to cheap when it hits another 50k,not to do it again. But money and time get away from you.

To me it is maintenace item. replace before you are stranded. 20 years, you got your money out of it.

 

The fuel lines were cracked/leaking on my 2001 Road King when I bought it in 2008 with 8K miles on it. I replaced all the lines, etc inside and outside the tank. It's been good since then, knock on wood.