Dyna to Road King
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1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Dyna to Road King
I currently have a 2013 Street Bob and I have an opportunity to buy a 2003 Road king. I am generally new to motorcycles and not sure whether this would be a good move. The road king only has 3300 miles on it and is on amazing shape with vance and hines pipes. I do also want a bigger bike for my wife to ride with me. Is it a good move or should I wait and try to work out getting a more recent model of a touring bike like a street glide or something like that? Any advice would be appreciated.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 241
Likes: 52
From: Montreal
the only thing that would throw me off is the age, but if it was well kept even with low mileage it should be good, dont know if you care of engine power or no but there will be a significant difference from the 103 to the, I believe, evo 88?? in the RK
I just made the switch from an 11 softail to an 11 RK, and I cant believe the difference, i love this thing to death!!
I just made the switch from an 11 softail to an 11 RK, and I cant believe the difference, i love this thing to death!!
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 390
Likes: 9
From: WNY
I went from a sportster to a 2001 RKC. I understand it is old but the bike was in great shape. I took it to a local indy shop and they went through it. I understand the issue with going backwards in engine and year, however the wife and I are logging more miles and enjoying ourselves.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
The 88 is a twin cam just like your 96, so it's not that much difference. Yes, there are numerous mods to perk up the motor to run quite well. But you need to consider how much of the cost of modding could be applied to getting a RK with a 96 engine.
Beary
Beary
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,372
Likes: 250
From: NW Kentucky
I went from a 2012 Super Glide to a 2014 Road King. I liked the Super but absolutely love the Road King. I feel like I could live on that bike.
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 185
Likes: 4
From: Florida
Evo engines were 82cu in. (1340cc) and pre 1999. 2003's were twin cam 88cu in. (1442cc), and had two Anniversary models in Black or a cool looking slate blue color. I think they also made some other colors that year as well. HD's aren't speed demons, and never intended to be one, if you want that, get a crotch rocket. That said, my 88 is plenty of power for me for just cruising or touring two up, plus it runs cooler than the 96 or 103's. I road a bro's 07' UC, and the heat from the cross over pipe was unreal. I'd buy an older bike if it has low miles, and was well taken care of. Mine only had 2400 miles when I bought it, and runs great! It looked like it rolled off the showroom floor. I love it, and haven't looked back. I've had it for about 3 months and have just about doubled the miles and I'm coming up on the 5k checkup, which I'll be doing myself. Make sure you check the tires and make sure they aren't dry rotted, or have cracks in the side walls. Look up the mfg. code on the sidewall and if they are older than 7 yrs. I'd put some new rubber on them. Maybe you should buy it and keep the Bob for solo riding, although once you ride a touring model, you probably will sell the Bob. Good luck and let us know how you did.
Last edited by Twincruiser; Aug 17, 2015 at 06:54 PM.
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Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 297
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles County
The Dyna is more nimble, but I think you will find the Road King a GREAT bike. If you are looking to do some more miles in comfort, and still have a fairly agile bike, you won't be disappointed.
I personally would say get 2009 or later though, because of the handling improvements they made that year.
Good luck!
I personally would say get 2009 or later though, because of the handling improvements they made that year.
Good luck!
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Lake Charles, LA
The Dyna is more nimble, but I think you will find the Road King a GREAT bike. If you are looking to do some more miles in comfort, and still have a fairly agile bike, you won't be disappointed.
I personally would say get 2009 or later though, because of the handling improvements they made that year.
Good luck!
I personally would say get 2009 or later though, because of the handling improvements they made that year.
Good luck!
I have one of each and they are both great bikes. The RK is excellent for longer rides but I have to admit I have more fun on the Super Glide.