Looking at buying used
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Novice
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 22
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From: Rockford, MI
Looking at buying used
Dreaming stage at this moment and am thinking of getting a bike again. Its been 10 years or so. Thinking Road King with a budget around 8k. Are there any 'bad' years that should be avoided? Thanks!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
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From: Oxford, Nc
I'm suspect of the '07 / '08 crankshafts and the '08 to '10 wheel bearings and you should read up on the '99 to 06 cam shoe tensioners. (Be aware of how to check them.) And though I am a very happy '00 owner, the '02 and up Delphi fuel injection is still the same on the new bikes.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Last edited by Stiggy; May 22, 2016 at 06:01 PM.
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 94
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From: boston
i would definetly avoid pre 98, The 88TC motor in 1999 would be my oldest to consider. From there, 2007 is a good perk you get the 96cuin/6 speed tranny, if youre gonna do highway riding, definetly worth the 6 gear. 2009 is newer frame which rode nice, but if your 10 years out of the saddle, difference wouldnt be all that noticeble. Good luck and enjoy, the search is half the fun!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,086
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From: Buffalo, NY
Seems like if you go to $10k in your area you have a lot of choices. Me I would not go for the first 4 years of the 6 speed. This forum is filled with horror stories.
I would offer $8k for this. My late best friend had this identical bike. Great looker
https://grandrapids.craigslist.org/mcy/5593761881.html
I would offer $8k for this. My late best friend had this identical bike. Great looker
https://grandrapids.craigslist.org/mcy/5593761881.html
Nothing older then 2007 to start out, I would also check out Road King Classics.
Look for anything with low miles, ones under 20K Miles and maybe with a Stage-I only.
Look for anything with low miles, ones under 20K Miles and maybe with a Stage-I only.
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From:
The one in post #5 looks very nice! low miles, fair price and looks good in pictures.
The leather tour pack is a pricey option too.
The leather tour pack is a pricey option too.
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Mount Airy, MD
Ideally go 09 or newer for the new frame. If you cannot find one in your budget, just look for something low mileage. There are plenty of garage queens out there. I wouldn't fear anything in the 1999 to 2008 range either.
I'd look at 07 and newer, or 02 specifically.
02 is a great year. First year for Delphi fuel injection, swingarm upgrades, last year for the forged crank and Timkin bottom end. 07 gets the stroker motor as stock, so a big bore upgrade nets 103. 07 also gets the six speed, and hydraulic cam tensioners. 08 gets the six gallon tank and upgraded brakes.
Biggest gain with the 09 upgrade is the 180 rear tire, and better motor mounts. I'm not a fan of the bolt on rear frame section, but there are definitely more aftermarket body parts for the 09 and newer bikes.
Best thing to do is look for a bike with low miles, and has been babied. Get a pro mechanic to look it over. Spend a few bucks for a good checkout and it will pay dividends later. I always check compression, and put it up on a lift to check over everything I can. If the motor has been modified, you really want to check it out carefully. Ideally, check for intake and exhaust leaks, and crankshaft runout.
02 is a great year. First year for Delphi fuel injection, swingarm upgrades, last year for the forged crank and Timkin bottom end. 07 gets the stroker motor as stock, so a big bore upgrade nets 103. 07 also gets the six speed, and hydraulic cam tensioners. 08 gets the six gallon tank and upgraded brakes.
Biggest gain with the 09 upgrade is the 180 rear tire, and better motor mounts. I'm not a fan of the bolt on rear frame section, but there are definitely more aftermarket body parts for the 09 and newer bikes.
Best thing to do is look for a bike with low miles, and has been babied. Get a pro mechanic to look it over. Spend a few bucks for a good checkout and it will pay dividends later. I always check compression, and put it up on a lift to check over everything I can. If the motor has been modified, you really want to check it out carefully. Ideally, check for intake and exhaust leaks, and crankshaft runout.