Road King
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,832
Likes: 127
From: Coastal Carolina
If budget isn't an issue, I personally would go with a 17 for the M8 engine. But where I would draw the line is at 2012. I would definitely want a 2009 or newer for the upgraded frame. The Road King didn't get the 103 until 2012, so that's where I would start. (The Road King Classic got the 103 in 2011, but you said you wanted hard bags.)
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
The CVO's are not my thing but if you see aomething you like then go for it. I don't think the 110 was as big an increase as they apear on paper. Now some headwork and the right cam and that motor can serrious power
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,936
Likes: 8,036
From: poway
Excellent bike.. Looks better than the 02 RKC I have when I bought it and mine was only 5 years old at the time.. I little suspension/ chassis work, pump the motor up to a mid compression 95/98 and the 103 stage II crowd will wonder what hit them..
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 538
Likes: 24
From: Texas
I learned a lot about bikes the old fashioned way, buying one and working on it, lol.
I bought a 99 twin cam 88, Road King classic with MM fuel injection(used). I rode that bike 30k miles and loved it. I had none of the problems with the fuel injection and cam chain tensioners, i didnt miss the 6 speed or the wide tire because I hadnt ridden a new frame bike. I traded that bike in for what I paid for it when i bought my 13 road King Classic. i bought it because I had rented a bike in AZ to ride to the grand canyon and fell in love with the newer frame and wider tire. My point is, you can find a good buy and learned about the bike and trade up as you go. the 02 models had the delphi fuel injection along with the forged cranks and were dependable. The upgraded frames and tire width on the 09 bikes made them more comfortable at speed and the 6 speed did slow the engine rpm down when cruising. I loved my old bike, am loving the 13 and i am waiting for the m8 to get some time on them to find out what problems may occur so I am prepared when I upgrade again in a year or 2...
I bought a 99 twin cam 88, Road King classic with MM fuel injection(used). I rode that bike 30k miles and loved it. I had none of the problems with the fuel injection and cam chain tensioners, i didnt miss the 6 speed or the wide tire because I hadnt ridden a new frame bike. I traded that bike in for what I paid for it when i bought my 13 road King Classic. i bought it because I had rented a bike in AZ to ride to the grand canyon and fell in love with the newer frame and wider tire. My point is, you can find a good buy and learned about the bike and trade up as you go. the 02 models had the delphi fuel injection along with the forged cranks and were dependable. The upgraded frames and tire width on the 09 bikes made them more comfortable at speed and the 6 speed did slow the engine rpm down when cruising. I loved my old bike, am loving the 13 and i am waiting for the m8 to get some time on them to find out what problems may occur so I am prepared when I upgrade again in a year or 2...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,936
Likes: 8,036
From: poway
I learned a lot about bikes the old fashioned way, buying one and working on it, lol.
I bought a 99 twin cam 88, Road King classic with MM fuel injection(used). I rode that bike 30k miles and loved it. I had none of the problems with the fuel injection and cam chain tensioners, i didnt miss the 6 speed or the wide tire because I hadnt ridden a new frame bike. I traded that bike in for what I paid for it when i bought my 13 road King Classic. i bought it because I had rented a bike in AZ to ride to the grand canyon and fell in love with the newer frame and wider tire. My point is, you can find a good buy and learned about the bike and trade up as you go. the 02 models had the delphi fuel injection along with the forged cranks and were dependable. The upgraded frames and tire width on the 09 bikes made them more comfortable at speed and the 6 speed did slow the engine rpm down when cruising. I loved my old bike, am loving the 13 and i am waiting for the m8 to get some time on them to find out what problems may occur so I am prepared when I upgrade again in a year or 2...
I bought a 99 twin cam 88, Road King classic with MM fuel injection(used). I rode that bike 30k miles and loved it. I had none of the problems with the fuel injection and cam chain tensioners, i didnt miss the 6 speed or the wide tire because I hadnt ridden a new frame bike. I traded that bike in for what I paid for it when i bought my 13 road King Classic. i bought it because I had rented a bike in AZ to ride to the grand canyon and fell in love with the newer frame and wider tire. My point is, you can find a good buy and learned about the bike and trade up as you go. the 02 models had the delphi fuel injection along with the forged cranks and were dependable. The upgraded frames and tire width on the 09 bikes made them more comfortable at speed and the 6 speed did slow the engine rpm down when cruising. I loved my old bike, am loving the 13 and i am waiting for the m8 to get some time on them to find out what problems may occur so I am prepared when I upgrade again in a year or 2...
I still like the 5 speed tranny. 2001 to the end of the 5 speeds were the best.
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Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 203
From: Susanville CA
Currently I have an 01 Road glide. I am thinking seriously about and 02 road king because I have already purchased a bunch of the speialty tools for certain projects, i.e. cams, trans work, primary stuff, and have done a few other things so I feel pretty comfortable working on it.
Did 02's only come in fule injection or were there carb models as well?
Did 02's only come in fule injection or were there carb models as well?
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 651
Likes: 72
From: Harleysville, PA
I hear Harleys progress significantly each year, with that said I have a 2012 FLHR Road King, 1st year for the 103 (standard), abs, cruse, compression release, HMS, oil cooler all came from Harley's factory. Frankly I looked at the Rushmore's and they offer the most advanced options: larger forks, one hand opening saddle bag lids, increased compression ratio, slightly larger camshafts, and one or two small things, bottom line cannot find myself able to make the jump to a Rushmore as my RK runs very well, haven't had any problems.
As for the new 2017 well we will see if they require any recalls (wait a year or two) see how good they are. Was told by several that the M8's sound like a Honda... Don't know have not really heard or ride one.
Good luck and have fun deciding!
B Bop
2012 FLHR (Road King) Ember Red Sunglo & Merlo
Cruise Control, ABS, Chrome Aluminum Profile Laced Spoke Tubeless Wheels, Security Package, Saddle Bag LED Lid Spoilers, and an array of accessories that enhances nostalgic appearance & blood curdling performance.
Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
As for the new 2017 well we will see if they require any recalls (wait a year or two) see how good they are. Was told by several that the M8's sound like a Honda... Don't know have not really heard or ride one.
Good luck and have fun deciding!
B Bop
2012 FLHR (Road King) Ember Red Sunglo & Merlo
Cruise Control, ABS, Chrome Aluminum Profile Laced Spoke Tubeless Wheels, Security Package, Saddle Bag LED Lid Spoilers, and an array of accessories that enhances nostalgic appearance & blood curdling performance.
Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.