Hi guys,

I'm going to buy Road King... I'm already proud owner of Dyna 2008 and Sportster 2005 and now I will try to ride one of touring models. I like pure motocycle lines, so all Glides I rejected. Road King is my target.

Budget is limited, so my search is limited to late '90 and earlier '00. Target - Road King 2003 (anniversary edition). I don't have experience with Road King overall. What will be better choice for everyday use: late EVO or 88 TC ? What's the difference in feeling in terms of power ?

Could you tell me for what specific points I need to take speciall care before buy ? Suspension ? Steering ? Brakes ? Engine ? What are most popular / common problems with these RK ? For what upgrades should I be prepared after purchase ?

Thx for help in advance,
Premol

 

I have an '03 RKC, and I would tell you to either go with a late model carburetor EVO, or specifically a 2002. Even though I love my '03, the carburetor EVOs are solid engines and platforms to deal with, and the 2002 TC year still has the better crank and stuff, which gives you some good options when dealing with the cam chain tensioners.

 

TC 88 is much more powerful than 80" Evo. Get a carbed '99-'02. '02 was first year of good fuel injection and last year of good crank.

 

Dont be scared of the mm. For a little more than the cost of a tuner you can swap in zippers ecm which ive heard cures most problems.

 

Can't speak for MM. But my carbed '99 has been nothing but 100% reliable.
Yes I took care of the cam bearings and cam tensioners, and yes there has been some expected maintenance like a starter. But besides that this bike still drives like an absolute dream at 85K.

Ask me about the Andrew 21 cams. Those really made this motor run like a locomotive. Love them.

 

Since you already have a dyna & an XL, are you going to be using the king for longer trips? I think if you're going to be actually "touring" on it, the model years with a six gallon tank and six speed would be a better fit. Of course that's all given what your priorities are.

 

I'm going to use this RK for touring (always solo). Dyna is OK but 300 miles / day is max what I can reach on it. Sure, I know that 6 speed with 96 or 103 TC is better, but from second side - my XL have 5 speed and even on highways is good enough. My traveling speed is around 60-75mph, so I think that RK even with standard engine (no extra cams or other performace parts) should be good enough.

 

I tour all the time with the 5-speed and 5-gallon tank, zero issues when riding with buds with bigger tanks.

It's easy when you have a 3-gallon bladder.

 

Ain't that the truth!

OP, a good friend of mine had an 03 anniversary RK. He had it from 05 until a few months ago. Before he got it it had several engine upgrades including 96", cams, pipes, air cleaner. It was an incredibly strong, reliable bike that I rode several times two up with the wife. We're not small people and it always preformed flawlessly. He sold it to another friend this past spring and he rides it several times a week.

 

I'm on my second Road King my first being a 2006 bought new My New one a 2017 M8 Police Model. I really like the Police Models on 07 up you get a 103 eng and that super comfy police seat. 09's have a greatly improved chasis
and are worth the extra money. 03 anaverserys are good bike but get good resale to the point that you could have bought an 09 up. I love the Road King its truly the do it all Harley YMMV
PHX