Going to look at an 03 RK Classic today, 25k on the clock, looks real nice and clean in pics, ghost flame red paint, owner says it has been dealer maintained but has not had the tensioner update. Wasn’t aware of the issue apparently. A local shop says he can do the hydrolic kit for about a grand or just under, is it worth it if I can grab this bike for 5k? Has a tour pack maybe upgraded bars and some chrome too. He got it from a relative so he is not sure about the bars.

I believe he is the second owner, so that is a possibility. It does have a look that I like a lot, that red ghost flame paint is crack to a fireman!

What kind of warning? Specific noise I should listen for?

If i do get it i plan on taking it to a shop and having it gone over, I’d be a fool if I didn’t, l usually know my limits, but not always ��

For $5,000 and if it’s in great shape....all day every day. The 88 is a great motor that tend to get overlooked because of the tensioners. Have someone look at it and see the condition of the outside and inside tensioner. If it wasn’t ridden hard you can get a lot of miles out of those. No need to fix what isn’t broke (or near broke). Even if you put a grand into it right off the bat then $6000 for that bike is still solid....especially with a tour pack. If you don’t want it....let me know, I’ll grab it!!!

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.hdf...0d77def6b.jpeg
RKC 03
Owner seemed to think it may have been painted. Needed new grips, left was loose, set didnt match. States cruise tends play catch up, no experience on this end with that. Danny grey seat was nice, tour pack was nice. One thumb sized spot of clear coat on the front fender peeling, a few bolt heads here and there had a little rust, it is an 03 after all. One thing I’m learning is that pictures always look better! The one issue is that the original speedo died and was replaced with one of those tach combo units, only it started at zero. He said it was done at an independent shop, not sure why they would do that. His title from 2012 says about 8300 miles, the new speedo says a bit over 14k, he estimates the bike at 28k, no mention of that in his ad. Seemed like a nice ride, big difference from the sporty. Boy i like those floor boards. Sure is heavy though, new riding style for sure. Certainly wasn’t perfect, but nice enough for me, I’m really more concerned about getting the tensioner update resolved or checked out. Also, the DMV in CT is awful, if the mileage makes registration or title a hassle, that alone might make me pass.

It does look perfect in the photos, it does not in person, still nice for an 03.Trying to work on a number of clean up item costs vs. a bike thats good to go. There was a sound from the front at driveway speed, maybe from the new brakework or a bearing or something up front, did not notice it on the road. Some nuts and bolts had a little rust, shouldn’t be to hard to do that, grips need to go. Tail pipe tips are flaking and need changing. Has one key fob, does not do anything, do I even need it? Says the cruise surges to catch up to speed, us that common? Having never owned a king before I am leary, especially with the unknown mileage factor, if I was a bike mechanic doing a build I think this would be a no brainer. So many for sale out there, wise for me to be cautious.

After a talk with the local indy shop about cost of the tensioner upgrade i took a pass, gonna hope the taxman is good to me and look for one that has been done or 07 up. Anyone who is interested can check the hartford ct craigslist for the ad, thank you all for the responses.

I’m willing to keep looking, going to try and find a bike that has been updated or 07 or newer, just ran into a guy at my job selling his 02 classic asking 5.5k in the spring, so there out there. I have some time till spring.