Buying a Road King Which one?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,174
Likes: 1,466
From: Charleston, SC
So I decided I am going to buy a Road King and I have been seeing some very very clean 2001-2008 with low miles in the 5k price range. My question is this which would you buy?
Assuming same equipment and paint on both
2003 with 5,000 miles for $5k (5speed,cam tensioners, 88)
2009 with 30,000 plus miles for $8k+(6speed, 96,frame change)
Is it worth it to spend the extra money on the 09? I know about the cam chain tensioners on the 88's. Its been 20 years since i owned a Harley.
I am asking assuming a completely clean title, no accidents no mods. Is it really worth it to buy the 09 for the extra 3 grand.
Assuming same equipment and paint on both
2003 with 5,000 miles for $5k (5speed,cam tensioners, 88)
2009 with 30,000 plus miles for $8k+(6speed, 96,frame change)
Is it worth it to spend the extra money on the 09? I know about the cam chain tensioners on the 88's. Its been 20 years since i owned a Harley.
I am asking assuming a completely clean title, no accidents no mods. Is it really worth it to buy the 09 for the extra 3 grand.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,286
Likes: 3,431
From: Idaho Panhandle
Having owned both, or similar years, there is a huge riding advantage to the 09 and newer. That said, if you'd never ridden the 09 and newer, you'll never know what your missing and could be completely happy as the 03 is a great motorcycle. 02 and older were better as their were engine changes in 03, but these were technical changes to save manufacturing costs and while important discussion points for forums like this, have little impact on riding and longevity in a well maintained motorcycle.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 377
From: Georgia
Whenever I'm asked a "which one" question my usual response is get the newest model you are willing to afford. Lots of reasons for that and most have already been posted above.
Nothing wrong with the 03 and, as it happens, the 03 RK anniversary in silver is one of my favorite Harleys. But, in this case, for an "only" bike I'd go with the 09.
Nothing wrong with the 03 and, as it happens, the 03 RK anniversary in silver is one of my favorite Harleys. But, in this case, for an "only" bike I'd go with the 09.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 619
From: North Dakota & Minnesota
Actually EFI came out in 1995 for Electra Glides as an option and 96' for Road Kings. 95'-01' were the Magnetti Marelli system. The much better Delphi came out in '02.
Thread Starter
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Advanced
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 54
Likes: 7
From: In My Head
The older bikes i am looking at all have fuel injection
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 77
Likes: 3
From: Memphis, TN
I had a '97, guy pulled out in front of me, totaled, bought an '09, wow, huge upgrade. The frame and the tire make a huge difference. 8 is a good price.
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 778
Likes: 178
From: Maine
my friend has the 2003, I have the 2009. The 03 is a sweet looking bike.......but I would never choose it over an 09. Way too many improvement were done from 2003 to 2009. And like someone said, its way easier to find upgrades for the 09. $8000 is a solid price. I got mine for $8000 a year and a half ago. Maybe offer $7500 for the heck of it. Get the 09.