The 09. As mentioned the accessories are widely available for the newer frame. The 96" motor was an lower compression with mild cams and basically bullet proof. If you want to wake it up cams do wonders for that motor or ride it like it is. I racked 50K on mine before an SUV with a cell phone soccer mom piloting it decided to take it out. I liked it so much I went back and bought a 2010 as a project bike.

 

I ordered/bought new in 2008 an FLHR. Rode it for 10 years w/55,000 miles and was completely satisfied (6-speed transmission, 6 gallon tank, factory ABS brakes & cruise control). But with the upgraded frame in 2009 I'd now look for an 09 or newer. Just my opinion.

 

Not sure it has been mentioned but was the crankshaft still welded by 03, or was the 02 year the last for that? I know the 02's had less crankshaft runout and could more easily be upgraded to gears in place of the timing chains. The 09 definitely has a pressed crank. Also, I have owned both touring frames (02,07,08,10). Riding by myself I never really saw a difference between the two, but with my wife on the back the 2010 hands down was a better frame. Didnt even know she was on there. Having said that, I am back on an old style frame with my 2008 Road King Classic

 

I think 02 was the last year.

 

If you get a pre 09 Road King spend 500 more bucks and get a rear stabilizer ti will be worth it's weight in gold, I kid you not.
Oh yeah I don't know about the cranks being welded, but they were forged instead of cast like they are now, and they were more true with a lot less run out.

 

Get the 09! That 6th gear is a game changer plus you get the 96 TC.

 

Also make sure its black!!!

rk classic.

 

Actually 07 was the first year for the 96 and the 6 speed. It was also the last year for throttle cables.

08 was first year with 6 gallon tank and throttle by wire.

09 was first year for new frame and 180 rear tire.

I prefer the throttle cables. That's why I've kept my 07.

 

The 07 and 08 were somewhat bastard years. Try finding cruise control parts for the 07. It's difficult at best. The gear ratio for the 6 speed in the 07's was way to tall for the anemic 96 to pull. All that was fixed with the 09. The only real issue they had was the straight cut 5th that would wine and bother some people.

 

Only thing I don't like about the '09 is the throttle-by-wire. It has a weird,vague feel to it, & I could never get used to it. That's why I got an '07; only year for throttle cables,& 96" & 6-speed.