Buying a Road King Which one?
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 54
Likes: 7
From: In My Head
Buying a Road King Which one?
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.
Last edited by MrMadman399; Apr 12, 2019 at 10:33 PM. Reason: spelling errors
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 54
Likes: 7
From: In My Head
I read about the frame change change but forgot to mark that
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 7,702
Likes: 17,167
From: MA
Is the 03 an anniversary one? Only reason I ask, I liked the color scheme on that 
I have an 02 Classic with about 45k miles on it. Runs like a top. I had the cam tensioners replaced over the winter. My only gripe is there is no 6th gear.
I have an 02 Classic with about 45k miles on it. Runs like a top. I had the cam tensioners replaced over the winter. My only gripe is there is no 6th gear.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,007
Likes: 353
From: Ohio
The later '09 frame would be most rider's choice. The 30k miles isn't much. But what is important is a bike's history re: mods, maintenance, accident record ( if any), and care. All things checking out it boils down to what you are willing to pay to get the more advanced model.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 88
Likes: 25
From: Connecticut
Road Kings
I was in the same boat. Started looking at the older models because they were less money, but by the time I would have done the tensioner update I felt the added bonus of the extra gear, engine support, improved frame were worth it. Not to mention I also got cruise control and you could get abs as well. I also felt the extra height might help me keeping the bike upright when stopped or backing, my knees were more bent on the older frame and felt like I had a little less leverage. Ended up getting an 09 FLHR W10k for 8k, maybe not the best deal in the world, but better than any dealer would ever give me.
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,583
From: Wisconsin, USA
I bought an 03 FLHTCUI, with 2k miles on it in 2011. Its been a great bike. I did have a bottom gasket leak at 30k, I had the SE Cam Chain Tensioner and Oil Pump upgrade installed when I had that fixed.
I never rode a 09, so maybe Im missing out, but ignorance is bliss.
I never rode a 09, so maybe Im missing out, but ignorance is bliss.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 54
Likes: 7
From: In My Head
The later '09 frame would be most rider's choice. The 30k miles isn't much. But what is important is a bike's history re: mods, maintenance, accident record ( if any), and care. All things checking out it boils down to what you are willing to pay to get the more advanced model.
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 54
Likes: 7
From: In My Head
Yes, but its white