2002 Road King - Keep or Upgrade?
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 116
Likes: 29
From: Delaware
2002 Road King - Keep or Upgrade?
Hey Folks,
Would like some opinions in what your thoughts would be for next steps.
I have a 2002 Road King Classic with 33k miles. Year and half ago, it was upgraded to a 95 and the cam tensioners were upgraded at the same time. Bike runs well but the suspension is starting to ride rough. I need to either upgrade the suspension or maybe buy a low mileage 2012-2016 which has upgraded frame and suspension and 6 speed. I really like the 6 speed which I have in my 2008 Heritage Softail.
My dilemma is should I continue to throw money into a 17 year bike or move up. It has plenty of power and the 5 speed is acceptable. I ride mostly two up and have a very comfortable Mustang seat. I have the money to throw at another bike but hate to spend when not needed. Like you folks, I work hard for my money and like to keep it. lol
Other info that may be part of the equation. I'm 6'4" at 200lbs. My wife is a lightweight as well.
Thanks In Advance!
Pete
Would like some opinions in what your thoughts would be for next steps.
I have a 2002 Road King Classic with 33k miles. Year and half ago, it was upgraded to a 95 and the cam tensioners were upgraded at the same time. Bike runs well but the suspension is starting to ride rough. I need to either upgrade the suspension or maybe buy a low mileage 2012-2016 which has upgraded frame and suspension and 6 speed. I really like the 6 speed which I have in my 2008 Heritage Softail.
My dilemma is should I continue to throw money into a 17 year bike or move up. It has plenty of power and the 5 speed is acceptable. I ride mostly two up and have a very comfortable Mustang seat. I have the money to throw at another bike but hate to spend when not needed. Like you folks, I work hard for my money and like to keep it. lol
Other info that may be part of the equation. I'm 6'4" at 200lbs. My wife is a lightweight as well.
Thanks In Advance!
Pete
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 17,684
Likes: 6,062
From: Niagara, Ontario, Canada
Couple shocks and front springs, maybe about $1200, and all is good. Sounds like you have an attachment to it. If after that, not like you've thrown to much money into it, trade up. The shock/spring upgrade sure you will get some of that back.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 521
Likes: 31
From: Nebraska
Trending Topics
Banned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,406
Likes: 834
From: Straight Jacket Memories and Sedative Highs
Keep in mind the 6 speeds that come stock, may not be what you think they are. I was hoping for another gear.
If you did cams and heads, you got a bike faster than many EPA compliant bikes.
But this is one of those questions, only you can answer. I have an 01 FLHR, and 07 FLHTCU. They made some little changes just in those years. WTF didn't they extend the rear brake and kickstand tab decades ago. I like the 2nd tripometer. 07 is hotter. Can't get emergency belt for 07.
Myself, I'd keep it, and probably get a second bike. Can't have to many bikes.
If you did cams and heads, you got a bike faster than many EPA compliant bikes.
But this is one of those questions, only you can answer. I have an 01 FLHR, and 07 FLHTCU. They made some little changes just in those years. WTF didn't they extend the rear brake and kickstand tab decades ago. I like the 2nd tripometer. 07 is hotter. Can't get emergency belt for 07.
Myself, I'd keep it, and probably get a second bike. Can't have to many bikes.
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
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,097
Likes: 307
From: mid Michigan
If you can be content with fixing it up do so, it will be much cheaper. If you do fix it up, then still think you might want a newer one then might as well do it from the get go. If you do keep it do as mentioned plus all motor mounts & adjust the steering head.
Last year of the good engine bearings, first year of Delphi Injection instead of MM in touring, 2002 had upgraded rear shocks and swingarm, 2002 was a good year for touring bikes. Just sayin...
