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I have always loved the look of the Evo and early TC Road Kings. I just sold my FXR and am in the market for a Road King. I know newer is typically better, but there is something about those bikes that look very balanced and having only owned and ridden Evo's the controls on the early TC's just seem...well...familiar.
I've been hunting for a super clean pristine Road King. I found a completely stock pristine (covered in a garage its entire life) 2002 with 11k miles for around $8000 (Delphi EFI). I also found a 2014 that is completely stock and older female owned with 15k miles for $12,000.
I'm honestly split between which direction to go with nostalgia and familiarity giving a slight edge to the 2002.
I had an '03 Road King for over 5 years and now have a '13 Road King Police for the last year..... go for the '14 if you can.
New Frame - I like the handling better. And I am even switching to the single lever saddlebags, not sure if you can do that on the older one.
I did like the '03 a lot, its a great bike too, but I think its worth it to get the newer one if you can afford it.
Although many people say the 2002 bike was the last of the good bikes from HD, short of the chain tensioner issue, you are going to have to really love that bike at 8 grand because you are never going to sell it down the road for more than 5000 in the next couple of years.
The 14 is still going to have some factory support for parts, where parts for a near 20 year old bike are going to be hard to find if they are unique to that era.... yes there is aftermarket support but HD is obsoleting parts at a record pace.
A 2002 in pristine condition with tires that are not more than 5 years old, knowing you are going to be replacing the tensioners, brake lines, fork seals, and a couple of other wear/perishable items would be a buy at 4500, 5000 tops.
The '14 without question. That frame handles so well and there were a lot of improvements in that span of time. Especially for the prices of both. You'll have a better running better handling bike for a decent price.
At those prices the 2014 would be my choice...but if the 2002 was priced with number thats more realistic, like 5k then I'd take the 2002...Timken, good crank. Fix the tensioner and ride.
Like you, I also like the old Twin Cams (and a well maintained EVO)..... I have two old Twin Cams that I love and will never sell. I also have a 2016 Rushmore bagger.
All feelings aside, I have to admit that the 2016 is a much better bike in many ways...
At those prices you quoted, the 2002 is overpriced... If they are similar in condition and have been maintained at the same level, the 2014 is a much better value...
Keep in mind it's a buyers market right now.. so these prices are probably a little optimistic...
IMHO...
If in perfect condition, well maintained, and the tensioners have been upgraded, the absolutely "I HAVE to have it" price on the 2002 would be $5,500... Without the tensioners being upgraded, $4,700 tops...
If in perfect condition, and well maintained, the absolutely "I HAVE to have it" price on the 2002 would be fair at $12,000. I'd probably try to get it for $11,500...
Obviously, any issues or needs on either bike would drop those offering prices...
Good luck with your decision...
Last edited by hattitude; Feb 21, 2021 at 09:17 PM.
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2002 or 2014 Road King
