1997 road king 95k miles
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,447
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From: Northern VA
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
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From: backwoods
Hello, I am currently riding a 2007 sportster 1200 custom and saw a nice looking 97 road king with 95k miles on it near me. I am considering upgrading but am concerned about the mileage. Oldest bikes I have owned were 78 and 79 honda CBs. I am not afraid to wrench but I dont want to be spending a ton of money and never getting to ride this thing. Dealer says that it has new super e carb, new battery, oil change, new tires and ignition done as of this winter, has not been ridden since. What do those in the know about evos think?
https://baldeaglehd.com/inventory/457678/1997-flhr
https://baldeaglehd.com/inventory/457678/1997-flhr
They are easy to work on with a factory manual. But again I would go lower miles. I would give up flashy paint, for lower miles too.
Before covid $5k would get you nice TC. Now maybe need $2k more, I don't know what you have for money, People ask to much, but I also don't really know what they are getting.
Moral of the story, if if was my bike, I would keep riding it, if I was buying one, I would keep shopping.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
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From: backwoods
As for 2006 was last year of carbs. FI sure starts nice in the spring, or any time for that matter. Unless you are doing builds, FI is nice. Even when doing builds, canned maps are probably as good as the limited adjustments you get out of a carb.
I would stay away from M&M fuel injection. First year of delphi in touring bikes was 2002. Some models still had carbs until 2006, I think. FLHR was probably carbed until end. Not sure.
TC88 bored, cammed, head work, is a great bang for the buck, and will make more power than most EPA bigger engines. Again its an older bike where stuff starts to fail.
You mentioned Sturgis, been there a few times. After going through my 2001 with 90k, I was thinking I would take it again. Coil failed for second time and CPK. I was thinking of replacing when I had engine and tranny out that spring, based on age.
I would stay away from M&M fuel injection. First year of delphi in touring bikes was 2002. Some models still had carbs until 2006, I think. FLHR was probably carbed until end. Not sure.
TC88 bored, cammed, head work, is a great bang for the buck, and will make more power than most EPA bigger engines. Again its an older bike where stuff starts to fail.
You mentioned Sturgis, been there a few times. After going through my 2001 with 90k, I was thinking I would take it again. Coil failed for second time and CPK. I was thinking of replacing when I had engine and tranny out that spring, based on age.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 3,041
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From: Bunola pa
i just found a 98 road king in indiana, a day trip for the op, for 4500 with 52k on it and factory paint. i think thats a good deal. this bike should be a good bit less with almost 100k and crap paint.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 798
Likes: 726
From: Moncton, NB
These are all good points, I personally do like classic bikes and carbs, as previously mentioned I had 70s hondas. And I like the paint lol, however my wife is talking about going to sturgis now and I dont know if I would trust this for 18 hours and back. There are no records according to the dealer so I suppose I'll pass to be safe. It wasn't really a money issue either I just like vintage bikes. I really dont feel like rebuilding an engine mount or something halfway to the dakotas though. Thanks for all the advice!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
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From: backwoods
It might be best to expand your search outside of area. Rent a trailer or wait until spring and ride it home. Prices may be good right now, but they might be better outside UP. You might find another dealer who will store it until spring. Some dealers probably have them in storage anyways, depending on how big they are. I wouldn't rule out private sales, you save a lot. Plus you might get more thrown in.
When I was looking at used bikes at the dealer, the were stripped down. I don't know if the seller does that and resells, or dealer thinks stock is better because some people might not like changes.
Also consider a fairing, you will ride it a lot more. Cold mornings and nights in UP. Plus a store back is good place to store jackets and hoodies during the day.
When I was looking at used bikes at the dealer, the were stripped down. I don't know if the seller does that and resells, or dealer thinks stock is better because some people might not like changes.
Also consider a fairing, you will ride it a lot more. Cold mornings and nights in UP. Plus a store back is good place to store jackets and hoodies during the day.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Driftless Area
My '93 is over 100,000. It's been thoroughly maintained by me, and I wouldn't hesitate to take it anywhere.
The fact that some of you think it's worthless is a plus, as a theft deterrent.
The fact that some of you think it's worthless is a plus, as a theft deterrent.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
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From: Oxford, Nc
My thinking is that even without the title issue, bikes pushing 100,000 miles follow the same depreciation as cars with 200,000 miles. Little resale.