02 or 10 RK
I'd buy the 10 or 09 and newer the change to the frame in 09 made was a big difference for my riding style. I'm sure others have also pointed out all the different improvements between 02 and 10. I can't list all the differences there must be in eight years of progress.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 80
Likes: 9
From: South Carolina
It really depends on personal preference so here's mine having owned a 2003 road king and currently 2010 road king. The 2003 had the 95 upgrade chain driven cams and was carbureted. It ran fine, was quick and handled fine, for the most part. I did not like the 5 speed as it didn't take the highway speeds well. I did not like the carb. and the longer wait for warm up. The smaller thank was an issue when riding with friends with the larger tanks. I had to stop for fuel way before they did. Of course the engine mods didn't help. Still, it was one of the best Harleys I have owned. Now riding the 2010 and liking it even more. It's a 103 with the 6 speed trans and handles highway speeds much better. My only concern with this bike when I bought it was the compensator. My dealer did a service history and the compensator had been replaced at around 20k miles. The 2010 is by far my choice. 103 inches, 6 speed, fuel injected, larger tank and the newer frame are my reasons. Still, the older RK is a great bike!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 4,580
Likes: 11,828
From: 3rd stone from the sun
I won't quote Hattitude's entire post, or the other fine responses you've already received, but you'd do well to read through them a few times before making your decision.
For me, those tensioners are a concern if you plan on doing a bunch of riding. Even if the newer bike costs more, consider what you'd have in boring the TC88 and handling the tensioners. Plus, the extra gear can make highway hauling a lot more enjoyable on the 2010. You could upgrade the tran$, or add a 34-tooth tran$ $procket, but add that into the bill and see how it compares between the two.
I REALLY like my '05 Springer, but it already has the hydraulic tensioner update and is currently getting a 34-tooth sprocket on the trans as I type this. YMMV
For me, those tensioners are a concern if you plan on doing a bunch of riding. Even if the newer bike costs more, consider what you'd have in boring the TC88 and handling the tensioners. Plus, the extra gear can make highway hauling a lot more enjoyable on the 2010. You could upgrade the tran$, or add a 34-tooth tran$ $procket, but add that into the bill and see how it compares between the two.
I REALLY like my '05 Springer, but it already has the hydraulic tensioner update and is currently getting a 34-tooth sprocket on the trans as I type this. YMMV
I did the SE cam plate kit with the better oil pump, new chain, tensioners, sprockets. I did a set of mild cams but TQ cams so I swapped the 32 T trans pulley out and threw in the Andrews 34 T and the nice part it didnt require new belt. I was going to go into the primary and swap those sprockets out with new chain but I think it may have been more cost.
That RED NECK 6 speed as we call it down here , was the cats meow on my sled. Took a lot of higher speed vibrations down to a minimum basically dropped about 450 rpms from the whole cluster. I'm 95" and with the cams it gave me a great 1st gear as well. Bike is also carb bike with mikuni 42mm.
No more shifting into 2nd to get thru intersections or RR crossings here. 70 mph at about 2450 aprox where as it was around 3000-3100. Around town 4th gear most of the time now and 5th is my OD. I didnt re-calibrate speedo, and mine is off by 6mph in top gear checked by accurate GPS that I have .I factor that in when wanting to see about MPG which I rarely do anymore. Bike will never be sold. In my will for nephew to receive ! Love that Springer you have there. !!!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,583
From: Wisconsin, USA
I had a 2003 FLHTCUI for 50k miles. I now have a 2012 FLHTK. I have had to repair the 2012 much nore than the '03 and that's in only 4k miles. 13k-17k. Warped rotors, compensator, stator, neutral safety switch, fuel connect. I needed 2 fuel connects and a stator on the '03 but that was at a lot higher miles. I don't noticed any improved handling on the '12 and I don't like the clutch as much, although it takes takes a lot less effort.
The main advantage of the newer bikes is the 6 speed, if you run on interstates. My '03 was perfect on the 2 lanes. 2800 rpm at 65 mph. At 80 it was a buzzy 3300 rpm, and the 2012 is smooth, and I can even hear the stock stereo. I've seen '02s with over 100k miles that look brand new, but I would lean toward the '10, but it depends on the individual bike and previous maintenance, mods, mileage and price.
He probably had the tensioners checked at the 10k mile check because of hysteria over the cam chain tensioners. I had the SE Cam ChainTensioner and oil pump upgrade at 30k. Bike ran great.
The main advantage of the newer bikes is the 6 speed, if you run on interstates. My '03 was perfect on the 2 lanes. 2800 rpm at 65 mph. At 80 it was a buzzy 3300 rpm, and the 2012 is smooth, and I can even hear the stock stereo. I've seen '02s with over 100k miles that look brand new, but I would lean toward the '10, but it depends on the individual bike and previous maintenance, mods, mileage and price.
He probably had the tensioners checked at the 10k mile check because of hysteria over the cam chain tensioners. I had the SE Cam ChainTensioner and oil pump upgrade at 30k. Bike ran great.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,456
Likes: 3,723
From: backwoods
My 88" has 90k. Pulled crank to inspect last year. Stock cam plate and oil pump. Does have timken, same as 2002,and gears. I also replaced cam bearings at 34k when I bored.
I like 5 speed when riding in groups, less shifting.
I have 3 TC FLHs. All comes to money,not like any are unrideable. Obviously things improve with time
I did read some people thought carb was bad. Don't hear that often. I do agree it starts great in spring and warms up nice. But it is not really warm, just idling better. Metal is still cold
I think post 2014 saddlebag latches is the best thing Harley has done in decades. Price they don't care about customers, waiting so long.
Going to come down to money.
And learn your alphabet. Pre 07 i was for fuel injection.
Are we talking FLHR or FLHRC?
I like 5 speed when riding in groups, less shifting.
I have 3 TC FLHs. All comes to money,not like any are unrideable. Obviously things improve with time
I did read some people thought carb was bad. Don't hear that often. I do agree it starts great in spring and warms up nice. But it is not really warm, just idling better. Metal is still cold
I think post 2014 saddlebag latches is the best thing Harley has done in decades. Price they don't care about customers, waiting so long.
Going to come down to money.
And learn your alphabet. Pre 07 i was for fuel injection.
Are we talking FLHR or FLHRC?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 4,034
Likes: 847
From: In The Mountains
Despite what others have posted, I don't see that much difference from the twin cam 88 to the twin cam 96. And I can speak from personal experience. I've owned twin cams from 2004 - 2016. 5 speeds and 6 speeds, 88, 96, and 103" engines. IMHO, the 6 speed is over rated. You don't even need it until at least 75 mph. As is the new frame from '09 up. Everyone raves about how much better it is. Hogwash. After owning the latest, greatest Electra Glide, I sold mine and bought a 2006 Electra Glide Classic. Rides just as nice, has plenty of power with a simple stage 1, and can be easily made to put out more power if that's what you want. Take care of the tensioners, and you've got a rock solid engine. Older 'Glides can be had for a song, which leaves lots of $$$ to make it yours! So, you can guess my vote.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 194
Likes: 86
From: Minnesota
Well I split the difference and found a lower mileage 2005 RK Custom. Been well cared for by the looks of it. I have a question about it that previous owner couldnt answer. It has a SE kit on it. converted to 103, Zippers 2 to 1 exhaust. Oil pressure warm at idle is about 30 and cruising its near or at 50psi. Tuning software was included. It feels pretty tame, or at least very driveable just cruising around town so I assume cams are pretty mild. Anyone recall in the years shortly after 05 what sorta things came with that kit? I do know it was done before 2011. Only thing I cant verify is inside the cam chest yet as its still miserable here to work in unheated garage.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,925
Likes: 8,027
From: poway
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