older roadking
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5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
older roadking
I am in the market for a big twin cruiser and love both the new softail deluxe and roadking. However 18Gs is a lot of money and I don’t want to make payments. I see quite a few 90’s era roadkings for sale on the net and wondered if anyone could offer their opinion regarding reliability, problems or benefits of these bikes. Many are priced 10k and lower which fits my budget a little better. I am not afraid to get my hands greasy but I don’t want to buy something that is going to need constant work. All advice is welcome.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,479
Likes: 4
From: SoCal
RE: older roadking
I recommend the first few years of the Twin Cam Road Kings.A lot of prospective buyers are under the false impression these bikes had issues, and especially the Magneti-Marelli EFI bikes. When used buyers are looking for '02-and-up FLH bikes, the '99-'01 models are (incorrectly) considered the ugly sisters. You can bargain for one of these for about the same cash layout as a late-model EVO and take full advantage of the myth.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From:
RE: older roadking
Just bought a 99 RKC this summer with 42k miles on it. I had my doubts but as the primary testrider for the radio company I've put a LOT ofmiles on the twin cam touring bikes so I figured Iwould know right off if something wasn't kosher on it. It runs and rides like a champ now that I have new tires on it & new fork oil & wheel bearings. I got it for less than half the price you quoted. Picked it up in Florida and rode 815 miles home the same day, figured if it had problems 800 miles at 85 mph would flush them out. No issues whatsoever (did not use a drop of oil) and other than planning to do some maintenance & upgrades this winter I don't anticipate having to work on it much. As long as the lubricants are changed & the bike is serviced regularly they will last for a LONG, LONGtime.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,462
Likes: 619
RE: older roadking
I had a '99RKC that I sold a little over a year ago. It was a great bike. I would recommend checking/changing out the cam bearings. Early TC's did have problems here. My bike was FI and I agree with the above poster. There was nothing wrong with it. It had it's quirks, but nothing I ever considered a problem. Some will say you can't build the engines with the M&M system. I put a mild big bore kit with cams and heads on mine and didn't have any trouble. I'm sure the system has a limit, and I won't argue the Delphi system is not better, but a well taken care of '99 - '01 RK is a great bike.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 643
Likes: 0
RE: older roadking
[quote]ORIGINAL: Firetender
I recommend the first few years of the Twin Cam Road Kings.A lot of prospective buyers are under the false impression these bikes had issues, and especially the Magneti-Marelli EFI bikes. When used buyers are looking for '02-and-up FLH bikes, the '99-'01 models are (incorrectly) considered the ugly sisters. You can bargain for one of these for about the same cash layout as a late-model EVO and take full advantage of the myth.
[/quote
You're absolutely right.
I never ever had a problem with my '99 RKC ( 40000 miles)
Greetz Peter
I recommend the first few years of the Twin Cam Road Kings.A lot of prospective buyers are under the false impression these bikes had issues, and especially the Magneti-Marelli EFI bikes. When used buyers are looking for '02-and-up FLH bikes, the '99-'01 models are (incorrectly) considered the ugly sisters. You can bargain for one of these for about the same cash layout as a late-model EVO and take full advantage of the myth.
[/quote
You're absolutely right.
I never ever had a problem with my '99 RKC ( 40000 miles)
Greetz Peter
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
RE: older roadking
Bought my '96 Road King in late March of this year and have ridden just under 10K miles with no mechanical problems at all. Bike now has over 56,000 miles on it.
Be aware that Harley made changes to the frame for the 1997 and newer models(versus the 94-96 models). Aftermarket seat selection is greater for the 97+ models, as well assome other parts.
Be safe and enjoy, they are great bikes.
BK
Be aware that Harley made changes to the frame for the 1997 and newer models(versus the 94-96 models). Aftermarket seat selection is greater for the 97+ models, as well assome other parts.
Be safe and enjoy, they are great bikes.
BK
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 776
Likes: 1
From:
RE: older roadking
Gotta agree with everything above. Only exception, I would try for an 00 or later. Harley changed over to sealed wheel bearing in 00, and do not require the packing of grease like the 99 and earlier tapered bearings. Good luck with your search....
