"bad" year for the road king?
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Stage I
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1
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"bad" year for the road king?
I am looking at getting my first HD. I am partial to the road king. I have found one that I like, but it is a 1997 with 50,000 miles. Is that too old? Were there any bad years for the road king? Thanks for any info.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,877
Likes: 2
From: Hallsville, Tx.
the older ones have the m&m fuel injection, starting with 1996 ( I believe) unless you're lucky to find a carbed one. 1996 m&m's cannot have downloads for mods, 1997 can accept downloads and can be used with a PCIII. The newer ones have delphi FI which is more trouble free and more tuner stuff is available for them. That being said, mine seems to run fine with stage 1 upgrades and a DFO, although my mileage isn't what I think it should be. Not the best Tech report, but it can give you some questions to ask.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 449
Likes: 1
From: The Woodlands, TX
I have an '01 RK. If I had to do it again I would steer clear of the '98-'01 models only because they use the M&M EFI. There seems to be a better selection of compatible aftermarket and used parts for the '02 - '06 (Dephi EFI), especially if you want to add cruise control. I love the way the carbed EVOs sound and they seem pretty reliable, although I have no direct experience with them.
My brother just about an '06 Road King Classic with 2400 miles on it, Rinehart True Duals, Cruise, Thundermax Autotune, some Wild-1 Chubby 502's, Security, and chrome for $12500ish. That's a heck of a deal. Very good deals to be had out there.
My brother just about an '06 Road King Classic with 2400 miles on it, Rinehart True Duals, Cruise, Thundermax Autotune, some Wild-1 Chubby 502's, Security, and chrome for $12500ish. That's a heck of a deal. Very good deals to be had out there.
Last edited by joewg3; Jun 2, 2010 at 06:30 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: The Tropics
Staying clear of EFIs, the frame change in 1997 is something you might consider. 1994-1996 has a different design from 1997-2007. I think 2008 is a different frame but I could be wrong.
Mine's a 1996, most seats don't fit. If you're looking for seconds, most would fit 1997up.
The only thing you might worry about on the 1997 is the cam bearing. Actually, you have to worry about the cam bearing in all Evos that use the INA bearing. 50K is about time for an INA replacement.
Mine's a 1996, most seats don't fit. If you're looking for seconds, most would fit 1997up.
The only thing you might worry about on the 1997 is the cam bearing. Actually, you have to worry about the cam bearing in all Evos that use the INA bearing. 50K is about time for an INA replacement.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 686
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
I have an '03 and would buy another '03. I think the motors were built stronger for the 2003 year and they have Dephi EFI.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,020
Likes: 69
From: Twin Cities, MN
I have a '99 the first year with the Twin Cam 88". This is one of the years with the faulty cam bearings. Make sure if you get one that they have been replaced.
Mine were replaced and the bike has been a dream after that. With that said it is a carbed bike which I much prefer.
'99's also had the smaller axels, they were changed in 2000 to 1" axels. If you have any interest in aftermarket wheels you may want a 2000 or newer.
Mine were replaced and the bike has been a dream after that. With that said it is a carbed bike which I much prefer.
'99's also had the smaller axels, they were changed in 2000 to 1" axels. If you have any interest in aftermarket wheels you may want a 2000 or newer.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,318
Likes: 26
02 Best year for stock twin cam. Has timken bearing from factory and is pretty bullet proof from what I have read. I had a 98 bagger (FLHT) that was great!! Put 50000 miles on it and its still running good for the new owner. it was carb though. The evo motor is fantastic, just swap cam and bearing and it should be good to go.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,479
Likes: 4
From: SoCal
Don't sweat the older EFI from Magneti-Marelli. HD changed to the Delphi system because looming EPA rules required throttle-by-wire and closed-loop EFI and the TPS-based MM system won't accomodate them. If HD doesn't follow the EPA rules they get no seller's permit for US sales. The MM system is actually simpler in design than the Delphi system (other than dual-throat intake of course) and doesn't present the heat and throttle-response issues that some Delphi users have experienced. The shortcoming of the MM system is setting the cold and warm idle, which is not big deal. Performance upgrades are well tolerated, I went from stock to the current Stage III+configuration shown below. I own an '01, and there are plenty of tuning options available from tuners to closed-loop conversion setups.