Hello to all,

I am new to H-D and soon new to Arizona. I have been advised in another forum of this site (and by my posterior) that the Road King is the bike of choice. I wish I could buy a new one, but that is out of my range.

I noticed while looking through add-ons and accessories, that there seems to be a break after the 1999 year model regarding the frame. I am looking at a 1997 RK. Other than the Evo/TC, can anyone tell me if there is a difference and what it may be.

Is there any particular production years I should shy away from?

Thanks to all,
-John

 

Looking at bikes that age, condition is more important than design variations. There were some issues with swing arms, I'm not exactly sure what years, but the swingarm can and may have been replaced.
All of the touring bikes use the same frame, engine and trans.

 

Significant changes were made to the frame in 2009. Most who have older and newer models much prefer the stability of the 2009 and later. However, the pre-2009 bikes are still great bikes and have no problems that I know of.

 

There was a swingarm change in 2002, to a superior and stiffer design. I have retrofitted an 07 to my 1990 Glide. There have been other minor changes, such as the way the seat is fixed on and the Evo engine had upgrades around 1994. When you have it post pics, then call by the Evo forum!

 

Appreciate the info, folks.

I took the plunge and bought it. Pix and ad info included here.

Thanks to all.
-J

Classified Ad:
1997 Harley-Davidson FLHR ROADKING CUSTOMIZED BEYOND MOST DREAMS. THIS IS DEFINATELY NOT YOUR DADS ROAD KING. IT HAS ALL THE STYLEING OF A REALLY CUSTOM BIKE COMBINED WITH A COMFORTABLE LONG DISTANCE CRUISER NOT TO MENTION INCREDIBLY FAST !!!!! (thousands and thousands of dollars have been spent on this bike)

ONE BAD A$$ SCOOTER WITH 45K MILES, BIG BORE MOTOR KIT 103 ci., APE HANGERS , CUSTOM GHOST FLAME PAINT JOB , CHROME CONTOLS , D&D EXHAUST SYSTEM , 40 SPOKE WHEELS , NEW ROAD KING HARD LEATHER BAGS OVER $1300 VALUE , DANNY GRAY CUSTOM FLAMED SEAT( and turfted 2 up seat), CUSTOM AIR CLEANER , ALL STEEL BRAIDED LINES AND WIREING , NEAR NEW TIRES, MOUSTACHE HWY CRASH BARS , RUNNING LIGHTS , NOSTALGIC 1962 TANK EMBLEMS , ALERON GRIPS, FLAMED SHIFTER, DOCUMENT STORAGE.

THIS BIKE IS SO NICE AND IT HAS JUST HAD A FULL SERVICE, IT RUNS AND RIDES ABSOLUTELY GREAT, NO OIL LEAKS, AND HAS A CLEAN AZ TITLE (NO TAX) This is an incredible bike with an incredible look and is the ultimate cruiser.

 

Some of the 05's had valve seal problems.

 

Congrats on the new ride. welcome

 

Nice bike!

 

congrats! the ghost flames look cool.

I love my "older" Road King.

 

Congrats on the new sled, nice paint and apes! Welcome to the forum