Harley Road King
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 64
Likes: 1
From: Middle of Massachusetts
New Frame
Went from an 03 FLHRKC 28,000 to a 2010 SG now with almost 20,000....IMHO...big difference in handling. I Like the 96' with a few tweaks, ( PCV, V&H'S power duels, full flow air, and dynoed). For some reason I wanted to go faster with age.....and I certainly am now!
"Speed safely"
"Speed safely"
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Road King
Great to see all the replies. Thanks everyone!
Spoke to some owners of the RK and one very experienced mechanic. He does not think the new frame is going to make much of a difference to my kind of riding. Seems like the concern from him n some owners is the reliability and ease of maintenance of the late models compared to the early models. EFI engine vs carb model...new throttle....etc. There is a good chance that the 97 engine can be rebuilt to higher hp, new carbs...etc. I think what im really keen about is the opportunity to build something to what i like. On the 2010 model, im going to be parting with lots of cash on the bike n more to customize it to what I love. Based on a early calculations, rebuilding the engine, carbs, tank design, wheels..etc. on the 97 will still cheaper than the 2010 model.
Im leaning more to the 97 as i get to build something special. On the 2010, im going to be limited on that. Im going to do abit more homework and i do appreciate everyone's inputs. Cheers!
Spoke to some owners of the RK and one very experienced mechanic. He does not think the new frame is going to make much of a difference to my kind of riding. Seems like the concern from him n some owners is the reliability and ease of maintenance of the late models compared to the early models. EFI engine vs carb model...new throttle....etc. There is a good chance that the 97 engine can be rebuilt to higher hp, new carbs...etc. I think what im really keen about is the opportunity to build something to what i like. On the 2010 model, im going to be parting with lots of cash on the bike n more to customize it to what I love. Based on a early calculations, rebuilding the engine, carbs, tank design, wheels..etc. on the 97 will still cheaper than the 2010 model.
Im leaning more to the 97 as i get to build something special. On the 2010, im going to be limited on that. Im going to do abit more homework and i do appreciate everyone's inputs. Cheers!
Road Captain
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 532
Likes: 10
From: Cottleville, Mo.
RE: Harley Road King
I traded my 08 Ultra for an 11 Road King. I personally can tell the difference between the frames. I ride a lot of 2 up and the new bike seems to be a lot more stable and tight around curves.
So what is the color of the newer bike you don't like?
So what is the color of the newer bike you don't like?
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,255
Likes: 1
From: Superior, WI
I vote for the 2010. You are going to make it yours anyway, so paint is an option. The new frame is worth it to me (and many others if you decide to sell later). They have the CAT in the header, so if the exhaust already isn't updated, I would look at getting a new header for it.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 696
Likes: 12
I have two softails and a Roadking. I love my Softails, at one point in time I had 3! But damn the Roadking is just too damn comfortable!!! I have absolutely no fatigue once I get off of it. It certainly is my favorite bike of the bunch, but no way in hell I would part with my softails. Good luck to you, and you should go for the '09 and later model.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public
Verdad Gallardo
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky
I have a 98 RKC. Love it, last of the Evo's.
Not as much new electronic stuff to break down.
Easy to work on.
May have to check all your rubber parts like brake lines, tires, fuel lines etc for break down or rot esp if it's been kept outside.
I bought mine last year,it was garage kept and in like new condition.
Rebuilt the rear master cylinder will do the front because of the age and replace the brake lines.
Not as much new electronic stuff to break down.
Easy to work on.
May have to check all your rubber parts like brake lines, tires, fuel lines etc for break down or rot esp if it's been kept outside.
I bought mine last year,it was garage kept and in like new condition.
Rebuilt the rear master cylinder will do the front because of the age and replace the brake lines.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
OK here's the deal:
1. The '97 will have the best resale value, in terms of being able to sell it for close to what you paid. I'm assuming you can get it around the 6-7 grand mark (what they're going for around here) and 5 years from now, assuming you maintain it, should not be worth much less. It will also be a PITA to source parts, and many accessories sold today won't fit it. Prolly have the best motor in terms of longevity.
2. The '010 has the new frame,IMHO not worth the hubbub unless you're a canyon carver at speed. Normal riding,you won't notice the difference. It also has the TBW, which I would ABSOLUTELY NOT own--way too unpredictable, and the lag is annoying as hell. Hard to clutch away from a stop as throttle input "feel" is gone, and easy to stall out. I want my hand connected to my EFI with a cable, not a digital signal. Not to mention the heat issue. '010 is the best looking & smoothest riding (because of the TBW & IDS) out of the 3, IMHO, but will have the worst resale in terms of the "hit" you will take compared to what you pay for it.
3. I would go for the '03. Prolly get it for around 9grand,I guess, keep it for a few years & take a 1 or 2 grand hit. Plus it will be easy to get parts, has throttle cables, and the 100th paint looks great.! ESPECIALLY if it's gunmetal.
1. The '97 will have the best resale value, in terms of being able to sell it for close to what you paid. I'm assuming you can get it around the 6-7 grand mark (what they're going for around here) and 5 years from now, assuming you maintain it, should not be worth much less. It will also be a PITA to source parts, and many accessories sold today won't fit it. Prolly have the best motor in terms of longevity.
2. The '010 has the new frame,IMHO not worth the hubbub unless you're a canyon carver at speed. Normal riding,you won't notice the difference. It also has the TBW, which I would ABSOLUTELY NOT own--way too unpredictable, and the lag is annoying as hell. Hard to clutch away from a stop as throttle input "feel" is gone, and easy to stall out. I want my hand connected to my EFI with a cable, not a digital signal. Not to mention the heat issue. '010 is the best looking & smoothest riding (because of the TBW & IDS) out of the 3, IMHO, but will have the worst resale in terms of the "hit" you will take compared to what you pay for it.
3. I would go for the '03. Prolly get it for around 9grand,I guess, keep it for a few years & take a 1 or 2 grand hit. Plus it will be easy to get parts, has throttle cables, and the 100th paint looks great.! ESPECIALLY if it's gunmetal.