Need Some Schooling and Advice On Road Kings
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
Dude
I got a bagger and I'm not sure if I had an xbones I would get rid of it??? But IMHO you should get the newest model you can swing.. The 09+ models are such an improvement over previous years.. If your moving from a softie to an older touring bike it's gonna feel sloppy!! Btw have you ridden a early touring chassis??
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 293
Likes: 0
From: Columbus
I would stay away from 99 to 02 RK's across the board, with the EFI troubles and the cam chain tensioner problems not fixed till later, I would go 04 to 06 like stated above
Why are you looking for an 88"? Cause of price???
Somebody above said it, get the newest model available you can afford. You'll be happier in the long run and get more bang for your buck.
The RK is an awesome ride, you'll love it
Why are you looking for an 88"? Cause of price???
Somebody above said it, get the newest model available you can afford. You'll be happier in the long run and get more bang for your buck.
The RK is an awesome ride, you'll love it
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 421
Likes: 8
From: Easley, SC
Comfort and saddle bags are the reason im going to a rk. I truthfully like a five speed better and like I said ill build the motor and performance from a fuel moto 98 to a fuel moto 106 really isnt a huge deal for me. Glad for your advice its much appreciated I had no idea about the issues from 99 to 02 so ill look for an 04 up
Last edited by HDCrossbones09; Aug 4, 2012 at 11:56 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
Take
That xbones and get some fl hard bags and brackets and some fat spokes and ditch the front fender... Most would have to look twice to realize it wasn't a king... Fwiw I went from a dyna to a flhx and them fltrx and still miss my super glide!!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,229
Likes: 10
From: Oklahoma
I had an '09 Road King and thought at my age I might be better off with a lighter bike, so I sold the RK and bought a new Street Bob. The Street Bob lasted about 6 months then I traded it in on a new '12 RK about 2 weeks ago.
The '09 was a great bike or I would not have bought the '12. The '09 was the last year with no cat. As far as 96 vs 103 goes, the difference to me is that 6th gear is more useable.
As far as a used scooter, my advise is to go more on the condition of the bike than the year, look for relatively low mileage and service records.
Neat thing about a RK is that they are hard to date, unless you are a Harley nut. My '09 was a Classic with wire wheels and wide whites. People were always asking how old it was or saying it was in good shape for an old bike.
Good luck in your quest!
The '09 was a great bike or I would not have bought the '12. The '09 was the last year with no cat. As far as 96 vs 103 goes, the difference to me is that 6th gear is more useable.
As far as a used scooter, my advise is to go more on the condition of the bike than the year, look for relatively low mileage and service records.
Neat thing about a RK is that they are hard to date, unless you are a Harley nut. My '09 was a Classic with wire wheels and wide whites. People were always asking how old it was or saying it was in good shape for an old bike.
Good luck in your quest!
Supporter
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,714
Likes: 650
From: San Ramon, Ca
02 was 1st Yr for Delphi F/I. Also 1st Yr for larger axles.
I believe they had the better lwr/end bearings and forged
crankshaft.
1st Yr for updated Hyd/cam tensioners was 07. Last Yr
for carb was 06.
For tourers, 02 would be one of the best years (if you're
thinking earlier years for budget reasons -- like me -- Ha!)
I believe they had the better lwr/end bearings and forged
crankshaft.
1st Yr for updated Hyd/cam tensioners was 07. Last Yr
for carb was 06.
For tourers, 02 would be one of the best years (if you're
thinking earlier years for budget reasons -- like me -- Ha!)
I would stay away from 99 to 02 RK's across the board, with the EFI troubles and the cam chain tensioner problems not fixed till later, I would go 04 to 06 like stated above
Why are you looking for an 88"? Cause of price???
Somebody above said it, get the newest model available you can afford. You'll be happier in the long run and get more bang for your buck.
The RK is an awesome ride, you'll love it
Why are you looking for an 88"? Cause of price???
Somebody above said it, get the newest model available you can afford. You'll be happier in the long run and get more bang for your buck.
The RK is an awesome ride, you'll love it
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,998
Likes: 655
From: bklyn,ny
I would stay away from 99 to 02 RK's across the board, with the EFI troubles and the cam chain tensioner problems not fixed till later, I would go 04 to 06 like stated above
Why are you looking for an 88"? Cause of price???
Somebody above said it, get the newest model available you can afford. You'll be happier in the long run and get more bang for your buck.
The RK is an awesome ride, you'll love it
Why are you looking for an 88"? Cause of price???
Somebody above said it, get the newest model available you can afford. You'll be happier in the long run and get more bang for your buck.
The RK is an awesome ride, you'll love it
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 7,855
Likes: 11
From: Oroville,Washington.
Get a later model RK,better road bike by a mile.Why you want a slug with an 88 in it is beyond me. My '10 is a stage ll 103,and with the 6 speed,it hauls *** and runs the curves like it's on rails.
ABS,EFI,along with SE pro tuner,and you've got a modern Harley that's a pleasure to ride.Save your money and get a good one.
ABS,EFI,along with SE pro tuner,and you've got a modern Harley that's a pleasure to ride.Save your money and get a good one.
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Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 421
Likes: 8
From: Easley, SC
agreed the 103 stage 2 is prob a blast as well as my 103 stage 4 in my softail but I'm sure once I do a fuel moto 98 with head work it wont be a slacker. I'm not a fan of the 6 speed. I regeared my softail 6 speed because I was never happy with it. but I do totally agree tge 2009 touring bikes are a much nicer ride than the 08 back bikes. (my dad had a 08 street glide and now has a 09) seems like there geared different to may just be me. wish me luck srlling my bones
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: colorado
I found my 08 king for 13,900 with 11,000 miles. Right now the street glide and ultra are the , "cool" bikes to have. The kings are selling at a discount. I'd look hard at an 07 or newer. The 09's and up are of course a tad more expensive. At any rate there's plenty of garage queens for sale at a good price.