Need Some Schooling and Advice On Road Kings
By now you've read lots of good advice here but I'll throw in my 2 cents anyway.
Just sold an '02 with some miles on it (38K) that ran like a champ with lots of extras for $9200. That's about as good as it gets to find one that's not a beater.
I'd buy any year bike that was in mint condition, but I'd stay with '02 or newer if buying a fuel injected bike. I have no problem with carbed bikes and they go back to '99 if you're looking at Twin Cam only (88 CI) and I believe you are.
Some very early Twin Cams had cam bearing issues but those likely would have been dealt with by now. Never hurts to ask though. Same with cam tensioners on 99-05 that tend to fail near the 30K mile mark (some earlier).
Some good milestones are '06, first year for hydraulic cam tensioners - no more issues there. '07 - first year for 96 CI and six speed and last year for throttle cable, which is a plus to me (I'm a mechanic). One less thing to go wrong. And '09 - the first year of the newer frame (mentioned several times already).
Sounds like you're going older, and if so I like '99-'01 (but carbureted only) but '02 would be my first choice, carbed or injected. As stated it was the last year for Timken tapered crank bearings on both sides for greater strength, first year for larger 1" rear axle, and '02 and newer had the better Delphi fuel injection. I wouldn't let that stop me from buying '03 or newer, just something to consider.
I've owned 01, 02, 03, and 2010. The '02 was the only one I bought used but have enjoyed them all immensely.
Good luck in your search.
Just sold an '02 with some miles on it (38K) that ran like a champ with lots of extras for $9200. That's about as good as it gets to find one that's not a beater.
I'd buy any year bike that was in mint condition, but I'd stay with '02 or newer if buying a fuel injected bike. I have no problem with carbed bikes and they go back to '99 if you're looking at Twin Cam only (88 CI) and I believe you are.
Some very early Twin Cams had cam bearing issues but those likely would have been dealt with by now. Never hurts to ask though. Same with cam tensioners on 99-05 that tend to fail near the 30K mile mark (some earlier).
Some good milestones are '06, first year for hydraulic cam tensioners - no more issues there. '07 - first year for 96 CI and six speed and last year for throttle cable, which is a plus to me (I'm a mechanic). One less thing to go wrong. And '09 - the first year of the newer frame (mentioned several times already).
Sounds like you're going older, and if so I like '99-'01 (but carbureted only) but '02 would be my first choice, carbed or injected. As stated it was the last year for Timken tapered crank bearings on both sides for greater strength, first year for larger 1" rear axle, and '02 and newer had the better Delphi fuel injection. I wouldn't let that stop me from buying '03 or newer, just something to consider.
I've owned 01, 02, 03, and 2010. The '02 was the only one I bought used but have enjoyed them all immensely.
Good luck in your search.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 16,125
Likes: 24
From: Linden New Jersey
Any bites on your CrossBones?
Reason I ask, Iam thinking of moving up in model years, but with the economy, most peps aren't looking to buy toys.
Good luck in finding the perfect bike for yourself
Reason I ask, Iam thinking of moving up in model years, but with the economy, most peps aren't looking to buy toys.
Good luck in finding the perfect bike for yourself
You'll love the King, but you'll be even happier if you can get a 09 or newer. The frame is a big upgrade and the 96 is a great motor. I had an oil cooler installed before I even took delivery and, looking back, I think that was a good decision, I just wish I would have gone with one that had a fan. Also, have Cruise and ABS and really glad to have both. I replaced my compensator with the SE Comp and wished I would have done that much sooner. I'm on the fence about the cat, some say it runs cooler without, but I don't want to get into a bunch of tuning issues and it runs like a top as is, so I really don't want to mess with it righ now.
The only other issues were the OEM seat and the handlebars ... both have been covered ad nauseum on here.
Good Luck,
Mike
The only other issues were the OEM seat and the handlebars ... both have been covered ad nauseum on here.
Good Luck,
Mike
You'll love the King, but you'll be even happier if you can get a 09 or newer. The frame is a big upgrade and the 96 is a great motor. I had an oil cooler installed before I even took delivery and, looking back, I think that was a good decision, I just wish I would have gone with one that had a fan. Also, have Cruise and ABS and really glad to have both. I replaced my compensator with the SE Comp and wished I would have done that much sooner. I'm on the fence about the cat, some say it runs cooler without, but I don't want to get into a bunch of tuning issues and it runs like a top as is, so I really don't want to mess with it righ now.
The only other issues were the OEM seat and the handlebars ... both have been covered ad nauseum on here.
Good Luck,
Mike
The only other issues were the OEM seat and the handlebars ... both have been covered ad nauseum on here.
Good Luck,
Mike
Mike, I just bought a 2010 and don't like the bars or the seat (imagine that
How do you like the Mustang seat and what did you do for bars? I think I'd like bars and inch or two higher but don't wanna change all the cables and such and the stock seat sucks, kind of a bummer on a nearly $20K bike.
Mike, I just bought a 2010 and don't like the bars or the seat (imagine that
How do you like the Mustang seat and what did you do for bars? I think I'd like bars and inch or two higher but don't wanna change all the cables and such and the stock seat sucks, kind of a bummer on a nearly $20K bike.
How do you like the Mustang seat and what did you do for bars? I think I'd like bars and inch or two higher but don't wanna change all the cables and such and the stock seat sucks, kind of a bummer on a nearly $20K bike.
I went with WO502s, the 12 1/2" apes and I did have to change out the clutch cable and brake lines to +4 inches, also had to solder +4 extensions in the wiring inside the handlebars. They're comfy enough, but I think they're a bit too high. I wish I had gone for something lower and with more pullback. I've never been much of a fan of apes, but I caved in to all the posts about how comfy they are. I'm thinking of a winter project that that involves another handlebar swap. But, I'm also anxious to see the new 2013 UC Limiteds, so that might take care of it as well!
Mike
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From:
Look @ the 02 or 03 CVO Road King.
02- Already a 95", delphi FI, solid bottom end. The red ones are a little hard to find but IMO one of the best looking scoots HD has ever put out.
03- is a 103. Very dependable motor for a basis for your mods. Only come in the gold but if you like em no issue.
You can go with the conversion cam set up to address the tensioner issue when your upgrading the motor or when the tensioners need replaced. Of course you could go with gear drive cams and eliminate the issue all together.
The 09 - later frame is nice. But it is not a deal maker IMO. With the right suspension either CVO will be sweet.
I have two RK and a SG. If I was down to one bike - it will be one of the Kings.
JW
02- Already a 95", delphi FI, solid bottom end. The red ones are a little hard to find but IMO one of the best looking scoots HD has ever put out.
03- is a 103. Very dependable motor for a basis for your mods. Only come in the gold but if you like em no issue.
You can go with the conversion cam set up to address the tensioner issue when your upgrading the motor or when the tensioners need replaced. Of course you could go with gear drive cams and eliminate the issue all together.
The 09 - later frame is nice. But it is not a deal maker IMO. With the right suspension either CVO will be sweet.
I have two RK and a SG. If I was down to one bike - it will be one of the Kings.
JW
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: Mississippi
Okay, my .02 worth.....find a low mileage fuel injected 06 and build from there. if you have the cash, you can go to a 95in Stage II tune, install the S.E. six speed gear set which gives you true over drive which is great over 65mph. If you search complaints on baggers in this forum, they really cranked up with the 07 models. everyone is generally going to recommend what they ride and I am doing the same, but I have had a blast upgrading mine with ZERO mechanical or design problems, just quality steps to improve performance, comfort and looks to suit me. Now don't get me wrong, I have spent more on it since I bought it than what it cost me to roll it off the showroom floor new, but that is part of the Harley fun.....so if you can pick up a quality scoot without a lot of mods at a good price...go for it
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