New road king
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
If you can afford it, the 2014 seems to be a great bike with the changes they made. I'm happy with my 2011, but it has the 96" motor compared to the 103" that also came out that year and has been stock ever since. All the motor I "need".
If you're looking for an older bike, others are more knowledgable than I, but have heard great things about Evolution motors. Not sure what decade you'd have to get into for those though.
Good luck with your search and purchase. Love the Road King.
If you're looking for an older bike, others are more knowledgable than I, but have heard great things about Evolution motors. Not sure what decade you'd have to get into for those though.
Good luck with your search and purchase. Love the Road King.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,974
Likes: 5,213
From: Michigan
To me, the main things in buying any used bike is condition, mileage, and price.
You didn't indicate how much you want to spend but if it was me I think I'd go for the newest model year that I could afford.
The EVO's are great engines that some say are "bullet proof" and run very cool but they're not a powerful engine.
The early T/C 88's have a cam chain adjuster flaw and you need to have them checked periodically.
The T/C 96's run hotter than the 88's and I have an oil cooler on the one we have. You can also cool the 96 engine down more with a Stage I kit and a good dyno tune.
The '10's (and up) also have a catalytic converter in the exhaust which makes them run very hot and I'd suggest that it be removed and also a Stage I kit and a dyno tune. It's a GREAT investment, IMHO.
The '09's have the new frame and wider rear tire, which some people tend to go for.
You didn't indicate how much you want to spend but if it was me I think I'd go for the newest model year that I could afford.
The EVO's are great engines that some say are "bullet proof" and run very cool but they're not a powerful engine.
The early T/C 88's have a cam chain adjuster flaw and you need to have them checked periodically.
The T/C 96's run hotter than the 88's and I have an oil cooler on the one we have. You can also cool the 96 engine down more with a Stage I kit and a good dyno tune.
The '10's (and up) also have a catalytic converter in the exhaust which makes them run very hot and I'd suggest that it be removed and also a Stage I kit and a dyno tune. It's a GREAT investment, IMHO.
The '09's have the new frame and wider rear tire, which some people tend to go for.
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: clearfield Utah
To me, the main things in buying any used bike is condition, mileage, and price.
You didn't indicate how much you want to spend but if it was me I think I'd go for the newest model year that I could afford.
The EVO's are great engines that some say are "bullet proof" and run very cool but they're not a powerful engine.
The early T/C 88's have a cam chain adjuster flaw and you need to have them checked periodically.
The T/C 96's run hotter than the 88's and I have an oil cooler on the one we have. You can also cool the 96 engine down more with a Stage I kit and a good dyno tune.
The '10's (and up) also have a catalytic converter in the exhaust which makes them run very hot and I'd suggest that it be removed and also a Stage I kit and a dyno tune. It's a GREAT investment, IMHO.
The '09's have the new frame and wider rear tire, which some people tend to go for.
You didn't indicate how much you want to spend but if it was me I think I'd go for the newest model year that I could afford.
The EVO's are great engines that some say are "bullet proof" and run very cool but they're not a powerful engine.
The early T/C 88's have a cam chain adjuster flaw and you need to have them checked periodically.
The T/C 96's run hotter than the 88's and I have an oil cooler on the one we have. You can also cool the 96 engine down more with a Stage I kit and a good dyno tune.
The '10's (and up) also have a catalytic converter in the exhaust which makes them run very hot and I'd suggest that it be removed and also a Stage I kit and a dyno tune. It's a GREAT investment, IMHO.
The '09's have the new frame and wider rear tire, which some people tend to go for.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Florida
The best year for a Road King is ...............................................the year of the bike you own :-)
I have owned a 2000 and now a 2011. Went back to a Wide Glide for a while in between. Love the improvements to the 2011. I would suggest a 2010 or newer if you can afford it. The King is a great bike!
I have owned a 2000 and now a 2011. Went back to a Wide Glide for a while in between. Love the improvements to the 2011. I would suggest a 2010 or newer if you can afford it. The King is a great bike!
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,120
Likes: 4
Get the best/newest year you can afford............they named it Road King Classic for a reason. Bike never goes out of style.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,204
Likes: 32
From: Livingston Parish
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: clearfield Utah
I can't wait to get one, I'm about two weeks away. I sold my 04 night train last night and will be getting a road king soon. I found a 2010 with 3000 miles for $16500. Seems like the best deal around my area.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,007
Likes: 353
From: Ohio
I've been riding RKC's for many years. Now, I have an '09 RKC with ABS and have done several things to make it reliable and rideable since I ride a lot of miles. I added the SE 103 BB kit with new slip-ons. I replaced the compensator and added the stronger starter. I replaced the heads with some 2012's with the ACR's. It runs great now! I think you would get most of that if you got a 2011 with the 103 power pak or 2012 and newer. You can always remove the CAT. That's cheap. If I was looking for one, that's what I would do.