The previous owner wanted someone who would appreciate his old bike.
Blown Away
Here are some highlights from a cool thread on the HD Forums about an old Road King and a generous gesture. It all started in early 2019 when Josh, aka BAGGAH2, received a surprise gift. He wrote, “A great family friend gave me this motorcycle about a week ago. It is a 2002 Harley-Davidson Road King. I was totally blown away. I still am not sure what to think.”
Honest Appreciation
Josh explained that their family friend had decided that his riding days were over. “I can't ride it anymore, I know I won't get a whole lot of money for it, and I want it to go to someone that will appreciate it.” Josh admitted that the whole thing had him a little choked up. “To be honest, it brought a tear to my eye.”
>>Join in the conversation about this 2002 Road King right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.
Deal Sealer
After Josh got his license, he took his father's 2010 Road Glide out for a spin. He elaborated, “I was sort of considering a Harley-Davidson before, but I fell in love with the power band, and the riding position — it really sealed the deal for me.” As a mechanical engineering student and owner of a street/strip 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass, Josh is no stranger to spinning wrenches.
>>Join in the conversation about this 2002 Road King right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.
Inaugural Ride
The first order of business was getting the Road King to run. Josh explained that it had been sitting for six years and had no spark. Diagnosing a faulty crank position sensor solved the issue, and with a new battery, it started right up despite the old gas. Next on the list was a complete wash and wax, and then a well-deserved inaugural ride.
>>Join in the conversation about this 2002 Road King right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.
Tailored Upgrades
Stock, the 2002 FLHR Road King was fitted with a 88 cubic-inch Twin Cam engine and a five-speed transmission. Josh's machine had already received an upgrade with a 95 cubic-inch kit and a six-speed conversion. With ample power, he set out to tailor the old touring bike to his specifications. First up was a new seat, handlebars, and a lowering kit.
>>Join in the conversation about this 2002 Road King right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.
Retrofitted Performance
With the carburetor rebuilt and dialed, the Road King was running right. Josh then set to work on the exhaust. He wrote, “For a while, I've been wanting a 2 into 1 exhaust for my bike. I prefer the single muffler look, and the performance is usually better.” With some savvy mechanical engineering, he retrofitted a set of factory headers and a Screamin' Eagle muffler from a 2010 Road Glide.
>>Join in the conversation about this 2002 Road King right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.
OEM Parts
As with all old rides, there is going to be a few hiccups. Leaving him in need of a tow and some system diagnostics, Josh wrote “Not sure yet, just lost power going down the road, but still has lights and gauges. I think it may be the battery.” Turns out it was a burnt stator, which was easily repaired with OEM replacement parts.
>>Join in the conversation about this 2002 Road King right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.
Generous Gift
This 2002 Road King serves as rolling proof that Harley-Davidsons have an heirloom quality. More on Josh's progress and some innovative modifications can be found on his project thread. He also reflected on his friend's generous gift, “I've got to do something special for him, I'm thinking an all-expenses-paid trip to an NHRA event in Charlotte sometime this year. It's the least I can do!”
>>Join in the conversation about this 2002 Road King right here in Harley-Davidson Forums.
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