Road King Classic Regrets - Older Bikes Worth it?

[@davidslack6243]

You said it all! I have a 09 Black Road King Classic and she is beautiful. It’s the way the RK makes you feel and the way she rides. The most classic bike Harley makes. The Road King there is no substitute!

[@jimyounger9490]

And they ruined it all by going bud light. R.I.P.

[@BoDean52]

Words of wisdom right there

[@OwlNest-zi9nw]

My 2013 Road King Classic has the 103. It is an amazing machine, simply perfect

[@BoDean52]

Good choice!

[@stevevickerman9586]

I have a 2012 RK Standard and I agree, it’s a perfect bike in every way.

[@Evan60020]

I bought an older 2000 Road King, in December of 1999. I guess it wasn't old then. Still riding it. Just turned 300,000 miles in August. It has evolved over the years from stock to 95 inch with a Baker 6 speed overdrive, to 103 with a Baker Direct Drive 6 speed. Went with Andrews cams and S&S gear drive at 34,000 miles when I did the big bore kit. Never looked back. Also put a Screamin Eagle 44mm carb at that time. Still running the same carb, never had an issue. It's only been in a dealer twice, and that's because I was on the road at he time. Both dealers fell short in their performance. I do all the wrenching myself. Spent about 5 grand on JIm's special tools for the engine and trans and a Coates rc100 tire machine. Bought an extra set of wheels on Ebay so I always have a set ready to go. The savings in dealer labor has more than paid for all that. My favorite question is: Did I ever tell you how much I love my Road King? Best Harley I've ever owned, and the last. I would never buy one newer than 2002, and never one with fuel injection.

[@BoDean52]

Same with me and love the KING. I think I should bring it by your place for modifications :)

[@MrJduncan73]

I sold my Fat Bob in 2011 and stopped riding for 13 years. Three days ago, I purchased a 2013 RK (7,500 miles), and I cannot believe how much I love it! I'm easing back into riding, as it's been a while. I have a feeling this bike and I will grow old together. 😎

[@BoDean52]

What a great story! Congratulations on the bike

[@kstyle5]

I have a 1999 Road King, carbed, and I'm absolutely in love... I've had it for a year, and I love it more and more every day. For me, it's 100% the classic look and simplicity. I'll do 400-500 mile days with no problem. I get a ton of compliments, and most can't believe it's 25 years old. Sweet ride you got there, be safe and have fun!

[@BoDean52]

Thanks and right back at you, we have great bikes

[@justincollier4430]

Doing research to get my first Harley and everything I've read and watched says a RK classic is what I want! Thank you for this video!

[@BoDean52]

My pleasure and I don’t think you can go wrong with the king

[@jerrywaz6014]

I have a 98 Road King classic and I love it!

[@nelsonlopez4695]

For many years the RK was my dream motorcycle, however I did buy 01 Ultra for riding in the Caribbean. I just purchased 07 RK with hard bags for riding in Florida. I love the simplistic Clssic look of spokes, and all that chrome along with the white walls. Love it

[@BoDean52]

they are such great bikes

[@OEFarredondo]

Bought a 67k bike, love it. Doesnt sound like the others, kind of higher pitch or something going on with the exhaust. Other than that shes solid

[@bentspicket5790]

Great vid! Try listening to the comedian Tom Papa's description of riding a motorcycle. It's short but spot on ! Time for a Road King !

[@thomascarpenter7415]

I picked up a ‘19 Road King at Grand Rapids HD with only 17 miles on it . I love it . I first rode a RK back in ‘96 and fell in love with it then .

[@jimyounger9490]

Try and sell before they are worthless. Harley ruined their brand. What a shame. Go woke go broke.

[@BoDean52]

I need to stop at the dealer next time. I’m up there, great bike you have.

[@kingkrimson8771]

I've owned newer Harleys, but none of them matched the feel of riding the '95 Heritage Softail I recently bought. Hearing that Evo engine singing through a Vance & Hines exhaust stirs the soul.

[@joeyc8547]

I love my bike. 2001 Road King still running great with Magnetti Marelli EFI. Got it late in 2018.

[@BoDean52]

They’re amazing bikes

[@jeremyaspen5610]

100% get more looks on my 2000 road king vs. My 22 road glide st. It's like riding an old muscle car vs. a new sports car. There is no comparison what so ever.

[@BoDean52]

Agree, 100%

[@jeffsappington9704]

I have an '04 RKC and for me, it's the VIBE! I love the look out the front, sans windshield, as you do. They are a bit like an old school hot rod with a flathead Ford V8 and triple Strombergs. Mine has a bunch of Screaming Eagle stuff on it: 95" big bore, 203 cams, hybrid cam plate and high volume oil pump, air filter, and ecu flash. The exhaust is a set of Cobra True Duals with their Tri-Power mufflers. I usually ride in the Colorado mountains and don't often park or ride where my bike and I are seen. Once in awhile, I'll pull up at an ice cream place or some other "Live to Ride, Ride to Eat" type of place. There might be a few newish (M8) Harleys around. I pull up on my TC with the 203 cams about to throw the mirrors off my handlebars. And as you mentioned, my older bike gets a lot of attention and questions. Most can't believe it's 20 years old. I love my RK and as long as I can pick it up, I'll ride it. BTW, I'm jealous of your welded crankshaft. I believe 2002 was the last year for that.

[@BoDean52]

There’s definitely something special about these bikes

[@TyFromTennessee]

Yeah man. That headlight is DOPE and everyone knows it! That’s why the RK was my first Harley!

[@JayShermanFJC]

Same, 17 FLHP was my first HD.

[@BoDean52]

It’s because you’re wise

[@gloryland59]

My recent 05 RK purchase was a blessing to own a classic bike.

[@HarleyGeezer1954]

Hold on to that classic. It will be worth a whole lot more money later.

[@jimyounger9490]

Not anymore. Harley just went woke.

[@HarleyGeezer1954]

@@jimyounger9490 that’s why everyone will buy the old ones.

[@budman1964]

I’ve got a 2004. Wife ordered it for me for my 40th birthday. 5000 miles on it now. I’ll never sell it! Enjoy yours!

[@BoDean52]

That is a good woman right there

[@bobnelson2499]

That Road King of yours is indeed a keeper. I am so hooked on my 24 Road Glide that I think it is a keeper, and that is a huge statement for me.

[@Dandre01]

You’ve got me jonesing for my 2002 RKC that I sold almost 20 years ago! I love my 2022 Fatboy and my 23 CVO SG but, I miss the nostalgic look and feel of this bike.

[@BoDean52]

Everytime I even think a little about it, hear stories like yours. You have two great bikes though

[@Dandre01]

@@BoDean52 - I used to stare at that headlight nacelle while riding! 😂

[@BoDean52]

@Dandre01 😂

[@bobcorio5145]

I too have a Road King, it has 30,000 miles. It is my perfect Harley. I also have a 2019 street Glide. But given the choice I would take the Road King on which one to ride. But when I have my wife with me she chooses the street glide. So I ride the road king by myself.

[@BoDean52]

Thanks for sharing

[@GregPribbenow-l4y]

Got 09 in April,fantastic bike

[@bobthomson3748]

You got a great bike for a great price do not let it go

[@BoDean52]

It’s in my will that I’m gonna get buried on it

[@jackvanderpool4288]

RK Classics are the best. I have 3 Harley Bikes and my 2013 RK Classic is by far my favorite. I love the simplicity and the classic look. I love it even more than my CVO limited.

[@BoDean52]

Couldn't agree more!

[@timc7175]

2010 RKC here. Got it last year to replace my 2006 that I sold and regretted. Love ‘em.

[@RATMAN42730]

I've got a 2001 black road king. 34000 miles and still running strong. Live in south west Michigan to.

[@BoDean52]

There are such great bikes. Have you done anything with the cam tensioners?

[@paulfehrman6831]

I agree with you on riding older RK as I ride a 06 RK Custom. It's simple and just glides down the road like an old Caddy as the G/ friend states.We put on a new Mustang seat and backrest which makes the ride even smoother. I personally like the speedo looking right at you on the tank and of course the headlight is a plus. Great video!

[@BoDean52]

Appreciate that Paul

[@erniemorgan471]

I have an Army buddy who has a 2005 Road King with less than 10k miles on it. Obviously he’s a fair weather rider and I’m doing my best to talk him into selling it to me. 🙏🤞

[@BoDean52]

Keep at him Ernie

[@drjjpak]

I have a 2003 Road King Police, and a 2019 Road King Classic. The 2019 went for a 4,000 mile ride June 2024, which was a fantastic great trip. When I got home, I took the RK Police out again, and I can't hardly explain it, but the 2003 is more fun to ride. Oh, and I replaced the cam chain tensioner at 54,000 miles.

[@BoDean52]

Wow, 53,000 miles, that’s good to know

[@lightninsadventures2692]

I love my 2006 Road king classic. Yeah, there are times(most of the time) were more power would be nice but it gets the job done. And it is the most versatile touring bike Harley offers. Keep it classic with just the saddle bags or pop on a quick detach fairing with stereo, lower fairings and tour pack for a full blown dresser in about 15 minutes

[@BoDean52]

Such great bikes!

[@1kzrider]

I have a 2018 Softail Sport Glide and a 03 Electra Glide Classic. I end up on the 03 almost every time. Just something more appealing the sound the looks and of course music. Say what you want a radio is nice. Not just headphones in helmet. I do like the SG for summer rides though. And it has cruise control over the EG. But, it is not as hot to ride. Old Twin Cams are so blazzing hot. Even with pipe cam upgrade and tune.

[@BoDean52]

True on the heat

[@brucehelppie6119]

good score. the classic with the leather bags looks cool.

[@BoDean52]

Thanks, and I considered flipping them out for hard bags, but just can’t do it

[@jamesboston8505]

2006 rkclassic. 98 s and s big bore kit with gear drive. 555 woods cams with rineheart true duals with 4" muffs. the big bore kit had upgraded cam tensioner with it. pulling 101 hp and 108 torque. after engine work it was whole new bike. have 3 harleys but this is my go to ride!

[@pb68slab18]

Rode a '68 FLH almost daily up for over 20yrs until around 2008 when I bought a used '97 FLHPi. The '68 is now semi-retired. The '97 now breathes thru a carburetor.

[@vintagelookingflhr]

I’ve got a same bike from 2007 and it runs great! That’s not bad choice to have one from 1999 to 2014 Road King! It has got S&S 585cams, S&S Super Stock heads w 103 cylinders, and I love it. I would never buy newer bike and maybe should add Evo Road King in the near future.

[@BoDean52]

It’s nice to have one of each, but I have to say if I had to make a choice this one would be staying in the garage

[@raymondwalls3154]

Learning as I go... Check the plugs.. If it's running lean get an enricher or fuel map

[@brettcreech3490]

I have a 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad 1600 with a batwing fairing it is a midnight blue and silver. With Vance n Hines duel pipes and tuner rides and runs great love it. And it’s paid for.

[@garyehrhardt3136]

Just purchased my dream bike for my 70th, an 04 FLHRCI loving it, same thing as soon as I saw the bike out the door went my negotiating skills, everything I wanted including heated grips and cruise control. Need to have the cam chain tensioners done this winter not going to chance it with over 40k on the clock.

[@BoDean52]

Good choice!

[@kspychalski]

I have an RK 2001 and sometimes I wonder that maybe if there are so many different models I can choose something different for a change. Maybe newer. But then I always find your video and decide to stay with my motorcycle. 👍

[@BoDean52]

Thanks a ton and we have great bikes!

[@PhotoDaveJax]

Nice story of a great deal. Ride safe. Enjoy.

[@BoDean52]

Thanks, you too!

[@susandavis5833]

I'm so happy to hear this. I just traded a 96 Fatboy for a 2003 Road King. My 2nd Road King but I like this one better. The other was a 2015 but it felt huge. This one is just right. I think because it's lowered front and back. I'm loving it. The sound is what got me though. Low rumble.....awesome ❤

[@BoDean52]

Huge congrats on the road king

[@MrNetnut]

2013 RKC .... Did Stage 1.... New Header ... New Map... New Solo Seat Before I Rode It . 3 Miles on Clock....66000 mi Now Big Blue Pearl / Black.... Love This Bike ! Peace/;-)))

[@BoDean52]

They are such great bikes, and I just made an investment in mind to make sure it lasted forever

[@OldSkoolNick-c2f]

I have 4 bikes including a super great condition 01’ RK with 22k on it that could b your bikes twin…lol just picked up some new whitewalls and new Drag Specialties chrome spoke rims for an upgrade. Other than that it’s perfect and my feelings and sentiments are the same as yours about the classic RK, a great nostalgic cruiser bike!

[@BoDean52]

Glad you were able to pick one up!

[@greatpar]

Your a lucky bloke. Beautiful bike. I have a 2004 FLSTF. 👍🇦🇺

[@whatsinanamethatthecaptive577]

The wild and free feeling I get comes from just me and the mechanical machine, nothing else is needed or wanted. You are making me feel like I paid too much for my 2005 RK classic at $5800, but mine came with 3 windshields, a touring pack, extra seat and backrest, stage 1, new and original slip ons. So I think I did well. I occasionally use my phone for a GPS, do you have auxiliary power mounted on your handlebar? If so, what do you have? I can't seem to find what I am looking for.

[@BoDean52]

I think you did great at that price. I do not have any extra power mounted, but not a bad idea.

[@deelzridesandadventrues]

I've always loved the Roadkings Bodean. My brother just recently bought a used perfect 2009 with low miles.

[@BoDean52]

Very nice!

[@thanosetsitty1896]

Sweet sound.

[@BoDean52]

Appreciate that and totally agree, never gets old

[@JayShermanFJC]

I would live to get a Road Glide but I can't get rid of my RKS. You touched all the great points and with a 16" klockwerks screen on it the ride to FDBM was a piece of cake, so much that the trip home I did in one day, 780 miles. I've had the bike 22 months and put 25k miles on it and that's with 2 Midwest winters, 5-6 months each of no riding.

[@BoDean52]

We don’t live in the best place for year-long motorcycle riding for sure

[@twowheelzen9419]

Just came across your channel today, I'm in Livonia Michigan area... Your road King is truly like the perfect motorcycle... Anyway I just happened to find your channel today, I subscribed and will be binge-watching you. Was in a motorcycle accident, and then laid up 4 months but I'm doing very well I'm back to work soon. Really like your channel content

[@BoDean52]

Really appreciate that and how are you recovering?

[@twowheelzen9419]

@@BoDean52 My doctor should be releasing me next week, so I can ride again. I have an Indian chief dark horse waiting for me at a dealership

[@Petesmotoadventure]

I would really enjoy a road king like Duke. Just can’t be beat.

[@williampalencia6682]

I also own a 2008 😊❤👏🏽👏🏽

[@brianevan6504]

you might be interested in investing in a bluetooth helmet. that way you can keep the bike clean and still get turn by turn navigation

[@BoDean52]

Yup I have a Cardo….

[@carlbruhn1772]

That's a keeper. However I would change the tensioners at 20k. Their are some aftermarket tensioners that are superior to the stock ones.

[@BoDean52]

You are right and I’m getting it done here in the next couple weeks, I have 26,000 on it now and need peace of mind

[@Tryke_Ryder]

The essence of a great deal is that everyone walks away thinking “I got the better end of that deal!”…

[@jeffskidmore64]

I like the looks of Road King and the Fat Boy. Both are great looking rides in my opinion. Although I’m riding a black ‘08 Ultra Classic with the wide white walls.

[@BoDean52]

That’s a great bike

[@MikeBMW1028]

Been wanting a RK classic for awhile. Just haven’t found the right one..or the right motivation yet. 😂

[@BoDean52]

Patients will pay off

[@whskywolf]

Well I always liked the Road King and the Heritage, I went with my 2002, mainly was what I could afford, according to bank lol. I would not change a thing about buying her. I was aware of the cam tensioners, and she had 21k on her. At 28k had seals replaced and the tensioners replaced. Only issue had was wire in head light got nicked from vibration and was blowing the light fuse intermittenly. Love my RKC

[@eliinthewolverinestate6729]

We don't get too much good ice on the lakes lately. I like the road kings. I ride an older Buell Ulysses. I like the torque and agility. It sits high like dirt bikes and enduros. My wife rides a sportster. She has always wanted a Harley but needs a low set height.

[@BoDean52]

Very cool!

[@richford2514]

What state you in? Nice roads to ride on beats jersey roads that's for sure

[@BoDean52]

Michigan and not all good for sure 😂

[@johnasbury9915]

Love my ‘05 RK. One of my favorite Harleys I’ve ever owned. The only one I think I’ve liked better is my ‘16 LowRiderS… but it’s close.. I love the scenery sweeping by on the chrome of the headlight… I glance at it frequently.. but I don’t stare at it, unless I’m parked. Other than my ECU crapping out on me(got another one off eBay) mine has been awesome.

[@BoDean52]

They are such fun bikes

[@johnasbury9915]

@@BoDean52 had my windshield on when I left the house but I took it off at my buddy’s house before we left for the mountains.. this bike was made for nekkidness…😀

[@ANONYMOUSBIKERUSA]

i'll give ya $1001 right now! it's a classic ride! it's the KING prob best bike HD ever made 🎉. nice boots too!

[@Petesmotoadventure]

$1002

[@BoDean52]

Thank you sir and I have ridden with the boots long enough to start talking about them more. Probably my favorite pair ever.

[@omgworkffsugh]

Can I ask what kind of bars you got? The stock beach bars are killing my back.

[@BoDean52]

they are buck horn bars and came with the bike when I bought it used, I thought original but maybe not. Having them changed out as we speak.

[@omgworkffsugh]

@@BoDean52 oh ok cool, what are you going with?

[@rodneybarcus2233]

I know exactly how you feel and my situation is similar to yours. I have a 2019 ultra limited and it’s great but it doesn’t make me feel how my 2007 Yamaha Fjr 1300 does. The fjr I bought for 5300 dollars. It’s has the basic controls no cruise but it does have an electric windshield. I have more people asking about it than I do my 2019 motorcycle. The bike has been perfect all I did to it was all the scheduled maintenance. This motorcycle I’ve enjoyed more than any other bike I’ve owned.

[@BoDean52]

We are fortunate to have two bikes to be able to get both feelings

[@chrispatterson3110]

I have a clean 1999 road king classic,just installed a s&s 509c cam and s&s carb,14 inch apes, fishtail slipons,hard bags I get compliments everywhere I go (FOR SALE) pensacola florida

[@BoDean52]

Very nice!

[@PaulColon-e1n]

Never had a motorcycle. Not yet anyway. Right now I really need a motorcycle just to feel free.

[@BoDean52]

Motorcycle riding is a great thing

[@whitecoater887]

Thanks for the help looking to get a road king. Do you think it’s worth going to a Harley dealership to have the bike gone over afterwards? Like you were saying the cams and other miscellaneous things to get piece of mind. Don’t want to get on a 2 hour trip and something happen. Thanks for the all the other videos you post. Plus I’m almost 60 to you feel the bike is to heavy in anyway. Sorry about all the questions. 😊

[@kingkrimson8771]

For an older bike I'd go to an independent shop that knows Harleys rather than a Harley dealership. Many dealerships won't even look at a bike older than 10 years now.

[@BoDean52]

I would try to find a non dealer mechanic that has worked on Harley’s as the first choice. It’s nothing against the dealership, just a lot of these guys don’t have experience on older bikes. No sorry needed and good luck.

[@SAMSUN21]

Still riding my 1998 RK 95 anniversary. I would buy anything EVO and nothing else.

[@goldilocks913]

Gorgeous 👍🇬🇧

[@au303]

I am currently struggling with choosing between the RK and RG for a dedicated tourer; as well as how old and how many miles/kms It can have on it. Is a RG with 59,000 miles/ 95,000 km for $17, 500 a deal or something to avoid? Not having owned a Harley I just haven't developed my own understanding of expectations for the used bikes.

[@drjjpak]

Keep looking, many better deals out there.

[@georan4323]

AVOID!!! Way better deals out there.. A new Road Glide goes starts around $28k.

[@BoDean52]

What year is it?

[@au303]

@@BoDean52 2016.

[@twowheelzen9419]

I'm going to be painfully blunt... Yes you absolutely need two motorcycles... Harley's are amazing but they have their problems... So it's imperative that you have two motorcycles so if one of them is down for some reason you can still ride!!!

[@BoDean52]

Great point but I’ve been lucky with all my Harleys over the years

[@BogeyBiker]

I’ve got a 4 wheeler I’ll trade you for! 😀

[@BoDean52]

you have an extra Road king now 😂

[@zavlo72]

ROAD KING!

[@curtc2194]

Love my 2018 Road King! No problems with the M8 and plenty of torque and power with the stage one upgrade...the Road King is a minimalists dream.

[@BoDean52]

Couldn't agree more!

[@keithdickson8364]

I thought I found the perfect woman till I got divorced. But I did find the perfect Mustang seat for my RG. 😂😂😂😂😂

[@BoDean52]

Then you ended up ahead 😂

[@keithdickson8364]

@@BoDean52 Yep.

[@thomascarpenter7415]

Is your fuel injected or carburetor?

[@BoDean52]

Fuel injected

[@BBuxRides]

Recently picked up an 04 road king. I still prefer my newer road glide for long trips, but I’m riding the road king more frequently on local trips. The older bike is easier to work on, I feel a closet attachment to the machine itself.

[@BoDean52]

Good choice!

[@chiefjoseph8154]

I regret selling my Deluxe. 😕

[@BoDean52]

I’m sure I would feel the same way if I do it

[@judisheldon5646]

If you had done it earlier or sooner you would not have gotten THAT bike. 😉

[@BoDean52]

You’re a wise lady Judi

[@sampeck4634]

I own a 23 Road Glide Limited as well as 1993 Softail Fatboy. They are just different rides. I love them both!

[@BoDean52]

Totally agree lucky to have them both

[@jimyounger9490]

So how much does all this matter now that Harley has officially gone woke and supporting very gross child laws. So it doesn’t matter anymore , good thing , bad thing ?? But Harley is becoming bud light !!

[@Bridgeburner4477]

got a super deal on an 2002 pearl road king classic. Under 7000 miles, only 10 grand. I haven't ridden in about 45 years but I just couldn't pass her up. I was riding home from work one day doing 40 when a lady bug flew in and landed on the inside of my windshield and hitched a ride with me all the way home. I thought that was so cool I named her "Ladybug".

[@BoDean52]

Very nice!

[@rrmorris67]

I have a 2005 Road King tc88 that Ive had for going on 4 years. Ive put 17,000 miles on it and I love it. I rode it to Sturgis. I rode it around colorado. I rode it all around the smokies and the blue ridge mountains. I just rode it around Lake Michigan. Almost. Unfortunately its age finally became a problem for me. It had a 6 speed transmission installed sometime in the past, which Ive been thankful for on those rides. Well, a cage bearing in there came apart out of the blue and it completely grenaded itself on me in Green Bay, Wisconsin, about 550 miles away from my home. A Harley dealer there wanted $5,000 to rebuild that transmission. So now my beloved Road King is a useless boat anchor in my garage. I don't know if I'll ever get it back on the road again. It was great while it lasted.

[@BoDean52]

That stinks. I’m sorry to hear that. That is one of the reasons that I’m getting something done to mine.