Road King Classic Mistakes

The Road King Classic is an iconic motorcycle and in this video I will go over the 4 changes that I have been thinking about but thinking they may be MISTAKES. Come check out potential mistakes on my Road King Classic!
#roadking #roadkingclassic #harleydavidson
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[@racex3721]

Always come back to this channel something about the content a bit different from the other channels. That road king is timeless. Its a great around town bike and can pull off a long trip pretty well if need be. All around versatile bike that doesent get talked about much.

[@BoDean52]

Thanks for your kind words and you were totally right, the king deserves more attention. Maybe I’ll do a little trip on it this year for three days and document it. Enjoy the ride!

[@dennistaylor6486]

The road king is the workhorse of the HD line and anyone who can't ride coast to coast on a road king should just stay home.

[@ronripley9197]

I drive a 1998 Road King Classic EVO in vivid black. It has 15000 miles on it and looks like it just came out of the showroom! Totally stock other than a K&N air filter and a set of V&H slip ons. I'll be 70 yrs old this coming July and will ride this bike as long as I can lift it off the kickstand!!!!

[@BoDean52]

Awesome bike Ron and I like that it is lighter than my RGL. Enjoy the ride

[@Steve-by9dn]

Hi Ron I also have a 1998 Road King Ann. ed. I bought it new. I'm 68 . Love that bike. Yours is looking great!!

[@Steve-by9dn]

lol I meant his. I'm sure yours is too!

[@billtatro9857]

2002 Road King and 78 yo

[@egbertveer7531]

I agree completely! My Roadking ('01) came with a beachbar. After a period of acclimatization I decided to keep it and I love it now.

[@BoDean52]

Impossible for me to pull the trigger though I have thought about it!

[@donald2106]

I ride a 2000 road king classic. It had 846 miles on it when I bought it four years ago, and it’s been a great cross country tour. I am retired and 70 years old. And do a lot of cross country.

[@BoDean52]

Wow that is super low mileage. Mine had like 21,000 on it. We have great bikes, ride safe, Donald .

[@kerrymcclure7503]

You have two nice looking bikes. The Road Glide needs Chrome passenger floorboard covers. It is one of the first things I put on my Ultra Classic. I always thought the back of those floorboards when folded up was the ugliest things on the bike. I always think road kings looked good with ape hangers. My Ultra Classic had white walls when they were wore out I replace them with black. The white look good but I just got tired of trying to keep them clean. They are ugly if you do not keep them clean. Ride safe.

[@t.santos9807]

So, I guess you answered a question I had? But here it is again....should I feel safe on long trips on a 2001 road king? It is in good condition but I always have something in the back of my mind. We also ride a 2015 tri glide just because my wife feels really safe on it and that is what we use for longer trips but I really want to try the king on long distances. Any advices?

[@donald2106]

@@t.santos9807 personally, I would have it checked out at the Harley shop, get a full service. If you haven’t any oil leaks, you should be fine. My road king sat in a hanger at an airport for most of its life. I did end up getting some gaskets and seals replaced along with the front motor mount, but everything seems to be OK right now. Most of my trips are 3 to 4 weeks long. I am planning in April or May an extended trip to see some old friends and family scattered about. I have been planning or thinking about getting a small trailer to pull, but not sure yet. I would have them check your cam chain tensioners if you haven’t changed over to the hydraulic cam plate. Some of the things that I did or had done I should say was the hydraulic cam plate, primary spring, tensioner and oil cooler good luck and have fun the 88 in.³ is a very good engine.

[@t.santos9807]

Thank you so much for the advice, Donal. I will make sure I go through the whole thing before I attempt any long travels. Be safe out there.

[@HarleyThrottleJuice]

You’ve kept that bike classy and resisted urges to go nuts with upgrades! Perfect! ✌️

[@BoDean52]

Thanks mate, when ya love her how she is right!

[@Jonathan-L]

Your Road King is immaculate. It will keep on keeping on. Thanks for sharing BoDean :)

[@BoDean52]

Appreciate that Jonathan

[@throttletherapy9998]

About five years ago I put 18 inch ape hangers, big white walls and had the front forks chrome plated on my 2000 kawasaki 1500 vulcan classic and just recently added a custom dynamics adaptive LED headlight and I never get tired of riding or just looking at it. I have owned the bike since 2004 and have over 112,000 miles on it and still runs great.. Luckily there are still a lot of accessories available for your Road King, I think if you put the ape hangers on you will not regret it but I definitely understand about keeping it mostly original! My wife just bought me 05 ultra classic for Christmas, it only 31,000 miles on it and I'm keeping it mostly stock, no motor modifications just going to upgrade the stereo system and chrome the front forks. Great video thank you for the time and effort you put into your videos!

[@BoDean52]

Thanks and that means a lot. I am letting my wife know about better Christmas presents like yours :). Enjoy the ride

[@lencarter1460]

I love this video! I have a 2000 Road king classic that looks almost identical in every way to yours except I have mini Ape Hangers… and I love them. If you make that change, you will be very very happy! Other than that, I have kept mine, (like yours) immaculate, and as original as the day it came off the assembly line. It’s my baby and I doubt I will ever replace it. Thanks for a great video that shares the thoughts and hearts of every Road Kung Classic owner

[@BoDean52]

Really appreciate and think our wives will bury us with them

[@martyravensbergen4035]

I have a 2003 RK Classic and hated the stock handle bars, they gave me a sore back. So after looking into the options I replaced them with Police Special Road King bars from Harley. They fit perfect and you don't have to change any cables. Also put on a Mustang touring seat and what a difference in comfort for me and my lady. The bike had 2400 km. on it and a stage one with Screaming Eagle goodies. Love the bike.😎👍

[@BoDean52]

Sounds like you have it just right! Appreciate the ideas

[@28yogy4todd]

2001 Road King, originally purchased new by my brother from Rochester Minnesota Harley Davidson. My brother passed away in october 2006. My sister in law did not ride solo, so she sold the bike to another family member, my sister, and her husband. After a few year's they sold it back to my brothers daughter and her husband. This is when the fun starts. They removed the boring stock handlebars and put 18" black ape handlebars, with new braided cables. They also did the stage 2 engine update with a custom air filter cannister. They did some black- out of the bike to make it BadAss! After a few year, they then sold the bike to my brother's oldest son. He installed Vance and Hines Big Shots Dual exhaust. This is the niceest sound you can get from the 88,believe me. He then installed a top of the line Bat Wing front with a 5" windshield. A race tuner was equipped on the 88, not sure who installed this. It runs awesome, starts up with a head turning roll rumble and idles down nicely with those cams making it sound old school. The Bat Wing has a kick ass Sony stereo equipment for mounting an iPhone internally, this is nice. The IPhone 3 is still in there, (not activated)with 1100+ songs on the play list. I can still hook up Blue tooth with my android in the phone holder. My nephew finally sold me the bike in 2021. I have only added a cell phone bracket, a beverage holder, and LED lights front and back. I have removed the black-out. Replaced the original luggage rack chrome top bars on the hard side bags. Bottom line 5th family member owning the 2001 Road King. I'm possibly going back to the 3rd owner someday. Love this Bike!

[@BoDean52]

that sounds incredible and what a cool story!

[@paulfehrman6831]

Great looking King, keep it original as it's classy looking. I regret selling mine to this day, in retirement in a few years I'll get mine back year wise as a gift to myself. Now riding a ST Street glide.

[@BoDean52]

Street Glides are great bikes too and I don’t ever see myself selling this motorcycle

[@thangknowa3288]

I love my 2011 Road King Classic, bought it new. Had the original bars swamped out for heritage bars, a common swap, a little higher and a little back. Comfortable. Best bike on the road today!

[@BoDean52]

Right on, agree

[@jesseflores7790]

I have a 2004 RK Classic I bought new. Some upgrades like yours. Also a Stage one, the Rinehart pipes, Fatbars (slightly wider) some chrome upgrades, ECT but that's it. I love it. I own others but will always keep that one!

[@robclarke7602]

I too have a Road King Classic and I love it. Mine has the 103 engine and it's great for Touring. White Walls and Spokes are a Love / Hate relationship. You love 'em when they sparkle and hate 'em when you have to clean 'em (which is regularly). As for the bars, I changed mine to the mini 10" apes (Some call them Police Bars) and it's made all the difference - you can go All Day, 1,000 miles plus and feel great! Also, consider, some highway pegs if you ever take it on a trip - you'll appreciated them! Keep the shiny side up!

[@BoDean52]

thanks Rob and do have some pegs, just had them up. Agree on the whitewalls and I have been putting that off for sure. Have to love the KING

[@mokumkat]

I have a carbureted 2001 RK with cast wheels that I bought back in 2011. The only serious "upgrade" I've done to it was the Screaming Eagle hydraulic cam chain tensioners and high flow oil pump. After only 43000 km the original tensioners were worn to the point of breaking! The original spring loaded cam chain tensioners are a design flaw of the 88 Twin Cam imho. Also in order to work easier on the bottom end without removing the tank I have replaced the stock pushrods with S&S Quickee adjustable pushrods.

[@Viper6-MotoVlogger]

I agree, the bags look totally awesome.

[@BoDean52]

Sometimes no change is best right!

[@PinksAdventures]

As tempting as is to change these items...I agree the King looks good as is!...that being said...if longer trips were in the future I would have to change the bars!....will we ever see an extended trip with the King!!??😉👍...stay safe out there...thanks for sharing!😎👍🤙👍🤙🇨🇦

[@BoDean52]

Thanks brother and that’s why I kind of mentioned how I ride this bike because I agree if I didn’t have a second bike, I would have to make changes to this. Hope you guys are pushing through the winter as well, freezing here.

[@koehlerjj]

As someone who also owns a 2000 RK classic. The whitewalls are what make the bike. I did wind up replacing my gauge with a Dakota digital as well. The EFI is something that always scares me. Its notorious for being a PITA, but mine has run well so far. When that goes I will probably just go to a carb. I was contemplating a Zippers EFI conversion, but I just can't justify the extra expense after doing a cam, heads , and the 95 upgrade kit. I will never get anywhere close to what I have in the bike, but its my around town machine and I love it and will probably never sell it. I have a Road Glide for the longer trips.

[@BoDean52]

Same here on the Road Glide and the EFI has been good so far but I only put a few thousand miles on this bike. Enjoy the ride!

[@CHOPRJOHN]

I Abought a 2007 Road King new, road it 50 miles home from the dealer, and hated the bars, they were flat out uncomfortable, and changed them 2 days later. I still have that bike and ride it daily.

[@BoDean52]

Understand that and love the Kings!

[@jasoncunningham5620]

Love the classic look! Enjoy your videos

[@BoDean52]

Appreciate that Jason and thought about some changes but just can do it

[@bobnelson2499]

I agree on the bags. That is one of the reasons I fell for my 2022 Heritage. Be well and be safe.....Bob

[@BoDean52]

I really consider it a heritage at one point, but figured I was too big for it. How does it work for your height Bob?

[@bobnelson2499]

@@BoDean52 a bit small, but for my age the weight is just right, and handles very well.

[@BoDean52]

I’m really happy for you Bob, a lighter bike makes such a difference

[@hb91]

I absolutely love my 02 Roadking Classic it's luxury rich red with reddish orange n gray pinstripe factory. It has duals n fatspokes it gets so many compliments every were I love it 😊

[@BoDean52]

Very nice!

[@krzysiekorze9085]

Man... I can only agree... the only thing I have done with my bike is just handle bars. but no ape hanger or what so ever... just a little bit longer as I am only 1.78 meter tall it is just more comfortable for me. the rest is exacly as with your bike. it runs great! Ride safe mate!!!

[@BoDean52]

Great point on not going ape hangers! For now, I will hold tight but surely an option

[@sboy1955]

Loved the buck horns on my ‘05 RK… miss that scooter

[@mikes_cigar_lounge.]

I think the bars would look great. But, I do love that classic looking got going on now. Great video.

[@BoDean52]

Thanks and just can’t get myself to change them

[@Nemo_423]

Love my 02 RK Classic, I will say I did do 12 in bars right off the rip couldn’t resist that and switched to the hard bags . I like the looks of the stock bars but it just wasn’t very comfortable for myself . Thats a sweet bike man

[@BoDean52]

thanks man and I actually have a set of hard bags I tried, like them both. Your 02 is sweet too!

[@MinnowMoto]

Its a beautiful bike. Such a classic look, and timeless style. I did like the hard bags and I understand why you didn't keep them Stay warm my friend.

[@BoDean52]

The new ones looked good and if this was my regular touring bike, they would have stayed. I still have them too as ya never know. Enjoy the ride

[@niagarawaygmail]

Excellent choices, don’t change the bars. My old man’s got an 03 silver and black classic RK, I just talked him into dropping 1500 for the new tensioner/cam plate. He’s totally stock but the bike will do 90 down the interstate. Imo… he could use a set of modern rear shocks.

[@BoDean52]

I’ll bet the 03 is a great bike as well. When I had this bike checked out after I bought it, I did have them check the tensioners and they were both in good shape. I upgraded the shocks on my road glide limited, and have them sitting in the garage and I’m thinking about putting them on this bike, thanks for the reminder. Ride safe.

[@niagarawaygmail]

Brilliant move for those M8 shocks, if I ever pull mine off I’ll make my dad put them on his bike. That would be a great video to shoot too… being totally selfish here I’d love to see you do it.

[@dalebrander9361]

I bought a 06 road king custom two years ago, had 27000 miles on it. Stage one was on it when I bought it, was worried about the cam chest, so after that summer of riding had the complete S&S 509 cam kit installed, new handle bars, the ones on the bike were not original so!! Love that old bike, may not be the biggest on the road, don’t care, and plan on doing a lot trips with the old boy😊

[@BoDean52]

That's awesome Dale and I had the tensioners checked at 22k when I bought it and they were real good. Figured I would check again around 30k but may just change it out regardless then

[@gunnslinger7774]

Looking for a bike just like yours.. Great videos you have on your channel

[@BoDean52]

Thanks! 👍

[@painsrides3616]

I agree with everything you did and didn't do to your RK. Also, happy to know Dutchess is out getting staged up.😎

[@BoDean52]

Man I am excited!

[@drjjpak]

Last Spring I bought a 2003 Road King Police. I wanted a classic bike, and so far it fits me like a glove. Every time I stop for gas or a drink someone will approach and admire my ride. I do not foresee making any changes except new shocks, perhaps seat and a passenger backrest...don't want to lose a passenger.

[@BoDean52]

Congrats and what a bike. I too have people always wanted to talk about the bike

[@robertglancy4474]

I have a 2012 RK going to get new tires in about a month, was going black walls again which was on the bike when I bought it, but now I don't know...have to do some thinking. As far as the bars, I tell you if my stock bars were like yours I would have kept them. But didn't really care for the stock bars that were on this bike, especially without the little windshield on it. So I put on some Carlini 1.5" what they call "freeway bars" I love them gives it a real beefy look to the whole front end. With you on the saddlebags too those are keepers....very nice ride.

[@BoDean52]

Thanks man and bet your King is awesome too. Good luck on the tire decision and love to see a pic of your bars. Enjoy that ride

[@mudnducs]

2010 Road King Classic. Agree mostly. I went with lower bars (stock Softail Slim bars) because I like keeping my arms close to the steering head. LOVE the look…bike rides great and steers easy. Take a look

[@BoDean52]

will do

[@matthewevans9892]

Love the look of your bike and appreciate how you are keeping it original! I bought a 98 RK Classic a while back that I am slowly bringing back to original. Someone replaced the bags with ABS aftermarket ones. Any idea if they are simply interchangeable or is there a specific mounting kit for the leather bags? I cannot get mine to line up properly.

[@BoDean52]

Not sure because this came with these bags. I actually have some TCMT hard bags that I put on and just thought it took away from the old school look. Good luck on the bags and let me know how it works out

[@mrbamfo5000]

I've got quick releases on my 04 RKC bags. They're adjustable.

[@user-nt2nc5eu1g]

Great bike man,leave it as is I love it,I got a 2020 heritage classic

[@BoDean52]

Plan to do just that, leave it alone. I think the Heritage are great looking bikes

[@soldierboy425]

I’ve got the same bike. I’ll tell you, from my experience. Putting a set of mini apes was the best thing ever. It looks great, still has the classic vibe, and the comfort is soooooooooooo much better.

[@BoDean52]

On the edge for sure

[@dannycisterna5497]

Bike looks great as is, wouldn't change a thing, be well my friend

[@BoDean52]

Thanks Danny and that’s been a struggle. I just can’t get myself to make any changes on it because I agree I think it’s good as it is.

[@donttreadonmedtm3816]

Nice bike ! I have an 2001! Still rides like new!

[@BoDean52]

They are great bikes aren’t they?

[@ka-bar5060]

I owned a 2017 Road King and I can tell you as someone that also rode the older models like yours that I prefer those older buckhorn bars. They are much more comfortable than the version that were on the late model Road Kings.

[@BoDean52]

I think I agree and have no problems with them, plan to keep them on. Ride safe!

[@judgenorman5524]

Nice bike thanks for the videos

[@BoDean52]

Thanks brother, appreciate you. I almost did not post this video because the lighting stunk lol

[@brettcreech3490]

Very nice Bo Dean.😎

[@BoDean52]

Thanks 👍

[@earlkozak6538]

I also have a 2000 RKC. Bought it brand new. Love it. Let me know if you have luck locating some fuel system components. Some of them are hard to find since HD went to the Delphi EFI...

[@BoDean52]

Nice to have a bike 23 years old that you bought new. Will do on the components and same for you

[@johnnymerritt9544]

I had one the same year great bike i done a stage one and that's it loved it

[@BoDean52]

same and I love this bike

[@HarleyDayRider]

I would never do anything more than a stage 1 especially on the newer bikes. I also love the leather bags! Ride Safe

[@BoDean52]

Definitely do not want to change anything on the older motor at least for this bike.

[@phillipternullo4934]

I had a 2002 standard road king Flhri and changed the handle bars with another set of HD handle bars that were two inches taller and pulled back two inches . Didn’t have to change any cables . And was much more comfortable to ride .

[@BoDean52]

Appreciate that info…..still debating. You do it yourself, doesn’t seem bad no on this bike?

[@kevingallant9770]

I have a 2004 Road King Classic and I recommend installing the “Tallboy Handlebar”. They are 3 1/2 inches higher and 1 1/2 inches narrower than stock handlebar. No additional cables required, they look great and the riding position is so much more comfortable. Second recommendation is to install the “Touring Chrome Front End Kit” it finishes off the front end so nicely. Mine looks great!

[@BoDean52]

Appreciate that Kevin and he must have an amazing bike. The royal kings are just incredible to me.

[@michaelmitchell5909]

Kevin gallant.....I have an 04 as well....luxury teal color. Looking for the og bags that come on it....2 tone teal and silver.

[@sportyonetaubert5923]

I agree that your RKC would look great with "Tallboy" bars on. I have a '17 RK and love the comfort and classic look of the "Tallboy" bars on mine. Run the wires inside really cleans it up too. 9 1/2" rise and 9" pullback with only 30" width. The only thing I want the fat bar 1 1/4" look so I hope to get some 11" ultima bars with 11" pullback, 33.5" width. They are close in size to the Tallboys.

[@casualobserver2305]

Kevin…part number or where did you get those bars? I need some thanks

[@kevingallant9770]

@@casualobserver2305 they are on the Harley Davidson USA website.

[@johnasbury9915]

Got her yesterday and love her!

[@BoDean52]

So exciting John!

[@johnasbury9915]

@@BoDean52 I was gonna send you a pic of her but I can’t figure out how to do that.. I’m old..😂😂

[@trainroomgary]

Cool ride and color - All is well on my side of the tracks. • Cheers from the Detroit & Mackinac Railway 🚂

[@BoDean52]

That's great Gary and Happy New Year. Wife and I want to go up north this year and wondering what type of train stuff is up there to visit or ride!

[@trainroomgary]

@@BoDean52 Hi Mr. & Mrs. BoDean: Check out: AGAWA CANYON TOUR TRAIN - Leave from Sault Ste Marie Ontario - Take the International Bridge from Sault Set Marie, Michigan. This is a day trip. Have fun: Gary 🚂

[@954Lacko]

I have a 2018 Road King. I have bought it as brand new. Now it has 53K miles. It runs amazing! Mostly 2 up, all around the USA.

[@BoDean52]

That is awesome, I love all the kings!

[@whskywolf]

My RKC has bars more like the ones on new RK, but thought about different bars, I did change the bags to hard, one this is my only bike and I wanted some security being able to lock the bags. Also got passenger back rest and rider back rest, which was game changer on those plus 200 mile rides.

[@BoDean52]

Nice and get that, I still have some hard bags in my basement and always able to change them out. I get the lock them up for sure 👍

[@mrbamfo5000]

I have locks on my leather bags on my 04. They're leather wrapped over a fiberglass shell. They were stock on my 04.

[@whskywolf]

@@mrbamfo5000 Road King or Heritage? My Leather bags did nto have locks on my 02

[@GlidingOnTwos]

Yeah, keep it looking classy! 👍🏾

[@BoDean52]

That's the plan! Ride safe

[@niagarawaygmail]

Interested to see your 114 tweaks, have mine in for a stage 2 now. Bassani RR 2:1, air filter, lic’d tune and RS 472 kit. I could use a handlebar job 2”⬆️ and rotate grips outward…… But that’s probably $2k. I like your video short sweet and to the point.

[@BoDean52]

Thanks I appreciate that and really look forward to both of us are getting our bikes back and taking a ride and talk about it. Appreciate the comments about the short and sweet video, wanna try doing more of that and good to see that people like it that way sometimes

[@MotoByChance]

I agree that keeping the older ones stock if that is how they still are is important. They just don’t look right when people start changing them. As for the bars… my Fat Boy, Bob, has what they call police bars on him. They are harder to find now, but see if you can find some to check out. They are bigger than the stock, closer to apes for comfort, but still have the retro look. Just a though…

[@BoDean52]

Thank you ma'am and I will do that! Appreciate you.

[@fuzzyjax]

2004 road king. Yeah. You know what we all know how awesome ape hangers look on the classic. Still….. gotta love the stock vibe. Truly a classic.

[@BoDean52]

Sweet and boy I’ve played with putting apes on this thing multiple times. Been able to hold out so far.

[@fredguerra4917]

Get the regular heritage bars. It is a worthy DIY improvement for about 100 including shipping from Harley. While I had it open, I taped on to the headlight to add a connector for my HD GPS and utilized the fender light connector to add power to my radar detector. In total, I was able to add four more USB connectors just in case I needed power for GoPros or any other things like phones ect.

[@BoDean52]

Nice and thanks for the ideas

[@thomasbates9173]

I have a 01 RK with HD's "Tallboy's" (9.5" about tall), just changed over to 16" apes. did not have any trouble finding cables.

[@BoDean52]

Good to know on the cables, did you do it yourself? Thanks!

[@michaelmitchell5909]

Fueling 525 cams really do well for that motor. Also what size is the Memphis shades shield u have for it and do you get any helmet buffering with the bigger shield?

[@BoDean52]

It is actually a Klockwerks 19.5" and very little buffering. Below is a link to a review of it. Thanks for the info on the cam! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXWtpnagfpqWoc0

[@michaelmitchell5909]

@@BoDean52...sure man, also the fueling o.e. cam plate is upgraded to use without bearings like the early plates use....plus the oil pump is way better. So that with the 526 cams is a super good upgrade to the engine

[@user-qw3zt9vl4n]

Looks NICE!!!!!!

[@BoDean52]

Appreciate that J, enjoy the ride

[@rnicholasmartin1335]

I have a 2004 Road King Classic and I changed my handlebars to the Harley beach bars and they are fantastic. They give you the classic Beach Bar look but you can still retain the original wiring and cables! Let's be real everybody gets ape hangers, so why be part of that herd when you can be unique.

[@BoDean52]

Thanks for the info!

[@ironsteed5766]

Interesting thing about the handlebars. I have a 01 road king and wanted to swap out for some apes. My local HD dealer has an extremely hard time finding the right cable system. I ended up not changing them.

[@BoDean52]

That’s actually good to know and I know there was a cable problem for a while, and I guessing that’s still the case, I kind of put it out of my mind about a year ago. Still thinking about changing them?

[@ironsteed5766]

@@BoDean52 negative... I decided not to change since like you I have another touring bike so I only use the RK for short hops.

[@stevesmith1493]

I love an 88 motor! I have the 107 in my 2021 king classic and it’s smooth as silk

[@BoDean52]

Been a great bike for me for sure and just love a King

[@dougfisher1885]

I have an 03 100 th anniversery classic its completely stock just like it was from the factory will always keep it that way except for maintence always big white walls no different wheels or bars or bags thats what i like about the bike damn nice bike

[@BoDean52]

Totally get that, and if this bike I did not buy with the stage one, it may have been the same way with no changes

[@wooddawg4868]

I have a 2002 road king with hard bags. I have a stage 1 and a fan assisted oil cooler and a GEAR CAM kit. I now have 90k on it now with no motor work because I change the oil in this bike and my 2017 M8 street glide twice a year like clock work, the same goes for my truck and cars. Religious oil changes in all three holes on a Harley Davidson is key to the longevity of the components.

[@BoDean52]

Really good advice and you’re right sometimes these old bikes just keep on going.

[@dennistaylor6486]

I have an 06 road king classic and I have left it bone stock for 94,000 miles so I know your dilemma,I even have the stock mufflers because its the only quiet Harley I have ever had and sometimes quiet is so nice! If I want loud I have a fatboy that sounds like an angry locomotive but it gets old after a while.

[@BoDean52]

I’m glad somebody else sees my struggle 😂. I must admit that I have considered new bars more than once, but I’m holding out. 👍

[@dennistaylor6486]

@@BoDean52 The road king classic is so near total perfection that mere mortals like ourselves have no business trying to improve upon or messing around with perfection! My RK is black but my favorite color is chrome it has every piece of chrome that HD offered so it shines even at night.

[@manuel74123698able]

Do it brother. 14-inch monkey bars should do the trick, tall enough to be cool yet comfortable specially if you have them on a 90 degree. Steer clear of the meat hooks or T bars, go classic apes for a classic. Had them on my old Roadking, now on my Ultra, I can’t go back to stock bars.

[@BoDean52]

I agree that if I changed the bars that the traditional ones would fit the bike more. I have apes on my Road Glide but agree they would not look good here

[@randomdewd4837]

your Road King is waaaay more sexy than your Road Glide for me ! I really love it. Cool to see that I'm not alone planning mods and finally dont making them because "its already cool like that" ^^ Cheers from France, enjoy your rides !

[@BoDean52]

Thanks and agree, don’t mess with perfection. Cheers!

[@frankdistefano7883]

happy newyear nice bike keep the white walls

[@BoDean52]

Happy new year as well and they will stay for sure!

[@louieysursa5996]

I have the 2001 classic, looks just like yours ,I've had mine 20 years,make sure you replace the chain cam tensioners at 30,000 miles.

[@BoDean52]

Great bikes and I did get mine checked when I bought it at 22k. They were good but I agree with you, will just change out at 30k. Enjoy the ride

[@dabsafe]

You should never mess with perfection! Buckhorns and leather bags with whitewalls IS perfection.

[@BoDean52]

I agree, and that’s why I ultimately refuse to make any of those changes

[@Big88Country]

Great decision to keep the Wide White Walls! Great decision to keep this bike original! I had a 05 Electra Glide Classic carburetored and I traded it!! WORST DECISION EVER!! I could remove the tour pak and put the sissy bar on in less than 5 minutes for 2 up riding or replace the double seat for a single and have a street glide. It sounded so good with the true dual Rinehart's and being carburetored, Screamin Eagle 211 cams and 95 CI jugs. It just had that old school Harley sound that you just can't duplicate with fuel injection. Man, I messed up! Keep that bike Brother!

[@BoDean52]

No doubt about it. I will never sell this bike. It’s hard to explain unless you’ve rode one

[@richardwitalis7731]

Beautiful Bike!

[@BoDean52]

Thanks

[@kevinstamper9796]

That’s what makes this model “classic” is white walls 👍🏻 mine has same bags, trunk and the fear crash bars that have small bags which is very handy on long trips bc you need all the storage space! I’m beginning to get tired of the windshield. If it’s pouring down rain it’s too much between glasses and the windshield. Also the sun , I was going through Daniel Boone National Forest heading west into the sun! From shady to straight into the sun I was blind!! I just wanted to share that when they say “CLASSIC” I first looked at the whitewalls 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@BoDean52]

That’s a great point and I don’t disagree at all. When I first bought this bike, I had to switch the tires out and the white walls were a little more expensive and I had to wait for them, but there was no way I was gonna put the black ones on

[@belljames23]

Did you upgrade the cam chest and tensioner?

[@BoDean52]

I did not but had them check shortly when I bought it and they were in great shape. I have 25k on it and will probably do that at 30k.

[@KipBurbank1]

Heritage handle bars are taller, no modifications to wires or cables. Same bars police bikes have. I did it, they look and feel great, low coat.

[@BoDean52]

Nice and thanks for the info

[@BigBert]

Good on you Bob, she is a sweet looking ride stock 😎👌

[@BoDean52]

Thanks 👍, hope your well

[@BigBert]

@@BoDean52 yes, doing well. Thanks for asking 👊🏻

[@MrWhitelightning73]

Outstanding

[@BoDean52]

Appreciate it!

[@aarolelliott4882]

I have a 2008 rkc. First thing I did was put 16 inch bars on it. More for safety reasons, because the stock bars would hit my knees if I had to turn sharply or do a U turn

[@BoDean52]

These bars don’t cause that problem, but I certainly have thought a lot about putting bigger bars on it

[@PabloCruise1]

HD needs to bring back the classic! ‘Nuff said.

[@BoDean52]

AMEN to that, riding this bike feels right if that make sense

[@kingkrimson8771]

Couldn't handle the shoulder pain the stock bars on my '13 Road King Classic gave me so I installed a set of Wild Ones 10" mini apes. Problem solved. And you're right, the RKC needs leather bags and wide whites to look its best.

[@BoDean52]

Nice and I really have thought about the apes. Amen in the tires and bags!

[@scotth4265]

How do you like the wrist angle on those bars?

[@jdreyno1958]

Beautiful Bike

[@BoDean52]

Thanks, Jim

[@rkba4923]

I have an '03 (bought in '06) with 12.5" mini-apes and can ride all day in comfort.

[@BoDean52]

That’s a great bike!

[@bensatterwhite5694]

I’ve been looking at some used road kings and thinking about getting one. Unfortunately a big percentage of them have ape hangers on them. Nothing looks worse than a touring bike with ape hangers on it. Then if you buy the bike, you get to spend plenty getting the original bars, cables, and brake hoses to get that mess off of there. I’m almost 60 and and high bars makes my hands go to sleep. I currently have a Vaquero with the factory handle bars which I like. But would like to get another Harley. A Roadking would be a model I would be interested. My last Roadking was a 2010 and was a beautiful bike, but the engine self destructed at 9000 miles. HD put another engine on it under warranty, but the problems seemed to keep coming so I traded it off. The older models rode a bit smoother. They fatter tires than the newer models 2009 and forward.

[@BoDean52]

I definitely like the bars and have been resistant to getting ape hangers

[@paulfrederick8902]

Love my '15 FLHR!! Done more add on's that I care to admit, but it'll be my last bike. Knees in the breeze!

[@BoDean52]

Back at ya and hoping I am settled on my bikes for good not too! Ride safe!

[@jeffbarr6816]

I have a 2001 Road King, purchased in 2013 with only 17,400 kms, now only 24,000 kms I would not put ape hangers on it but I agree that white walls look much better. I have the hard panniers which I like but they were greatly enhanced when I fitted a pair of nostalgia bars around them. I will never sell it.

[@BoDean52]

Totally get that and this bike stays forever too!

[@user-yh7xs9xf4m]

What year would y'all recommend

[@BoDean52]

Don’t know them all but seems the 2000 to 2005 are real nice

[@chrisy6412]

I have the exact same bike. 1999 with the Magneti Marelli EFI on it. No problems thus far. Your right about the White wall tires too. Yeah... black would look "OK", but it looks bitchin with white walls. I do find the handle bars tend to make my hands cramp a bit. Seems a bit narrow for me. No ergonomic enough. Keep the dirty side down bruttah!

[@BoDean52]

Totally appreciate that and I’ve gone back-and-forth on the bars. Have you had any cam tensioner problems? Ride Safe.

[@steveh4564]

I ride a 1998 RKC. 1st year for the RKC and last for it with the EVO. 64K miles and going strong. Sinister Blue Pearl.

[@BoDean52]

SWEET!

[@njbluesgtr]

I love the leather bags on my 2003 RKC! I just wish I could lock them...

[@BoDean52]

Same here and I may consider something different if I travelled more with this bike.

[@thangknowa3288]

You can! There is an aftermarket kit that replaces the hardware on the front of the leather bags that slides up to reveal the key hole to lock them! I have had mine for years! Looks totally stock!

[@BoDean52]

@@thangknowa3288 thanks

[@Petesmotoadventure]

That’s what make your RK special, it is original. I truly believe that is a bike where less is more. I would never touch that engine with a higher stage kit. That’s just me.

[@BoDean52]

No way on changing the motor and that less is what I love about this bike

[@northbysoutheast5439]

It looks good just the way it is. 😎👍

[@BoDean52]

Totally agree and thanks!

[@quickshoe6]

Gotta luv it

[@BoDean52]

It’s such a fun bike

[@michaelhough6606]

I think the black looks better....but to each his own. :-)

[@BoDean52]

It’s a love or hate it seems for sure

[@mikehowarth6165]

Beautiful machine,I would personally keep it original,I have a softail deluxe ,2005,88b ,definitely always whitewalls,regards Mike uk 🇬🇧

[@BoDean52]

Thanks Mike and bought this with a stage 1 and not making any changes for sure. How is the weather and riding in the UK?

[@mikehowarth6165]

@@BoDean52 hi bo,cold here,till end of march,should be riding April,good roads here,but winter has caused pot holes in many roads,ride safe,I will send pictures of my deluxe,to your email,regards Mike, ride safe,brothers,and sisters,

[@thomascarpenter7415]

Upgrade the oil pump and cam plate etc. I’d put chrome fork lowers on the King

[@BoDean52]

Very good advice right there. Thanks.

[@jheard92ify]

I’m new to riding and just bought a 2004 road king it’s my first bike

[@BoDean52]

Huge congrats James!

[@jheard92ify]

@@BoDean52 thanks

[@brucemiller1220]

My 2000 Road King Classic was stolen from hidden beaches resort blythe,camid March 2024...hidden beaches resort lol .

[@BoDean52]

That is awful Bruce, was it ever found

[@nicolerichardson7753]

I have a 2003 Road King classic 100 edition with 12.000 miles

[@mudnducs]

2010 RK Classic. Only thing not stock are the bars….Softail Slim bars. Never liked the feel of high bars…lower is better for me 😊

[@BoDean52]

I do like my bars on my RG but can't get myself to change the team

[@mudnducs]

Man you drilled it on the leather bags and the white wall tires! Must have!

[@swiftcaution5170]

Perform differently..hmm..cagey Mr Bo..😋

[@BoDean52]

Oh you caught that…I should have known