I have been looking for 02-06 RKC for a few months now. I have finally found one that the paint, chrome, and leather are in very nice shape for the age.
I have put a deposit down, but now having second thoughts. I checked some parts that may need to be changed just for reliability sake, and they are obsolete from Harley.
They are available from the aftermarket, but sometimes certain parts are not OEM quality.

It is a 2005 road king classic with 28k miles. That’s not a lot of miles, but all the parts are 18 yrs old now.

I was thinking of trading my current bike for new next year, but if Harley changes the RDL displays like the new cvo’s it may be best to wait another to let them fix all the problems.

so what is everyone’s thoughts buying 18-20 yr old bikes with fuel injection. Maybe older carb evo’s is a safer buy

 

You should not have problems finding good quality aftermarket parts for the engine and trans etc. However, you may find it more difficult to find cosmetic or instrumentation parts.

Do you have any documentation on maintenance, repairs and upgrades? I'd be mostly concerned about cam chain shoes and lifters if they are original. Without that I'd go with the older bike, or wait until I was ready to purchase new. The new touring bikes have lots of power and are fun to ride.

Paul

 

Yes, the shop owner bought 3 panheads this week. You're over thinking things.

 

True, I probably am over thinking things.
I am also one of the few that has trouble on the road 1000’s of miles from home. It’s not a good feeling.

I think the older ones (evo and earlier) have better quality aftermarket parts, maybe not.
for some reason I think the early twincams will be harder to get OEM quality parts.
like fuel pumps, tssm.

 

There are also better quality aftermarket support for the early 2000’s bikes. I have an ‘04 Softail with over 50,000 miles on it that hasn’t given me one lick of trouble over the 12 years I’ve owned it.

 

The newest bike that I own is a 1994. You'll be fine, OP.

 

I have '79 and a '93 FLs. I don't worry about it.
Only things difficult to find are OEM mufflers and seat for the '93. Other years will work on the pipes if you replace the header too.
The seat got re-built and covered in leather.

 

You may not find OEM parts and may have trouble finding a Harley dealer who will work on it.
Find a good Indy shop and he'll be able to keep it on the road for as long as you like.
If you wrench yourself everything you'll ever need is somewhere on the Internet.

 

When I retired the Road Glide, I intentionally found the '02 Dyna Low Rider in my sig pic.
Keeping my toys simple.

 

There are plenty of aftermarket parts available for the Twin Cam bikes. If you can get a good deal on one go for it and enjoy the ride.