so, from my past few threads, Im just about to pull the trigger on buying an 02 road king with 23000 miles.. Im going to call in the morning and make an offer.

I am 6'2" tall and 225 pounds.. I am set on a roadking, and I want to be able to do a few hours without being in pain, like I have been on my 05 sporty.

I keep reading about all of the advantages of buying an 09 or up framed bike and now Im getting a little nervous that maybe I shouldnt buy anything for a few years to save up the money, but I wanna ride.. unfortunatley, my wallet wont stretch that much and It seems like Im stuck with an 02ish range. In your opinion, will I get a bunch of years of pleasurable riding out of this bike? keeping my size in mind, and any and all must have mods or anything I should do right off the bat?

especially those of you with 02 RK's, please tell me your experiences. I wanna hop on and ride to Florida!

 

I have an 03 RKC. I love the bike but the stock seat SUCKS. I went to a dealer yesturday to look at new bikes. I wanted to sit on a 09 and newer to see how much bigger they really are. To be honest I don't see the difference. I wouldn't worry about the 3 inches.

 

probably not as much power as the newer ones but less elecrtical sensors and maps etc so you can do stuff yourself more, pipes etc! my 88 runs like a train, i have however upgraded to 95 and andrews cams! good upgrade for you! but make sure your cam tensioner shoes are good condition, if buying from dealer maybe tell them to upgrade before purchase
you can get the SE hydraulic upgrade kit to fix that problem too! i have the kit! yet to instal as my shoes were done with cam upgrade!
i dont have experience with the RK but a great bike and an 02 will be great! i like the slightly later model RKcustom, nice bike
good luck

 

'02 was a good year (maybe best) for TCs.
Personally I'd buy an EVo 96-98 RK for $5k and live happily ever after. With that you CAN NOt go wrong.

 

Agree that 02 is the best TC yet to date. Best crank, strong Timken lefty bearing to support it, stronger swingarm and none of the complications in 07 and newer.

I've got 112,000 miles on my 2000 and if I ever replace it, it'll be with an 02.

(A 95" big bore kit is inexpensive and will give comparable power to the newer models if you find that necessary.)

 

Thanks guys.. all the information I can get is great, I appreciate it. Its not too much about the power, although I will definitley end up doing the 95 upgrade to it.. Its more about the the manuverability and comfortability difference I keep hearing about with the 09's and up.. But I do have to say I rode the 02 at low speeds around a mall parking lot and it seemed to feel real nice..

My biggest fear is I end up the the same spot Im in now, with an almost useless bike.. I got many years out of my sportster, but now I barley want to get on it unless its putting around town.

 

Buy it. Unless you run fully loaded near gvwr you wont apreciate the new fram. The new fram has a touch better parking lot handling. The 01/02 motors are bullet proof, put some gear drive cams in it 1st thing, then set up for your comfort.

 

My dad used to own an 02 rk and it was a great bike. I would ride it every chance I got, which was a lot, and I thought it was a perfect bike. I'm 6'1 250lbs and fit great on it. He had 12 inch apes and an aftermarket seat and hi way pegs. Also did cams and exhaust/intake/tuner. I would say you'll be very happy with it. He also had no problems with it ever. Good luck and post pics when you get it home!

 

I've got an 02 RK and love the bike. I bought it used 4 years ago all stock with only 9K miles and have added some things to make it mine. Got the Quadzilla fairing, a new seat with drivers backrest, new wheels and tires and some chrome and a Bright *** tail light. Now I just change the oil and ride. I have no issue with it being an 88 as I don't hot rod anymore, just cruise. No plans to upgrade to a newer bike, I don't like fly by wire and all the compensator and sensor problems I hear about on the newer bikes.

 

which seat did you get?