I am so glad I don't have one of these newer bikes! I think the golden TC years were up until 2007. Best year? 2002. Yes the early TC motors had some issues but were not super expensive to repair or upgrade. The frames might be better now but you can upgrade the earlier frames to ride just as well as the newer models. Everything was owner serviceable. You didn't have to go to the Dealer to bleed your brakes or get downloads to fix your infotainment system. The shocks on the old bikes sucked but so do the new ones! All the heat issues and crank run-out issues and loosened tolerances are hard to imagine having to deal with. About the only thing I really like is the wider rear tires and the 19" fronts. I bought my 03 ultra new in 2003 and I have probably spent enough money to buy a new expensive bike but the bike I have now is better than any of the new models and I would never go new. It's a keeper! And when most buy new they still are going to have to spend money trying to make it run correctly. Not saying the new bikes are junk, I just don't think they are worth what the MoCo charges for the changes that have been made. I would advise someone looking for a Harley to buy a 2002 touring model which can be had cheaply and modify it to your liking. I am sure I will get flamed by some but having been on Harley's for 36 years I am happy with what I got as I am sure many of you are too.

 

Thanks for sharing Mike.

 

Reading your sig it sounds like a keeper for sure. I test road a road glide which I liked alot but at the same time it made me appreciate my 99 first year of the twin cam.

 

Rock solid bottom end! I would build that motor before I would buy new. Change it up and make it like a different to you bike! I just finished removing my tour pak and making some other changes to make it more street glide like so it even looks new to me!

 

I agree in many ways , 2002 was a great year for Harley Touring bikes

 

I went looking for my first Harley. I knew it had to be a RK. I went to look at 2007....but there was a Black/Chrome 2002 across the showroom that caught my eye. I knew she was mine!!! I love this bike!
I go out in the garage and pinch myself....

 

Here is a pic

 

Great post Mike! I'm hanging on to my 2000 for sure...if for no other reason than it took so much time, effort and money to make it "fit" me! Simple carb bike, simple to work on, paid cash for the thing 4 years ago.

Was reading your sig....how did ya get a 88 to a 117? Just trying to learn here.

 

I stayed on my 95 FLHTC until 2010- I feel the early TC's were not worth the expense over the evo.
we watched as the early TC's became known for a long series of faults.


the 2009 has been great the efi was finally figured out once they added o2 sensors and a more complex ecm.

I still have an evo- the 88 FXRP and a '53 FLF so I'm not about pooh poohing what came before- just my perspective

Mike

 

That is a beauty!! I bet it runs great also!!