Hey guys,

I am having my 1998 Road King COMPLETELY rebuilt by a shop. They are talking about doing a complete overhaul of the motor. Everything.... EVERYTHING, will be replaced, including a swap for a carb. My question is... is it worth it? I do want some power, and the bike is going for that old school look, but should I be looking at putting a new motor in it with a little bit more power? I am looking at spending 4500 for the rebuild. Thoughts?

Thanks for all the input!

 

1.) why

is the motor worn out, broken, doesn't run ?

it's an evo motor- they last a long time

a.) if you really wanna goes fast, a RK isn't it. a sport bike or a light weight Harley

b.) more power means you find the next weakest link in the chain, clutch, tranny, belt etc.*

c.) more speed ,means you'll want better brakes than the single calipers, better suspension, brace the frame ( and you'll want a Carlini Torque Arm/ Screaming Eagle Race Brace...I have one new in box if you decide to buy one) etc.




another approach is a crate motor- S&S is the premier name. and may cost you less for a brand new motor. and you can keep or sell yours.


"they are talking about..." easy for them to talk about spending your money, you know and trust this shop ?

$4500 is alot to start throwing at a $9000 bike, which will have pretty much the same resale value whether you put $4500 into it or not if it is running fine now.

"Old School Look"
Easier achieved with a 1984 or older FLH, because of the frame and front end changes, or with a softail frame- the softail was designed to mimic the look of a rigid frame bike.
The touring frame the past 25+ year just doesn't and can't look "Old School", unless your name is "Senior" or you have never seen an old bike


I guess your post raises additional questions


mike

* The sign in the Hot Rod shop said:

How Fast

How Long

How Much

You get to pick two

 

Fair enough,

The motor is definitely not worn out. It has 27,000 miles on it and is in great condition. The reason I went with this bike is because I would like to be able to throw my old lady on the back and be able to ride across the country, and since I will be going to Okinawa soon, and the stipulation on their emissions for post-2000 motorcycles require sending them to mainland for emmissions (a 2500 trip) I went with this bike.

The bike will be done by a very well established motorcycle shop, with about 40 years in the spotlight of motorcycles, so I am sure they will be doing everything that needs to be done. To be honest, I will be throwing about 10,000 at this bike for everything that I want to be done, including a new paint job, saddle bags, seat, exhaust, everything. I realize I wont get that back out of the bike, but since they are building it for me, I dont see a reason to ever get rid of it.

So.... you suggest a new motor? arent the S&S motors around 7,000?

 

27,000 on a Harley motor is nothing as long as it's been maintained. I'd do whatever performance upgrades/emissions fixes you want to it, but unless you have an issue, I wouldn't do a full rebuild.

 

I would do everything stated except the engine! Can always do it later IF you have an issue!

 

Thanks Steve,

That makes sense. I guess I am not talking about a rebuild, but rather an increase in performance.

 

spend 4500 to rebuild an engine with only 27K miles on it....def not.

 

Then cams, exhaust and tuning might be in order.

 

Thanks Soft. Thats a great looking bike, by the way.

 

What used to be popular with 80" Evo's was an 88" upgrade and a cam swap which will easily get you in the 90hp/90 tq range. Plenty of snort and you can stay with the stock, but kitted, CV carb. It will also allow you to gear it a bit taller (Evo's were a bit low on over-all gearing) which will help to deliver better mileage.
Then just ride the thing.