Hey guys. I am shopping for a Road King. I am not new to bikes but I am new to the RK's. I have 2 bikes that I am looking at from the same dealer.

#1 1999 Classic model with 20,000 miles and EFI
#2 2000 standard model with 50,000 miles and carb

All other things being the same, which would you choose and why? Thanks for you insight.

 

Do the carb, if you want the HD sound

 

Of those 2 Id go Carb , the early EFI was the MM not the Delpi and had its share of problems

 

Here's an interesting technical link on H-D EFI:

http://www.harley-riders-guide.com/h...idson-efi.html

 

They both have their pros and cons. Just depends on what you like. My 94 Ultra only came with a carb but I had it done over by Killer Motorcycle Products and it does what they say and more. Sure.... I still have to play with a choke and all but I love it. Simplicity at its best.

If I had your choice... I would go with the 2000 just because parts are easier to find. Believe me. I have a 94. LOL!!!!

 

Like others have said, they both have ups and downs. EFI has good things, but can be a pain to tune. Carbs can be a lot of work but are a lot simpler if that helps any! : )

 

Thanks guys. Your input helps.

04Sportster04 you mention that parts are easier to find for the 2000. Are the two years that different? In what ways?

 

Information provided is limited..guessing when you say "All other things being the same" that means paint, tires, battery, condition and options are the same.. Problem is a classic model is different from a standard model because the classic has more chrome engine parts, fat white walls and a few little touches while the standard has hard bags which cost about twice as much but less chrome stuff...to me 30,ooo miles is a big difference but then i have seen low mileage bikes that look beat down and rusted..If all is equal i would get the 1999 and make sure the cam bearing was addressed and the bracket for the vehicle attitude sensor(tip over sensor)..Parts are available for both although fuel injected tanks of that vintage are less common...see parts book and notice most non-engine acc. read 1997/ 98 to about 2007...M & M was the first fuel injection and is reliable(used from 95-2001) ..plenty of bikes on the road still, just very few young techs. have seen it, since it has not been used by Harley for almost 12 years (still in use on may europian vehicles)..probably plenty of techs. that have little experience with carb.'s too.

 

IMO, the carb bike is best.

Every bike I've ever owned has been a carb bike and every one, except for a new '03 RK - which was a total POS from day one, has been great and trouble free.

No way I'll ever own an injected bike. Lots of folks are OK with them though, and that's fine for them, but it ain't for me.

 

If those are the only two bike possibilities for purchase I would say the carb, as mentioned the MM EFI is a little wanting. Generally I would lean toward EFI, but I have the Delphi. The best carburator can never even come close to the precision fuel delivery of EFI.