dolt
Well-Known Member
You should be able to find a 2002 with less than 35K miles for a decent price; great platform to upgrade from. Bullet proof lower unit with Timken crank bearing and the last year for that bearing and the hot forged crank. I have talked to many grey beards that have ridden for years, from shovels on up and most will tell you that the '09 frame was an improvement but not worlds of difference in handling and not worth the trade off for some of the quality issues that came along with the later models.
If most were honest about the six speeds, long haul tourers excepted, and they have ridden five speeds before, will tell you that the six speed is useless until you hit 70mph.
I would also look for a carbed bike, you won't get the same fuel economy that you will get with EFI but no matter what you do to the motor, i.e., bigger bore, longer cams, headwork, etc., you can tune her yourself.
I bought a 2002 FLHT five years ago, built the motor, modified the transmission with the Twist Gear kit, upgraded the front suspension with 18" wheel/RT springs/Ricor intiminators, all bore 107" motor, TMan SM600 cams, SE upgrade cam plate/pump, Dorfman's pro street porting, RH TDs and a few cosmetic modifications
When the '10s came out, I actually considered selling her and moving up for the new frame, six speed, etc., that is until I rode a couple of the '10 models; I would trade my old FL even for one of the later models. She runs smooth, cool and quiet and guys always look her over because they can't tell what year or model she is.
Obviously, I am biased :bigsmiley25:but I don't think you can go wrong with an '02 if you are looking for a platform to build up. If you just want a ride, not interested in performance upgrades, don't want to work on the bike, just ride and keep the oil changed, then look at the later models. Can't go wrong with the Road King either.
Sorry for the windy response; I love the older bikes, just think they have more character and soul.
If most were honest about the six speeds, long haul tourers excepted, and they have ridden five speeds before, will tell you that the six speed is useless until you hit 70mph.
I would also look for a carbed bike, you won't get the same fuel economy that you will get with EFI but no matter what you do to the motor, i.e., bigger bore, longer cams, headwork, etc., you can tune her yourself.
I bought a 2002 FLHT five years ago, built the motor, modified the transmission with the Twist Gear kit, upgraded the front suspension with 18" wheel/RT springs/Ricor intiminators, all bore 107" motor, TMan SM600 cams, SE upgrade cam plate/pump, Dorfman's pro street porting, RH TDs and a few cosmetic modifications
When the '10s came out, I actually considered selling her and moving up for the new frame, six speed, etc., that is until I rode a couple of the '10 models; I would trade my old FL even for one of the later models. She runs smooth, cool and quiet and guys always look her over because they can't tell what year or model she is.
Obviously, I am biased :bigsmiley25:but I don't think you can go wrong with an '02 if you are looking for a platform to build up. If you just want a ride, not interested in performance upgrades, don't want to work on the bike, just ride and keep the oil changed, then look at the later models. Can't go wrong with the Road King either.
Sorry for the windy response; I love the older bikes, just think they have more character and soul.
