If you’re thinking about buying a used Harley-Davidson Road King, you’re not alone. It’s a classic. The bike has long been a favorite for riders who love that mix of old-school charm and long-distance comfort. But here’s the thing — not all Road Kings were created equal.
Some model years had issues that could cost you serious time and money down the road. And if you’re new to the Harley world (or even if you’ve been around it for a while), it can be tough to separate the solid years from the problem ones.
That’s why I’m putting this together — based on real-world experience and stories from fellow riders who’ve owned and lived with these bikes. No hype, no sugarcoating. Just honest talk about the Road King years to avoid, and which ones are worth a second look.
Why Some Road Kings Just Don’t Hold Up
Let me start by saying this: the Road King is a great platform. But over the years, Harley has rolled out changes in engines, frames, electronics, and transmissions. Some were great upgrades. Others? Not so much.
When problems do pop up, they often come down to a few key issues:
- Engine reliability (especially cam chain tensioners in early Twin Cam models)
- Transmission quirks (especially 5-speeds and early 6-speeds)
- Electrical gremlins
- Heat issues — some years run way too hot
- Suspension setups that just don’t work well for real-world riding
So, if you want to avoid headaches (and expensive repairs), let’s take a closer look at the specific years that raise red flags — starting with the Twin Cam era.
1999–2006: Early Twin Cam Warnings
If you’re looking at a Road King from 1999 to 2006, think twice — or at least know what you’re getting into. These bikes came with the early Twin Cam 88 engine, and while it was a major step forward at the time, it had some serious flaws.
Cam Chain Tensioner Failure
This is the big one. These years used a spring-loaded cam chain tensioner system that’s known to fail — often between 30,000 and 50,000 miles. If it fails while riding, it can destroy the engine. Some riders got lucky and swapped to the hydraulic setup early. But many didn’t know until the damage was already done.
It’s a silent killer. Unless the bike has a documented upgrade (like an S&S cam plate or hydraulic conversion), you’re rolling the dice.
What Riders Say
Plenty of owners love their early 2000s Road Kings. But most will admit the tensioner issue is a ticking time bomb if it hasn’t already been addressed. And if you’re not doing the work yourself, fixing it professionally isn’t cheap — especially when bundled with other engine updates.
You can also read: Harley Twin Cam Years to Avoid—My Warning
Common Road King Problems You Should Know About
When you’re looking at used Harley-Davidson Road Kings, a few problem years stand out. Let’s walk through them, model by model, and I’ll share what real riders have experienced — especially the issues that kept coming up again and again. These are the kinds of things that can make or break your ownership experience.
1999–2001 Road King (First Years of the Twin Cam 88)
The late ’90s were a big shift for Harley. In 1999, they introduced the Twin Cam 88 engine. Sounds exciting, right? More power, better tech. But here’s the catch — these early Twin Cams had some serious issues.
The main culprit? The cam chain tensioners.
They were made of plastic and had a nasty habit of wearing out way too soon. If you didn’t catch the problem early, it could cause serious engine damage. Some owners reported failures as early as 20,000–30,000 miles. And fixing it wasn’t cheap either — you’d need to open up the engine and either replace the tensioners or go for a gear-drive upgrade.
If you’re looking at a Road King from 1999 to 2001, make sure the cam tensioners have already been addressed. If they haven’t, either walk away or factor in the cost of the upgrade.
Other common issues with 1999–2001 models:
- Weak charging systems (especially stators)
- Fuel-injection glitches on FLHRI models
- Clunky transmissions (some riders say shifting felt like “slamming a hammer”)
2003–2006 Road King (Tensioner Issues Continue)
The Twin Cam engine stuck around, but unfortunately, so did its problems. From 2003 to 2006, Harley didn’t change the cam tensioner design. That means the same wear issues were still present. Some folks call these “the worst years for cam tensioners” — and it’s hard to argue.
What riders reported:
- Inner cam bearings failing
- Oil pump inefficiencies
- Plastic tensioner shoes ground down to metal
By this point, many owners got smart and upgraded to the Screamin’ Eagle hydraulic cam plate kit, which solved most of the issues. If you’re buying used, check if that upgrade was done. If it wasn’t, it’s a red flag.
On top of that, 2003 was Harley’s 100th Anniversary, which sounds cool, but it also meant many bikes were stored more than ridden. Stored bikes with old fluids and dry seals can be a headache — leaky gaskets, crusty fuel lines, and all.
2007–2009 Road King (Early 96ci Engines and Heat Issues)
Harley made a major update in 2007: the new 96 cubic inch Twin Cam engine. More displacement, better torque. Great on paper — but it wasn’t without problems.
The biggest complaint? Excessive heat.
These bikes run hot. Like, really hot. If you’re stuck in traffic on a summer day, the heat coming off the right side of the engine can roast your thigh.
Here’s what else went wrong in these years:
- Oil sumping (oil collects in the crankcase and causes sluggish performance)
- “Hollow” feeling throttle response on early electronic throttle control models
- Transmission clunks, especially in first gear
Some riders added fans or upgraded the exhaust to get around the heat, but the core problem was how lean the bikes were tuned to meet emissions.
Still, if you ride in a hot climate or plan to cruise through city traffic often, the 2007–2009 models might not be your best bet — unless they’ve been dyno-tuned properly.
You can also read: How I Found the Best Year for Harley Davidson—A Guide 2025
2014–2016 Road Kings – Not All Rushmore Bikes Were Perfect
In 2014, Harley rolled out the Rushmore Project, a big leap forward with updates to touring bikes like the Road King. Better brakes, improved suspension, stronger headlights — all good stuff.
But even with the upgrades, the 2014–2016 Road Kings weren’t trouble-free.
What went wrong with the 2014–2016 models?
1. Linked Braking System (RDRS)
The Reflex Linked Braking System was supposed to make stopping safer by linking front and rear brakes electronically. Sounds good in theory. But some riders found it jerky or unpredictable, especially at slow speeds. It took a while to get used to, and some even disabled it.
2. Boom! Audio and Electronics Glitches
Road Kings don’t have fairings, but those with the Police or special trim packages sometimes had infotainment gear or extra electronics. Owners reported:
- Intermittent power issues
- Bluetooth not syncing
- Software glitches
3. Harsh Ride on Stock Suspension
Despite the Rushmore “upgrade,” some riders felt the rear shocks were still underwhelming, especially for heavier riders or two-up touring. Bottoming out over bumps was common.
4. Heat Still an Issue
The 103ci engine ran cooler than the 96ci, but not by much. In hot weather or traffic, heat was still a complaint, especially on the rider’s right thigh.
Other Road King Years to Watch Out For
While not as widespread, a few other years had quirky issues worth noting:
- 2008 – Known for a few early electronic throttle control bugs and weak fuel pumps.
- 2011 – Some riders mentioned starter clutch issues and random stalling.
- 2018 (First Milwaukee-Eight Year for Road King Special) – Some early models had oil transfer problems, where oil moves between the primary and transmission.
What to Watch for Before You Buy
If you’re eyeing a used Road King, here’s a quick checklist:
✅ Ask about cam chain tensioner upgrades on any 1999–2006 model.
✅ Check service records for oil pump and sumping issues on 2007–2009 bikes.
✅ Inspect electronics and brake feel on 2014–2016 Rushmore bikes.
✅ Be cautious of first-model-year quirks, like 2018 M8s.
Which Road King Years Should You Avoid?
Alright, after digging into all these years and details, here’s what I want to leave you with.
The Clear “Road King Years to Avoid”
- 2000 to 2006 (Twin Cam 88 Era)
This is the classic problem zone. Plastic cam chain tensioners can cause catastrophic engine failure. If those haven’t been upgraded to hydraulic or gear-driven tensioners, steer clear. Also, early fuel injection systems like Magneti Marelli add headaches. Only consider these years if you know the bike was properly maintained or upgraded. - 2007 to 2008 Transition Models
Engines improved, but the frame and chassis were still the old design. Handling wasn’t as good as newer models, so if ride quality matters, it’s a pass. - 2017 to 2019 Milwaukee-Eight Models
The early Milwaukee-Eight engines have that oil sumping problem. The fix isn’t cheap and can cause big performance issues. Better to buy 2020 or newer models if you want the Milwaukee-Eight power.
What About Other Years?
- The 2002 model is an exception in the early Twin Cam years. If the cam tensioners are sorted, it’s a great pick with durable bearings and improved handling.
- 2014–2016 Rushmore models brought upgrades but watch out for linked brakes and electronics quirks.
- Later years generally improved handling, electronics, and engine performance.
My Advice If You’re Hunting a Used Road King
- Always get a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted Harley mechanic.
- Check if critical upgrades like cam chain tensioners or oil pump fixes were done.
- Inspect brakes, suspension, and electronics carefully.
- Ask for detailed service records — they can save you from surprises.
- Don’t shy away from slightly older models if maintenance is clear — a well-cared-for 2002 or 2009+ Road King can be a solid ride.
you can also read: Harley Fatboy Years to Avoid: What You Should Know Before Buying One
Final Wrap-Up
The Harley-Davidson Road King is an iconic motorcycle. But like all bikes, some years come with more headaches than others. Avoid the risky early 2000s Twin Cam 88 models unless they’ve had major upgrades. Skip the 2017-2019 Milwaukee-Eight models unless fixed. And be aware of transition years where chassis or electronics lag behind.
Do your homework, trust your mechanic, and pick a Road King that fits your riding style and budget. When you find that sweet spot, it’s a bike you can enjoy for years on the open road.
FAQs: Road King Years to Avoid
Q1: What are the main Road King years to avoid?
A1: Avoid 2000-2006 due to cam tensioner issues and 2017-2019 for oil sumping problems. 2007-2008 lack chassis updates. Check upgrades carefully.
Q2: Why should I avoid 2000-2006 Road King models?
A2: These models often have plastic cam chain tensioners that can fail and cause serious engine damage. Early fuel injection systems may also be unreliable.
Q3: Is the 2002 Road King a bad year to buy?
A3: No. The 2002 model is highly rated if cam tensioners are replaced. It has durable bearings and better handling than other Twin Cam 88 years.
Q4: What issues affect 2017-2019 Milwaukee-Eight Road Kings?
A4: Early Milwaukee-Eight engines have oil sumping problems. Repairs are costly. Buying 2020 or newer models is safer for this engine.
Q5: Are the 2007-2008 Road Kings reliable?
A5: Engines improved with hydraulic tensioners, but the frame was older and less agile. These years offer less handling than 2009+ models.
Q6: How can I avoid problems when buying a used Road King?
A6: Get a pre-purchase inspection, check service records, and confirm key upgrades like cam tensioner replacements or oil pump fixes.
Q7: Do all Road King years have bad brakes or suspension?
A7: Brakes and suspension can need upgrades on many models. It’s common, not tied to specific years, so inspect these parts closely.
Q8: Are electrical problems common in Road Kings?
A8: Electrical issues happen but usually come from wear, like battery or stator problems. These can be fixed and don’t mean a year is bad.
Q9: What should I check for in Road King maintenance history?
A9: Look for cam chain tensioner upgrades, oil pump repairs, regular fluid changes, and suspension service to avoid costly repairs.
Q10: Are recalls a reason to avoid certain Road King years?
A10: No. Recalls are safety fixes. As long as they are done by dealers, recalls don’t make a model year unsafe or bad to buy.