1998 Harley-Davidson Road King

“ King Of The Road ”
The bike has done virtually no mileage whatsoever since 2013 but, aside from needing what we imagine will be some very light recommissioning, this splendid Road King Classic looks good to go as far as we can see.

Background
When Harley-Davidson first introduced the Road King in 1994 it soon became the firm’s most sought-after bike, generating the longest waiting lists and the highest dealership mark-ups.

It was the Harley that reawakened buyers (American ones, at least), to the luxury touring market – a segment that had long been dominated by Honda’s Venerable Gold Wing.

In 1998, the Road King Classic arrived, bringing with it spoked wheels and whitewall tyres; hard, leather-covered saddle bags; fuel injection as standard; a new nine-plate clutch; distinct badging; and slanted exhaust tips.

Motive power came initially from a 1,338cc V-Twin and later from a 1,450cc unit.

Overview
This vehicle comes to us as part of a fine collection of classic cars and motorcycles belonging to the late Professor Christopher H. Bovis FRSA, a widely published and respected expert in international and European business law, public procurement and public/private partnerships.

This ‘Aztec Orange’ Road King Classic was first registered to Eddy Wright Harley Davidson of Leeds and remained in that ownership until bought by Professor Bovis in May 2000.

The odometer is indicating 2,519 miles.

The engine turns over but we have not attempted to start or ride the bike.

It appears to us to be in very good overall condition.

Exterior
The bike presents very well from every angle and its overall condition is an entirely fair reflection of its very low mileage.

Eagle-eyed observers among you will have spotted the somewhat incongruous blue fuel tank.

Don’t worry, the bike’s original Aztec Orange item accompanies it – as does a selection of other parts and spares.

We don’t know the reason for the petrol tank swap.

The chrome work is shiny and bright throughout, including on the laced steel wire wheels.

There are a few scuffs and marks on the front forks, but nothing untoward or unusual.

The paintwork on the fenders and both fuel tanks is very decent, bar a few entirely standard swirly scratches here and there.

The matching Avon tyres look to have a good deal of life left in them.

The keener observers among you will have spotted that the inside of this motorbike is very much in the same place as the outside.

Obviously, motorcycles don’t really have an interior but we guess this is where we talk about the seats, instrumentation and controls.

The black leather on the main and pillion seats is free of any holes or tears, and the leather-covered hard-case saddle bags are fine, save the odd scuff here and there.

We haven’t started or ridden the bike so we can’t make any claims for the efficacy, accuracy or otherwise of the gauges, instruments and controls.

But we can say that they look to be in very good condition.

Mechanical
Again, as we haven’t started or ridden the bike, we can’t voice an opinion on how well it handles or rides.

We can say that everything on and ancillary to the engine and drivetrain looks pretty much squeaky clean and minty fresh, and there are no big scuffs or dinks anywhere to suggest the bike has ever been dropped.

A few of the ribs on the air filter are a trifle squashed, but that’s really about it in terms of very minor things to complain about.

We know from a receipt that the 2-into-1 exhaust kit the bike is currently sporting was fitted by Eddy Wright in 2001.

As for the underside, what you see is what you get. It’s all there, open for inspection, and it all looks good to us with no leaks, drips or damage.

History
We know that this low mileage Road King Classic spent its life in a collection of other Harley-Davidsons (you’ll no doubt have spotted them on our listings) and was evidently as thoroughly cherished and diligently curated as its stablemates.

The bike comes with plenty of old MoT certificates, a few tax discs, a Harley Davidson Softail factory manual, a couple of bills, a clear HPI report and a V5C.

Summary
The bike has done virtually no mileage whatsoever since 2013 but, aside from needing what we imagine will be some very light recommissioning, this splendid Road King Classic looks good to go as far as we can see.

It should give its next owner many years of happy hog riding.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £4,000 - £8,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at THE MARKET HQ in South Oxfordshire. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays (apart from Bank Holidays) between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

View the bike and current price bid HERE