Just a couple questions and was looking for experienced owner opinions.

I have looked at a couple 2008 HD Ultra Classic Anniversary bikes. One is stock, the other has the Screaming a Eagle stage 1 big bore kit, and stage 2 cams. The bike is absolutely perfect. My concern is that it has 80,000 Kms, with about 5000 Km's on the big bier kit. He is asking $18,500.

The second is identical, but stock at $16,900. 30,000 km's on it. Also in beautiful condition.

My questions would be, how many Km's are these engines good for? Should I be concerned with either of these? What about the asking prices?

Opinions welcomed!

 

80K is nothing as long as it has been taken care of. With the extra go fast parts I might be concerned about the compensator (factory one is weak design). Any knocking or clunking from the primary during start up or shut down?

Another thing to consider is if your mechanical you could add all those parts to the stock bike for about 2K if you do all the labor and you get pick the cams/exhaust of your choice.

One thing to be aware of is the 08 model is a bit unique. It's the last year of the old frame but has a lot of the electronics from the 09+ models. Some accessories for it only fit the 08 model.

 

Depends on the owner and type of riding.My guess is the 80k bike has been ridden hard and fast,why else have the performance mods,the 30k bike likely has spent a lot more time cruising and in the garage parked.My preference would be the lower mile,less modded,less hammered on bike.Have you checked prices in the south and island?Money and jobs are tight in these parts,might be able to snag a deal and beat the FSJ premium $$$!

 

I would buy the stock 2008 with the lower mileage. Even it seems a tad high in terms of asking price. Last October I bought a 2009 FLHX with 19,000 kms for $15,900 from Kitchener H-D. It had a custom front wheel and fender along with the SE Big Sucker a/c and lots of chrome bling on the controls and floorboards.
In my opinion, any time you start changing cams and installing big bore kits etc. you compromise reliability. I have learned the hard way that all the add on's don't necessarily add to the selling price significantly. You never get out what you invested in accessories. They simply make the bike more attractive to the buyer.

 

I personally would buy a used bike with high KLMs
Plenty of bikes with 20 K around...bought mine with 10K

 

Lower price, Less road time. It would be a no-brainer for me.


Maybe I'm in the minority but there isn't any way in hell I would spend that kind of money on a bike with 50,000 miles on it.

 

Thanks for your input guys. I ended up going with the stock bike with 30K on it. I was able to barter him down into the mid $15s. Has about $800 worth of extras on it as well. I pick it up next week!

 

I think you made the right choice.