Looking at “08” TC Road King with 7.3K miles. Typical garage queen. Anything to be aware of? Weak points with frame or engine? Not sure year 6 speed tranny introduced? Thoughts?

Thank You!!

 

It's got the 6 speed, as well as a 6 gallon tank.
Not much riding to that one......would be wary of all rubber components

 

6 speed was in 2007 in the touring lineup. The 96" is a good motor. Throw a cam in it and it can be fun. Other than the typical junk harley lifters and inner cam bearings there's not much "wrong" with the 08. The compensator is junk but you have such low miles it should be fine for quite a while...same with the lifters really, unless you swap cams I'd leave it alone and rise it. The 08s gearing is a little tall and makes taking off uphill fully loaded a clutch slipping experience lol. Some people will tell you the 08 is a bastard year...meaning it has some weird fitment with accessories. Seats...they go from 08 up to at least the end of the twin cam in 2017...not sure if the newer seats will fit or not,never had to look into. Backrests and stuff like that is 08 down to 99. Exhausts will fit from 99 up to 2016...the difference is location and size of the o2 sensors...or the lack of on the earlier years of the twin cam. 08 is the first year of the 6 gallon gas tank and cush drive in the rear pulley...all good things in my opinion. Check the date code on the tires...very good chance they're original equipment and definitely should be changed if you buy it. Other than that change the 3 fluids possibly a new battery and that should be a great bike.

 

Dealer is asking $10k with 3 hole oil change, new tires and battery. They’re really good about going through the bikes before sale. Price not too bad?

 

I will be the outlier. JMHO, but I think I would be looking at '09 models. '09 model year changes included an "upgraded" touring frame and swing arm as well as changing the exhaust system to the "cross under" 2:1:2 system that moved a lot of heat away from rider and passenger. All '09 touring models, except the Road King, came with 17" front wheels, not 16". '09 models are going for $10K-$12K in my area; more miles but considering how many miles most on this forum ride a year, a bike with 20K miles, or even a bit more, should not be a concern if the bike has been well maintained. Even at 10K miles/year, lots of years/miles of riding left. At higher mileage, the Harley Stage I "tax" has been paid along with usually some other mechanical and/or cosmetic upgrades, i.e., seat, grips, tires, perhaps a tuner, oil cooler, who knows. As Beagle notes, the later model gearing is better for a touring model JMHO but I would be willing to pay a bit more for an '09

 

What that many miles on it and the dealer says he'll cover minor issues, I'd snap it up. I'd be concerned about fuel system rot inside the tank. Take it for a test ride and pitch it into a sweeper at say 80. If it tracks good it's a keeper. Technically there is not wrong with the frame. It has about 0.4 inches less trail which makes the bike feel lighter. It can cause some twitchiness which can be corrected but no reason in paying for fixing. It will have a smaller rear tire that will last 80% of the 09 ups but will cost 3/4 the price. The drive train is good. It it geared a little tall but it means you won't be using 6th unles you are doing above about 75 mph. Here in So Cal I'd buy it except I'd prefer an 07 mainly because I have an EFI that would fit and I don't need the extra gallon of gas.

 

I ran into a similar deal….a garage queen 2007 RK with 5300 miles in 2019. Mine had the exhaust header crack at the Y joint coming out of the rear jug because of a loose bracket bolt. Check the bolt on the exhaust bracket that connects to the transmission. I had the exhaust welded and it has held solid for 10,000+ miles. Other than the exhaust crack mine has been rock solid for 22,000 miles. It starts and runs great.
While it may not have all the latest bells and whistles I think finding a garage queen is the only reasonable way to get into a Harley. And someone else took the big depreciation hit. 2008 was also the 1st year that uses throttle by wire.

 

I had an '07 RK Classic. As said above, it was the first year for the 96" motor and the 6 speed transmission. The 96" motor was a stroked 88. Larger bore parts added to the 96 got you to 103 while the same bore increase took an 88 out to a 95 incher. Eventually the whole line grew to 103's of course. '07 and '08 dressers were unique in that they introduced a new frame in 2009, along with Brembo front brakes which were a nice improvement. The 2009 frame was supposed to have been a good improvement in handling and had a better load carrying capability. I had thought the larger fuel tank and cush drive came along in 2009, but won't argue with them arriving in 2008 along with throttle by wire. I never had any problems with parts availability and it was a good bike, now owned by one of my sons and running well with about 70k miles on it. He's planning to proactively change the cam chain tensioners and the compensator this winter.
If asked, I tell guys to look for something 2009 or newer to get the improved frame and brakes etc. However, I wouldn't reject a nice low mileage '08. You can cross the country on that thing as many times as you want, with good handling and comfort. Price seems high, but I'm way out of touch with the market, especially local variations.

 

I own an 08 UC since new , compensator went at 45,000 , coil at 50,000 . I also tow a trailer a few times a year , bike has 72,000 miles and no issues , I did put v & h true duals to keep the right side heat away from my wife foot ( they are known for that . other wise just broke in !!! good luck !

 

08 Ultra here, same engine/frame. Rides fine. Gearing is tall meaning feels like you're in first gear until 25MPH, but is no issue. The 'smaller' frame compared to 09+ is noticeable but (to me) ok (I also have a '12, feels much larger).

I LIKE that the rear tire is the 'smaller' size versus 09+ as its significantly cheaper and I notice no difference in handling w/ this tire. Putting on new rubber this week.

7.3k I'd get a brake fluid service too as I'd guess (?) the original fluid is still on board.

$10k to me is a bit high as private party prices coming to mind. Seems like an under $10k bike to me despite the mileage (unless it has tons of add ons you have not referenced)