Well, I bought my 95 Ultra last August and it was showing 16,000 on the odometer. I rode it to the local Harley dealer last week (60 miles away), and one of the older mechanics recognized the bike. I asked if he would run the vin and check the history of the bike. He did and we found out the bike was sold new in 95 from that dealership. It had also had two recalls performed on it, and the cam bearing swapped. Previous owner also had a high performance cam installed while they were in there. The bike has hardly any dents or dings, new tires, new brake pads, and a new battery that was installed just before I bought it. He said he knew the previous owner and he took good care of the bike. That's the good news. Unfortunately, the bike has 116,000 on it instead of 16,000. However, it runs great, no knocks, doesn't smoke and has good compression. I was a little disappointed with the high mileage but I really like the bike, so I'll keep her and if something breaks or wears out I'll fix it. I guess it's actually a testament to these old evos that they just keep going. Makes me smile now when guys post on here that they're considering buying an evo but they're worried that it has 30,000 miles on it. lol.

 

16k must be the magic number for Evo's. I just bought an old police bike with 16k showing on it. I found out the speedo cable was broke, and after doing some service to it came to the conclusion that the speedo has gone around at least once. The motor and trans work perfect but, the rest of the bike shows some wear and tear. I' slowly getting her back in shape and will ride it until the wheels turn square.,,

 

Funny you should mention police bikes. This Ultra is a police edition and they had 4 police bikes out front for sale when I was at the Harley dealer. I'm considering getting one myself. The Harley dealer is in Jackson, Miss., and the Jackson police department buys their bikes and has them serviced there. This is my third evo so the high mileage doesn't really scare me. I've had good luck with all of 'em. The rear base gasket leaks a little, but not too bad. Not enough to tear it apart yet. Other than that, it's a pretty clean bike. Good luck with the Police bike and let us know how things go. We never know for sure what we're getting when we buy a used bike.
KC

 

I have a electraglide Classic, and was going to trade it in. It is a 2007 with 45,000 miles on it. They offered 10,000 on a new trade. I'm going to drive the wheels off it now that I know that. Seems Dealers are afraid of high mileage bikes for some reason. I found a 2007 just like mine with 3,000 miles on it. I would be wondering about that. Was it a lemon? maybe just a hanger queen, but I bet it would have some oil leaks. Moral of the story...don't buy from a dealer. You will have a sore behind from the screwing you will get.

 

Just shows to go ya how STOUT the Evo engine really is.

I don't know if the Police bikes are manufactured any differently - but I sure do love my Bertha. She runs like a top at 45K miles - just a minor base gasket leak on the front cylinder that I'll fix this winter. I love the Police bikes!

 

That is a true American Iron - keep rack'n the miles.

 

Funny - I was at the dealer parts counter a few weeks back. I was talking about how all of Bertha's chrome is nice and shiny after 15 years on the road, with no rusting anywhere. The parts guy said "Yeah, your bike was made back when they were making QUALITY American stuff - not the Chinese JUNK we're selling now."

No kidding - he really SAID that - right at the parts counter with other customers there! That dude rocked. That dealership is great... don't want to say what dealer in this post though, because I don't want to get anyone in trouble. But he said it like it IS.

Back in the Evo era, the MoCo was making good stuff to LAST... right here in the Good Old U.S. of A. !!!

 

While we're on the subject of mileage, I'd be curious to know who else on the forum has an Evo with over 100,000 on the clock, and what you've had to replace over the years?? There's not too many other brands of bikes out there that can boast of 100,000+ mileage bikes still going strong!

 

Good for you ! Old Evo police bikes are hard to kill. Mine is an 89 Jersey City 'Glide. It showed 19k on the speedo when i bought it, no clue what the real milage is. It had been laid down more than once and was a beat down, patch together old sled when I picked it up. A few months over the winter in a garage, a bunch of factory replacement parts and some aftermarket parts and she is good to go. I trust that old 'glide to take me anywhere and it hasn't let me down yet. Enjoy the ride and feel good in knowing you gave it a new life to enjoy !

 

I've owned my '94 FLSTN since it was new in September '93. Now I have 161,000 miles on it. The motor was rebuilt by the factory at 85,000 miles due to consequential damage from a lifter failure at 49,000 miles. The pinion shaft was damaged by pieces of the bearing, so a lower end job was called for. The top end was still good (good compression and negligable oil consumption). While the motor was being done, I had the belt and pulleys replaced, new fork bushings, steering head bearings, swingarm bearings and primary chain and sprockets. When it was all back together, I had a pretty much new bike.

The remanufactured motor threw a rod bearing six months later, so Harley replaced the top end under warranty, and I have 75,000 miles on the rebuilt rebuild with no problems.

My only other recurring problem is the starter circuit. You fix something, ride a few months, then the starter "click" starts again, so you fix something else and repeat.

Otherwise, it's just normal wear items: 21 rear tires, 9 front tires, 2 sets or brake rotors, 8 batteries (starter problems-remember?), lots and lots of Harley oil, and so on.

Original parts include the clutch, tranny, voltage regulator, coil, ignition module, starter motor (although I really need a new one).

I suspect there are a few Gold Wings and BMWs that can also boast of high mileage, though.