I've been without a ride for the past two summers. I am a long time rider, but never owned a Harley.

Wjile looking on line, I spotted a 2006 Road King that is for sale at one of the Harley dealers here in ND. It has 36000 miles on it. The bike seems to be well maintained. Has the leather covered tour bag and sidebags.

It's about four hours away from me, so I'm looking to go down to look at it this weekend. Before I go, I'm looking for feedback and reviews from anyone who has had some experience with the 06 Road King.

What should I be looking for, what should I be watching for. Mileage too high? Best price?

Talk me into joining Harley ownership.

 

Cam chain tensioners. Mileage sounds fine. Ask about maintenance records.
Post a picture.
Has the bike been serviced with new fluids?
How much tread on tires?
All points for negotiating.
I've got a 2006 King with 90,000 on it and it still runs great.

 

How close is your nearest Harley dealer? Generally speaking you are going to pay top dollar at a dealer. If you could find one for sale locally from a private seller, you could have it checked out at the dealer and save some $$.

 

There's a dealer right here in my hometown but they seem to think that the oil boom is still ongoing. Same with local sellers. They're all asking ridiculous prices.

But I can drive to any of the dealers in the eastern part of the state, Grand Forks, Fargo & Jamestown and get much better prices. Probably better condition bikes too, because too many of the riders here in the west have more money than brains and ride 'em like they're rented mules. Ride the hell out of them, and instead of fixing what they break, they just trade them for a new one to ride into the dirt.

 

I had an 05 Road King Custom that I bought from Roughrider Harley in ND and the deal went alright. Mind you I knew the bike; a friend of mine had traded it in before knowing that I was interested in it. Still the deal worked out, they were good to deal with and bike was awesome. As someone mentioned earlier, check to see if the cam chain tensioner has been done and service records. If it's a FLHRSI (road king custom with injection) then you should be able to land it for under $10k.

 

'06 RK absolutely MUST know the condition of the cam tensioners; at that mileage, they could be ready to grenade at any time. Only other issue I know for that year could be valve guides; problem on '05s, but may have been corrected by '06.

Assuming you don't know their condition...that bike & that mileage--between $7 & 8 grand; no more. If they have been changed or upgraded, maybe high 8s.
One of Dickey's cardinal rules...never EVER buy used from a dealer; best to buy lo mile & mint used from a private seller; you will get a much better deal, and not hafta pay all those fees that you won't pay if you buy privately..

Go 1 year newer, & you get the 96" motor & 6-speed tranny.

 

I just bought a 2006 RK and I got mine with 13,700 miles and under $11,500.

 

2 years ago I bought an electra glide ultra classic from a guy in Devils Lake for $9000. It had 56k but the cam tensioners had been done at 45k with receipts.

 

I'd hold out for an '07 (or later).

96" engine, 6-speed transmission, and no worry about cam tensioners ('07 and up have the new hydraulic tensioners) ...

 

The 88/5 speed is a good solid combo. I have an '03 with 34k. At 30 k I had a lot of work done. You should check the condition of the same things I had done.

Cam Chain Tensioner Upgrade. SE Hydraulic or Gear driven, or at least checked and replaced, as needed.

New front engine mount.

Rebuild front calipers.

Shift Shaft seal, prone to leaking.

Look for gas leaks around the quick connect. I had that leak repaired around 23k.

Every year has it's problems. I would go more by the overall condiiton, and maintenance records.