New VS Old
Thread Starter
|
Stage III
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Dillon
New VS Old
I'm currently shopping for a new bike. Pretty limited budget ($4-6K). Looking at Electra Glides.
I've been doing my homework and researching the various years and bikes for common issues. One of the things I've come across is there are many older bikes (mid 90's evos) with pretty low miles (20K-40) and newer bikes (2000-2004) that have significantly higher miles (60-70K). I know the newer bikes have a redesigned frame, bigger motor, upgraded brakes and suspension, etc.
What are your thoughts on going with the newer bike (and why). Or do I buy the older bike with half the miles.
I've been doing my homework and researching the various years and bikes for common issues. One of the things I've come across is there are many older bikes (mid 90's evos) with pretty low miles (20K-40) and newer bikes (2000-2004) that have significantly higher miles (60-70K). I know the newer bikes have a redesigned frame, bigger motor, upgraded brakes and suspension, etc.
What are your thoughts on going with the newer bike (and why). Or do I buy the older bike with half the miles.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 4,384
Likes: 8,742
From: Texas
Old..., can always be made new again
Ghost
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,508
Likes: 303
From: N. Tx.
thoughts?
I recently gave a 23 year old BMW bike to my son. It runs perfectly, needed a handful of TLC things, but is solid as could be. I just couldn't keep up with maintenance on two bikes anymore. One day I'll give him my RKC too.
I have a friend who's father has ridden the same Honda CB350 since he bought it in the 60's. He used it for a daily work commuter for decades and now rides it for enjoyment. It's as solid as they come.
I know another guy who has a 40's era Harley. He doesn't ride it everyday but he rides it. And another guy who has a vintage Indian. He rides it now and then too, usually on nice weather Sunday afternoons.
The only issue with owning old bikes, depending on age, is availability of parts.
But there's nothing wrong with having and riding an old bike. Just remember, things will break, things will fail, things will wear out. Just do a bit of homework to make sure you've got a source network for replacement parts when they do. Keep up with wear and tear and maintenance and you'll be fine and have a cool old bike with mojo.
I recently gave a 23 year old BMW bike to my son. It runs perfectly, needed a handful of TLC things, but is solid as could be. I just couldn't keep up with maintenance on two bikes anymore. One day I'll give him my RKC too.
I have a friend who's father has ridden the same Honda CB350 since he bought it in the 60's. He used it for a daily work commuter for decades and now rides it for enjoyment. It's as solid as they come.
I know another guy who has a 40's era Harley. He doesn't ride it everyday but he rides it. And another guy who has a vintage Indian. He rides it now and then too, usually on nice weather Sunday afternoons.
The only issue with owning old bikes, depending on age, is availability of parts.
But there's nothing wrong with having and riding an old bike. Just remember, things will break, things will fail, things will wear out. Just do a bit of homework to make sure you've got a source network for replacement parts when they do. Keep up with wear and tear and maintenance and you'll be fine and have a cool old bike with mojo.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,680
Likes: 602
From: South Florida
2009 and up have the redesigned frame,etc. Those are out of your price range.Early 2000's and the 90's bikes are in your budget.They are out there,you just have to do your research.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 15,395
Likes: 19,400
From: Upstate N.Y.-Rochester Area
You can improve the frame by adding aftermarket kits like True-Track, and replacing your shocks and fork components later on as you save $ for it.
I love my '89 EVO, great machine.
Reliable and it gets the job done.
I love my '89 EVO, great machine.
Reliable and it gets the job done.
Trending Topics
Road Captain
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 718
Likes: 152
From: Ozarks
Really good advice here especially in the price range your at. There is a great bike out there waiting on you. Good luck with your adventure.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 8,055
Likes: 8,080
From: Canada
.....But doesn't mean its good. I can restore a 78 mustang King cobra (pinto) to be like a new 78 mustang again but they should've all been greeted by a car crusher at the end of the assembly line back in 1978.
I would buy the newest bike I could afford, lessons learned by mistakes they made.
I would buy the newest bike I could afford, lessons learned by mistakes they made.
