Newbie with a question!
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2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
Newbie with a question!
Looking at purchasing my first bike! I found a 97 HD Road King FLH today. The owner wants $3400 but says the odometer is broke. As of now they have not taken the bike to a shop so I don't know the true mileage at this point. Will be calling around with the VIN# tomorrow. The ignition has also been bypassed so instead of using a key they plug some wires in on the front of the seat.There is also a bit of rust on the exhaust right by the engine. The bike has been in a shed for the winter and I did not see any oil on the floor though. I priced a new speed/odo for around 250, ignition around 150, and an oil change and inspection around 250. I'm not sure how much labor it will take to do all of that. Just wondering if the concerns are too much work and extra money to be worth it? I haven't found any other road kings under 5k around this area, but don't want a huge hassle for a first bike either. Looking for opinions from some experienced riders. Pic attached as well.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
The seat actually looked good, but yeah I'm not knowledgeable enough to work on something major. I plan on learning as I go for maintenance though because labor costs frustrate me if its something I can fix myself in a few hours.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
I would have some mixed feelings about it. Looks like a nice set up. If it starts and runs well it could be okay. Make an offer at $2,800 and you may be alright.
Installing a new ing. switch is relatively easy with just taking off the console. However that would depend if the original plug in is still in there.
Same for the speedo which is in the same console. Still would be easy if the plugin is there.
Installing a new ing. switch is relatively easy with just taking off the console. However that would depend if the original plug in is still in there.
Same for the speedo which is in the same console. Still would be easy if the plugin is there.
Last edited by lh4x4; Mar 4, 2018 at 11:02 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 787
Likes: 603
From: Alberta
I wonder what a dealer would charge to pick it up, bring it in, and tell you what you're looking at as a minimum to know it is road-worthy. Give credit to the vendor for the reasonable asking price, it is a pretty nice looking unit
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 619
From: North Dakota & Minnesota
I bought my 96' Road King four years ago and had the same concerns you have. I can do regular maintenance but when it comes to major stuff I take mine to the local indy.
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The Evo is a great dependable motor but the bike is over 20 years old and is due for some maintenance or a fix or two.
Did the owner give you an estimate on miles? A couple things come to mind like the cam bearing and/or lifters that should be replaced around 40,000-50,000 miles. Check the base gaskets because they like to weep a bit but that's not a big deal.
Don't fret getting an older bike if it's the right one but put something aside for repairs down the road if you can't work on your own.
I have about $2,000 in my Evo over the last four years (lifters, base gaskets, top end refresh, clutch pack, brakes, shocks, etc). Bike has never left me stranded but almost did with a slipping clutch.
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The Evo is a great dependable motor but the bike is over 20 years old and is due for some maintenance or a fix or two.
Did the owner give you an estimate on miles? A couple things come to mind like the cam bearing and/or lifters that should be replaced around 40,000-50,000 miles. Check the base gaskets because they like to weep a bit but that's not a big deal.
Don't fret getting an older bike if it's the right one but put something aside for repairs down the road if you can't work on your own.
I have about $2,000 in my Evo over the last four years (lifters, base gaskets, top end refresh, clutch pack, brakes, shocks, etc). Bike has never left me stranded but almost did with a slipping clutch.
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2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
The seller is just trying to get out from under the loan on it. Something with issues with an ex, didn't want to pry to much on that. Unfortunately she doesn't know much about the bike herself. I actually offered to get it to the dealer as I have access to a trailer and since I'm a new rider I want a used bike in case I lay it down or drop it. (not planning on it but that's whats keeping me from buying new) As of now I'll probably get it inspected but if its going to cost 2k+ or has any major problems I guess I'll be out the money for the inspection and learn a lesson as I walk away from it. If its running well and the inspection goes well I don't want to walk away from a good deal though.
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Thread Starter
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2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
Side question, How is the overall reliability compared to say a 2013 Sportster Forty-Eight or a 883 or something. I've been talking to some other friends that ride saying the Road King would be decent for a newbie even though its a bigger bike just because its more comfortable and has a lower center mass? Of course I could be over thinking it and just need to get on a bike and go for it. Haha. I appreciate all the comments and help though.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 362
Likes: 76
From: Minnesota
Side question, How is the overall reliability compared to say a 2013 Sportster Forty-Eight or a 883 or something. I've been talking to some other friends that ride saying the Road King would be decent for a newbie even though its a bigger bike just because its more comfortable and has a lower center mass? Of course I could be over thinking it and just need to get on a bike and go for it. Haha. I appreciate all the comments and help though.
My first Harley was a 2012 Road King and I loved it. Every bike is different and every person is different. A RK is obviously more comfortable if you want to do a lot of long distance riding. Sporties are a blast and handle great.
My advice is go to your local Harley dealer and take some bikes out. They should have a nice selection of used bikes. Take out some sporties, take out a King, take out a softail. You can listen to people all you want but in the end, you're going to be the one riding it. A bike that fits them well may not fit you well.
Take your time when buying. There's always a crap ton of bikes for sale. Don't get stuck with a money pit or a bike you're not happy with.
Last edited by DC4MVP; Mar 5, 2018 at 12:54 AM.