Need advice/opinions
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 15
Likes: 16
From: BROOMFIELD, CO
Need advice/opinions
Hello All,
Long time listener, first time caller. I have never joined to forum for a litany of reasons until now. I come to you now on bended knee and open ears for some advice/opinions. A little boring back story.....SO i have been riding my beloved 2004 XL1200R for several years (previously rode crotch rockets and metric cruisers). I had planned to move overseas this year so I sold her just before winter. That plan fell through so of course I need another bike. I wouldnt say I am on a budget, but I dont feel the need to spend a ton of money to get a decent ride. My wife has decided she wants to ride with me now so time for a bigger bike. Ill be 50 this year and thick as a milkshake @ 250 LB. The wife is a petite 120 just for reference. I have four bikes I have looked at and think I can get either one of them for $6k.
2004 Road King - 31K miles
2003 - Heritage - 25K miles
2000 Road King Police - 41K miles
1998 Electra Glide Anniversary - 42K miles
All 4 are 2 owner bikes currently owned by older gentlemen and clearly meticulously maintained. The 2000 RKP has a 2 into 1 Fat Cat pipe. All others V&H. Not really a concern to me either way. I know that will clearly be the most powerful of the 4.
I am equally comfortable on any of them. The wife was obviously more comfy on the Electra Glide. I guess what I am looking for is and advice/opinions for or against any of the above listed 4 bikes.
Thanks in advance!!
Long time listener, first time caller. I have never joined to forum for a litany of reasons until now. I come to you now on bended knee and open ears for some advice/opinions. A little boring back story.....SO i have been riding my beloved 2004 XL1200R for several years (previously rode crotch rockets and metric cruisers). I had planned to move overseas this year so I sold her just before winter. That plan fell through so of course I need another bike. I wouldnt say I am on a budget, but I dont feel the need to spend a ton of money to get a decent ride. My wife has decided she wants to ride with me now so time for a bigger bike. Ill be 50 this year and thick as a milkshake @ 250 LB. The wife is a petite 120 just for reference. I have four bikes I have looked at and think I can get either one of them for $6k.
2004 Road King - 31K miles
2003 - Heritage - 25K miles
2000 Road King Police - 41K miles
1998 Electra Glide Anniversary - 42K miles
All 4 are 2 owner bikes currently owned by older gentlemen and clearly meticulously maintained. The 2000 RKP has a 2 into 1 Fat Cat pipe. All others V&H. Not really a concern to me either way. I know that will clearly be the most powerful of the 4.
I am equally comfortable on any of them. The wife was obviously more comfy on the Electra Glide. I guess what I am looking for is and advice/opinions for or against any of the above listed 4 bikes.
Thanks in advance!!
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,797
Likes: 1,188
Easy answer. 2004 Road King.
Reasons: It will handle two-up well, and it's better for longer rides. It's not an early TC, so it shouldn't have too many bugs.
The Heritage would be very nice, but it's not as good for two-up or longer rides simply because it's lighter. It does look good, though. I think a Heritage looks like a motorcycle the same way a snub-nose revolver looks like a gun. It's just the way they should be.
Both the Police Road King and the '98 Electra Glide could have issues, especially if they're fuel injected. They're early TC's and will/could have the bugs that go with them.
I have no particular bias here as I own or have owned all of these.
Now that I've said this, I'm sure people will jump in and tell me why I'm wrong.
Reasons: It will handle two-up well, and it's better for longer rides. It's not an early TC, so it shouldn't have too many bugs.
The Heritage would be very nice, but it's not as good for two-up or longer rides simply because it's lighter. It does look good, though. I think a Heritage looks like a motorcycle the same way a snub-nose revolver looks like a gun. It's just the way they should be.
Both the Police Road King and the '98 Electra Glide could have issues, especially if they're fuel injected. They're early TC's and will/could have the bugs that go with them.
I have no particular bias here as I own or have owned all of these.
Now that I've said this, I'm sure people will jump in and tell me why I'm wrong.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 15
Likes: 16
From: BROOMFIELD, CO
That is something I should have added. Live in Colorado so for now it will be a is of around town and weekend day trips to the mountains. No real long haul touring per se. I plan to get another Sporty in the near future as well that would end up being my more day to day/bar hopper bike. Thanks for the reply!
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 15
Likes: 16
From: BROOMFIELD, CO
Thanks Uncle Peepers! Exactly the kind of info I am looking for. I am admittedly not overly familiar with the big twins and issues they historically have. Been trying to do some power research the last week or so.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 13,541
Likes: 34,759
From: Pine Flat Dam/South Bay Area, CA
I would pick the 1998 Electra Glide. It's an Evo and the '98's were some of the best. If you are mechanically inclined these are simple bikes that are easy for you to repair and maintain. My second choice is the 2000 Police Road King. They have a forged crank assembly and Timkin main bearings.
Do some research before you buy, OP.
Do some research before you buy, OP.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 67
Likes: 21
From: SoCal
1st: 04 Road King (ask if the cam chain tensioners have been checked/replaced. (Do a search if you're not familiar with the issue).
2nd 98 EG Only if it's carberated (skip if it's fuel injected, too many issues with the obsolete FI system)
3rd Heritage (though, not as comfortable 2-up as the above two)
Skip on the 2000. If none of the above work out, keep looking.
2nd 98 EG Only if it's carberated (skip if it's fuel injected, too many issues with the obsolete FI system)
3rd Heritage (though, not as comfortable 2-up as the above two)
Skip on the 2000. If none of the above work out, keep looking.
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