What is "High Miles"?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 17,880
Likes: 9,633
From: Big Pine Key, FL
A bike's kinda like a girlfriend. Once she's yours, it's OK to put plenty of rough mileage on her. But you don't want her if someone else has already ridden her to death. Just sayin' is all.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,261
Likes: 1
From: Deltona, Florida
There are deals to be found out there, the economy is killing sales for dealers and the private sector, cycletrader, hogs4sale.com, and your local newspaper is a good place to start.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,831
Likes: 15
From: Nomad
Man, the time is *perfect* for buying a bike.
Many dealers are as desperate to sell as private sellers, especially with the change of season.
Just be like a dealer pricing a trade-in: accessories/add-ons are worth nothing, demand proof of servicing and winter storage, and remember that the Blue Book values are retail and that *you* decide what is high mileage.
Many dealers are as desperate to sell as private sellers, especially with the change of season.
Just be like a dealer pricing a trade-in: accessories/add-ons are worth nothing, demand proof of servicing and winter storage, and remember that the Blue Book values are retail and that *you* decide what is high mileage.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,900
Likes: 4
From: way down upon the Suwannee River
Sometimes mileage is decieving. A bike with 70,000 highway miles might be in better shape than a bar hopper with 6,000 mi. My last bike I put 90,000 on it and it was in great shape. You would be suprised how many people passed on a good deal when they heard the mileage. Check them out you might find a good high mileage steal.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 647
Likes: 1
From: Chattanooga, TN
High mileage? I don't know high mileage. I think that is something which has to be determined by the buyer on an individual basis. As many have already stated in this thread, I would rather have a bike which has been adult ridden and maintained, with maintenance records and a lot of miles, rather than the same age bike with low miles and no maintenance history. Lack of use and no maintenance is worse than over use with good maintenance in a lot of cases. I have a 2008 Road King, purchased it on May 10 of this year and I will cross over 12,000 miles by this coming weekend. Is that high mileage? I have a friend who has a 2004 Wideglide. He purchased it new in 2004 and has just crossed over 9.000 miles. Is his "low miles?" Just find bike you like, work the best deal you can, then jump on and ride.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 960
Likes: 1
From: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
As far as a bike's life goes, I'd say anything under 20K is low. That's because at 20K Harley recomends its first major tune up. But like everyone says, it is how the cycle is run and maintained. And low miles as far as the bike's life goes may not be "low" when you're looking for a low milege used one. Then it's just like a car...a mater of opinion. I bought mine used at 12,100. I passed on a newer model with 17,000 because I thought the mileage was too high for a one year old cycle.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 6
From: Jax, FL
I found my 99 RKC a year ago with 3,500 miles and it was like brand new. Paid about 9,000 less than a new one would have cost, and mine came with a LOT of chrome, so I saved on that also. I found my Ultra a few months back (an 03) and it only had 4,500 miles on it. Also like new and I saved about 7,000 as compared to a new one. There are examples like this out there and what I look for when I'm shopping. I've bought a bunch of bikes over the years so I have a pretty good idea what to look for.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
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
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,070
Likes: 2
From: Lafayette, LA.
Back in June I found my 02 Road King classic stage 1 complete and a lot of extra bling with 17,000 miles. It was well maintained and very clean. I Rode away with it for $11,500. It now has 23,000 miles and not one problem. I did change the back tire and rear disc pads at the 20,000 mile service but that is just maintenance.
Last edited by Cajun King; Nov 25, 2008 at 09:39 AM.