General Harley Davidson Chat Forum to discuss general Harley Davidson issues, topics, and experiences.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Need Input

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 13, 2009 | 07:45 PM
  #1  
Rockymtnfishboy's Avatar
Rockymtnfishboy
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Pinedale, WY
Default Need Input

I need help from you experienced folks out there. Here's my dilemma. I have been planning on buying a Road King for months now, I go to the local shop and the only Road King in stock is in a color that I dont care for. So I am looking around and see an new 08 Electra Glide Standard. They are offering 3000.00 off the left over 08 which brings the price to roughly four thousand less than the Road King which is a 2010. I like the idea of the removable windshield, but now I am seriously considering buying the Electra Glide. I am going to be touring. Any input from folks that have either or have owned both will appreciated. Thanks
 
Old Oct 13, 2009 | 08:06 PM
  #2  
pork's Avatar
pork
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 217
Likes: 0
From: Central Texas
Default Not cheap enough

I have had both, and I would opt for an Electra Glide over a Road King for touring, assuming that both have the same options. I'm talking only about functionality here, since I assume that you realize that the Road King has a lot more chrome. By the way, while touring, you most likely won't want to have the windshield off, so don't set much value in that feature, if you are really going to be touring. Also, be aware that the new frame that came in on the '09 models is way better than the old frame, at least in my opinion.

Having said all that, $4k is not nearly enough of a price differential, given that the EG is two years older. During the last two years, we have been paying from $2500 to $6300 below MSRP on brand new touring models that are just barely last year's model, including a trike. So you can do better on the '08 for sure.

If I were you, I would think it over and come up with a price on the EG that would make me very, very happy and offer that as a "take it or leave it" offer. If they turn you down, walk out and start looking at other dealers, even if you have to go a little way. Just don't buy one until some dealer makes you really happy.

This dealership is not really trying to get your business.
 
Old Oct 13, 2009 | 08:12 PM
  #3  
will2002's Avatar
will2002
Extreme HDF Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 10
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 10,788
Likes: 2,222
From: Texas
Default

Originally Posted by pork
I have had both, and I would opt for an Electra Glide over a Road King for touring, assuming that both have the same options. I'm talking only about functionality here, since I assume that you realize that the Road King has a lot more chrome. By the way, while touring, you most likely won't want to have the windshield off, so don't set much value in that feature, if you are really going to be touring. Also, be aware that the new frame that came in on the '09 models is way better than the old frame, at least in my opinion.

Having said all that, $4k is not nearly enough of a price differential, given that the EG is two years older. During the last two years, we have been paying from $2500 to $6300 below MSRP on brand new touring models that are just barely last year's model, including a trike. So you can do better on the '08 for sure.

If I were you, I would think it over and come up with a price on the EG that would make me very, very happy and offer that as a "take it or leave it" offer. If they turn you down, walk out and start looking at other dealers, even if you have to go a little way. Just don't buy one until some dealer makes you really happy.

This dealership is not really trying to get your business.
I AGREE. It's just that simple.
 
Old Oct 13, 2009 | 08:15 PM
  #4  
Toypuller's Avatar
Toypuller
Seasoned HDF Member
Veteran: Navy
15 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,542
Likes: 6,187
From: In your head rent free
Default

If you want a Road King have the dealer get you one in the color you want.

Get what you want. The money you save won't be worth it if your riding on the bike you didn't want.
 
Old Oct 13, 2009 | 09:05 PM
  #5  
Wallaby's Avatar
Wallaby
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 10,959
Likes: 2
From: Back in Oz M8
Default

I am not into touring bikes, but wasn't the touring chassis heavily revised for '09 for the better. If so, I wouldn't be looking at a "new" '08. If a RK gets your juices flowing, but is out of your $ range, pick up a gently used '09 RK with a stage 1 and get riding.

BTW, where in the Rocky Mountains R U ?
 
Old Oct 13, 2009 | 10:24 PM
  #6  
Rockymtnfishboy's Avatar
Rockymtnfishboy
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Pinedale, WY
Default

Thanks guys, I am new to the new Harley buying! I have to admit that the Road King is what I really want based on looks and limited experience of riding one, have never ridden the EG. We have also been dealing on an new 08 Softail Deluxe for my wife and have found that negotiating has not been much of an option. I tried to playing hardball with the dealer and was basically shutdown. The 08 EG comes in at $14700.00, what is the consensus on that price? Should I be able to get it for less?

Wallaby.........We are in Pinedale WY
 
Old Oct 13, 2009 | 10:46 PM
  #7  
txfxstrider's Avatar
txfxstrider
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 6,913
Likes: 87
From:
Default

If the Road King is what you "really' want, forget the ElectraGlide and get the Road King. The Road King is great for touring as well as short trips and riding around town.

The two year old bike should be at least 6K less than the new one. Buy the Road King. ROAD KING. ROAD KING.
 
Old Oct 13, 2009 | 11:43 PM
  #8  
TheJimer's Avatar
TheJimer
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,890
Likes: 3
Default

Three grand off on a 2 year old bike would not be a large enough incentive for me to pull the trigger!

Remember, when the customers were lined up out the door with cash in hand and product (be it a bike, car, boat or house) supply was low, dealers played the supply and demand game; MSRP+!

Now the game has reversed; the bikes are lined up out the door and there are very few buyers; therefore, that makes you a rare community in today’s market…a ready, willing and able buyer and therefore you should be compensated for being willing to spend your money in this uncertain market! If dealer “A” won’t do it, I guarantee dealer “B” or “C” or “D”, etc., etc., will! Oh, did I mention it is WINTER; another factor in your favor!

Good luck and keep on looking until you find the right deal!
 
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-1

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Oct 13, 2009 | 11:58 PM
  #9  
Solitaree1's Avatar
Solitaree1
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 888
Likes: 0
From: Central Illinois
Default

everyone here is on the money, it's a buyers market. Get what you want, don't settle.
 
Old Oct 14, 2009 | 01:49 AM
  #10  
DinoVelvet's Avatar
DinoVelvet
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 1
From: British Columbia
Default

Originally Posted by will2002
I AGREE. It's just that simple.
+2 to that one
 



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:52 PM.

story-0
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-2
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-3
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-4
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-5
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE
story-8
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider

Slideshow: Graeme Billington's left-hand-drive Shovelhead is as much about problem-solving as it is about classic Harley form.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2025-12-30 11:27:08


VIEW MORE
story-9
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025

Slideshow: A clear-eyed look at what actually worked for Harley this year, and what quietly undermined its progress.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2025-12-29 17:10:48


VIEW MORE