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

Which model to buy?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 24, 2010 | 07:01 PM
  #1  
Harleyfirsttime's Avatar
Harleyfirsttime
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
Red face Which model to buy?

Mid-life crisis and time to buy my first real bike and that would be a Harley Davidson of course.

First thoughts are leaning towards a Road King or Ultra model. There’s so much to learn I've lost my concentration already so now I’m reaching out to a larger audience.

I have always preferred larger bikes as I'm 6ft and 225lbs in stature. Not intimidated by a 750 pound ride.

Live in CT and so I have the temperature and weather conditions to consider.

My budget comes in at approximately 10K and that puts me in the year 2000 - 2003 range and preferably on the lower end for mileage. I’ve been looking on Craig’s List and there’s a few out there.

Looking for suggestions regarding the Ultra versus the Road King.

I like the windshield, big tires, more chrome the better, comfortable two up seat and back rest. My style of riding is early out on a Sunday morning and back by noon for my kids after a 200 mile ride. I would also like to commit to long weekend rides for 500 plus mile rides with a sleep over in Vermont or New Hampshire.
 

Last edited by Harleyfirsttime; Jul 24, 2010 at 07:14 PM.
Old Jul 24, 2010 | 07:10 PM
  #2  
Other Sheep's Avatar
Other Sheep
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,615
Likes: 9
From: Escondido, CA
Default

Either bike can be a very comfortable touring type bike. You need to go sit on a few and decide if you want a windshield or a fairing.
 
Old Jul 24, 2010 | 07:11 PM
  #3  
dmftoy1's Avatar
dmftoy1
Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 347
Likes: 1
From: Lexington, IL
Default

I wouldn't overlook a Dyna with a detachable windshield and bags either . . . . I'm the same height as you and a bit heavier and I can run 500 miles days with no problems . .come home, detach the bags and windshield and I've got my hotrod.

Of the two you mention the Ultra is the one I like the best . .only ridden one but it was big and cushy going down the road.
 
Old Jul 24, 2010 | 07:12 PM
  #4  
artz's Avatar
artz
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 873
Likes: 0
From: Just east of the 'bama line, GA.
Default

Either would be an excellent choice. See whats out there. Know what year and models have their weak points such as cam chain tensioners. No need to buy a bike then have to sink a wad into it to make it bulletproof. If possible ride them both. Have fun.
 
Old Jul 24, 2010 | 07:19 PM
  #5  
Fatboy Brian's Avatar
Fatboy Brian
Grand HDF Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 4,230
Likes: 477
From: Southwest VA
Default

Welcome to the forum, Glad to see you are handling the mid-life crisis in a responsible manner.
 
Old Jul 24, 2010 | 07:22 PM
  #6  
Harleyfirsttime's Avatar
Harleyfirsttime
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
Red face Great feedback

Took a quick look at the Dyna and a bit small for my liking but nice of course.

Great suggestion to spend some time looking at reviews for the Ultra and Road King.

Something about those big-*** tires and feeling the safety factor when running a varmint over unexpectedly on the roadway.
 
Old Jul 24, 2010 | 07:29 PM
  #7  
lo-rider's Avatar
lo-rider
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 9
From: Marina del Rey
Default 10k

Originally Posted by Harleyfirsttime
...My budget comes in at approximately 10K...
Buy the cleanest, latest, low-mileage bike you can.

My '09 was $9k w/ 6600-miles.
 
Old Jul 24, 2010 | 07:57 PM
  #8  
Rocket Man's Avatar
Rocket Man
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 110
Likes: 1
From: Gulf Coast Mississippi
Default

Don't overlook a Sportster. You could get a brand new 1200 Sporty for 10k and trade up in a couple years.
 
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-5

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
Old Jul 24, 2010 | 08:00 PM
  #9  
Rocket Man's Avatar
Rocket Man
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 110
Likes: 1
From: Gulf Coast Mississippi
Default

Originally Posted by lo-rider
Buy the cleanest, latest, low-mileage bike you can.

My '09 was $9k w/ 6600-miles.
You got a great deal for 9K
 
Old Jul 24, 2010 | 08:07 PM
  #10  
drifter27011's Avatar
drifter27011
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 376
Likes: 1
From: NC
Default

Originally Posted by Other Sheep
Either bike can be a very comfortable touring type bike. You need to go sit on a few and decide if you want a windshield or a fairing.
+1 Try them out and see which one fits you the best. Will save you $$$ trading later for the other one.
 



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:12 AM.

story-0
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

Slideshow: From military-inspired singles to scooters and three-wheel utility vehicles, these Harleys took the company far outside its comfort zone.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-02 18:34:10


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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-9
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