upgrade or replace?
Considering I own my Road King outright, is there any reason why I shouldn't just upgrade my current Road King for less overall money than obtaining another bike and getting all the little things put back on it?
I saw a BEAUTIFUL 2012 FLTRU at RMHD last week. Pretty bike, great paintjob. but... I'd need about 2 grand more just to set it up right, before I began to "make it my own".... which got me thinking
95 inch kit, Baker 6 speed, tourpack, lights, better bushing for the swing arm... and I'm DONE.....
My 2005 FLTR has a shape over 80k, and should last MY lifetime.... but I could tweek it, just a touch, and I've got a brand new bike, for a TON less money.... and no payments.
Ok... I'll be without ABS... that is the one downside to me (yes, I know... improved frame is a better ride... but I know THIS bike, and I like how it is)
Buy a new bike... and it's only new when you sigh the papers... then you're just one of thousands with a "current year bike" and it will soon be "last year's model'. My 2005 isn't hardly "old" to me... yet some folks act like it should be retired.
My money goes to keeping this bike, and upgrading... it will be cheaper in the long run.
and that's before adding in insurance, taxes, and the like
I saw a BEAUTIFUL 2012 FLTRU at RMHD last week. Pretty bike, great paintjob. but... I'd need about 2 grand more just to set it up right, before I began to "make it my own".... which got me thinking
95 inch kit, Baker 6 speed, tourpack, lights, better bushing for the swing arm... and I'm DONE.....
My 2005 FLTR has a shape over 80k, and should last MY lifetime.... but I could tweek it, just a touch, and I've got a brand new bike, for a TON less money.... and no payments.
Ok... I'll be without ABS... that is the one downside to me (yes, I know... improved frame is a better ride... but I know THIS bike, and I like how it is)
Buy a new bike... and it's only new when you sigh the papers... then you're just one of thousands with a "current year bike" and it will soon be "last year's model'. My 2005 isn't hardly "old" to me... yet some folks act like it should be retired.
My money goes to keeping this bike, and upgrading... it will be cheaper in the long run.
and that's before adding in insurance, taxes, and the like
After weighing the pro's & con's I bought a new 2012 FLHTK. The differences in the new bikes are worth it to me.
103 (Has ACR's & SE compensator)
New frame - Much, much better ride and handling. Bike feels so much lighter.
Brembo brakes with ABS - Serious braking power
6 gal tank - Increased touring distance
6 speed - Revised gearing makes 6th gear usable
With the exception of my old Rinehart TD's & ISO grips, all of my extras moved to the new bike. I'm only looking at adding a stage 1 and be done, for a while anyway.
I kicked around what to do since September last year. I finally bought a new one February 1st. Absolutely no regrets.
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
I'm spoiled and WOULD vote for the cruise control though,
Just my 2 cents.









