First harley advise
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: flemington nj
First harley advise
New member looking to buy first harley.i ride a vstar650 but moving on.considering an 07 road king or fatboy.mostly do 1/2 day rides with a passenger sometime.no major touring.friends tell me to get the 6 speed.i am looking to spend 10-12k.any issues i should be looking out for on a used bike?any input on which bike may be a better fit? Thanks for the help.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 281
Likes: 5
From: Reno, NV
The 07 and 08 year models are somewhat unusual in that they were right in the middle of HD's change from the 88 inch 5 speed in the old frame to the 96 inch 6 speed in the new frame. With all that said, they're all good. Some will chime in with info on specific "problems" with certain years but if you buy a bike made in the last 20 years, your only real risk will be the care the previous owner (owners) have given it. So my advice is simple. If you like it buy it, and ride it a lot.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,729
Likes: 7
From: Republic of Texas
The Road King is a Touring model and the Fatboy is a Softail model. They all had the 96" and 6 speed from '07 up. The Road King although a small Touring bike, is quit a bit larger than a vstar650. The Fatboy would probably be the best step up from your current bike. They both offer plenty of comfort for 2 up riding. The Fatboy will have a lower seat height of the two. Your best bet would be to find a dealer offering demo rides and jump on a few different models. Who knows, you might find a different model that you like. Then go out and scout down a good deal on a used one. An '07 Fatboy can be bought at the upper end of the 12k range but it will take some looking.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,815
Likes: 44
From: Keizer, Oregon
The Road King is a Touring model and the Fatboy is a Softail model. They all had the 96" and 6 speed from '07 up. The Road King although a small Touring bike, is quit a bit larger than a vstar650. The Fatboy would probably be the best step up from your current bike. They both offer plenty of comfort for 2 up riding. The Fatboy will have a lower seat height of the two. Your best bet would be to find a dealer offering demo rides and jump on a few different models. Who knows, you might find a different model that you like. Then go out and scout down a good deal on a used one. An '07 Fatboy can be bought at the upper end of the 12k range but it will take some looking.
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: flemington nj
Thanks for the help.07 road kings seem to be going for @ 12-13k on craigslist and there seems to be quite a few..does the 6 speed make a big difference?i would consider an older model bike, but keep hearing that the 6 speed is the way to go.
Trending Topics
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From:
I went from a vstar 650 to an '08 Heritage Softail. Pretty big difference, great move. The harley is bigger and better in every way, I felt like it handled nicer, etc. Sixth gear is just another gear? Suppose it was nice when cruisin 65+ but I hear the real difference was that the ratios of all gears are better matched to the motor than the five speed was.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,217
Likes: 4
6-speed is nice, but not essential. It just gives you a lower RPM at highway speeds. It's like the re-designed '09 & newer frame... nice to have, but you'll still be happy without it.
To me, it depends on how much you want to spend & what you in a bike. Personally, I'd buy a super-clean & well maintained older bike over a newer one with "improvements" that was a rat. All things being equal, I'd probably choose the newest bike I could get... but all things are never equal. Price, mileage, condition, options, all are going to vary from bike to bike.
Best advice is to ride the bikes you like & that are in your price range and see if you're happy with them.