I'd really like to buy a new all black FLHTP this year.

I don't give a hoot about stereos and other stuff and I like everything about the police package with its taller suspension and spring seat.

What is the best way to buy one of these new?

It seems every now and then a dealer has one for sale. I would need to sell my current bike (a '91 FXRS-CON) first, so I probably wouldn't really be in the market until summer or fall.

 

1) There is nothing special about an FLHTP over any other touring bike... they all share the same frame, engine and suspension. The police bikes just get a spring seat as you call it, although the newer bikes have a seat thats over a single coil-over shock.
2) You cannot buy a FLHTP new unless you are buying for a police agency.
3) (Gray area) Sometimes a dealer has a police 'ready' bike that doesn't get picked up, or its a special order... but after x-amount of days (I can't remember what it is). They are then able to offer the bike to the general public.
3.a) Occasionally agencies are given a demo bike through their local dealership. Once that agency is done testing the bike, the dealership will offer it for sale.

My opinion is to go used and find a local govt./County/City auction that is selling off their surplus. Out here in Las Vegas, the bikes go to auction once they hit or get close to 50K Miles. I did buy one at auction and rode it as my second my bike for a year.... it was and is the most fun I have had on a bike. But those reaons are for another post in another topic.

 

they are available new, hop on bike trader and do a search.. when I was shopping I found quite a few brand new police bikes in FL and VA..

 

Do you mean to say CYCLETRADER?

 

Laidlaws in L.A., had one on the showroom floor a couple weeks ago

it's a bit of a drive for you, but at least you could see it person

 

Myrtle Beach Harley had one in August...lol. I broke the seat in for a moment.

 

YES sorry I did mean cycletrader.com

 

I got one from a local dealer that was used in a neighboring county. I think it was rode once but dropped 10 times? All the bells, lights and other whistles where removed. Lots of nonfunctional buttons/switches and in the dealer haste or whatever, lots of loose connections or poor connections after disconnecting stuff. In brief, it was a ruff riding touring bike and it might of been a real toad to begin with? It required a lot of work to fix certain things, update or upgrade. And note: These are set up often for one up riding only. However, this became a 'project bike' for myself. My finger prints are all over this thing and was eventually rebuilt from the front to the rear. I didn't care how long it took or what I spent on it to some degree as long as I learned from what I was doing. I sure as heck did but I'm no expert. It rides as nice and as smooth now as my 2012 Road King and I often prefer it over the King at times. Police bikes are OK, but be prepared, they'll require research/manuals, some work, and some cash.
Rebuild 2002 FLTHP Baker DD6 and Fuelmoto 98ci kit

Done deal

 

I just bought a 2018 FLHR brand new from a dealer. The dealer has to have the bike in their possession for 90 days before they can sell it to a civilian. My dealer was Hideout HD. Joplin, MO. I ordered it sept. 16th and picked it up dec 16th.

 

Take a trip to Oakland HD. This dealership is/was (i'm not sure what the current status is)contracted to provide bikes to the CHP. They most likely could tell you what is involved with a purchase.