Road Glide Advice Needed
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Stage II
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN
Road Glide Advice Needed
Hello All, I have been on the hunt for a Road Glide. I have narrowed my search down to two a 2007 with 103" upgrade and 14,000 miles, and a 2009 with 103" upgrade, power commander and a ton more upgrades but is at 60,000 miles. Both are priced about the same, the 2009 has everything I want but the miles are high. Should I shy away from it because of the mileage. Any input is welcomed.
Thanks,
Sentell
Thanks,
Sentell
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,999
Likes: 55
From: Bay Area
It would all depend on how they were owned and maintained. If they were lugged a lot the cranks could be close to scissoring, if they were hot rodded more and the same. The 09 is the newer frame, abs ids and other things but someone else can chime in if theres are issues with that year. 60k Id say since its used be prepared to do a major engine job in the not too far future.
I have an 07 RG and had a 103 upgrade at 5k, that lasted 35k due to inferior crank. Did a out of frame high output 103 with welded crank and all it lasted a miserable 10k, due to a shoddy indy shop before I had to go thru the motor again, this time its a 124/121 and well see how long it lasts, I dont know when to leave well enough alone, but first I have to get to a well being state first.
I have an 07 RG and had a 103 upgrade at 5k, that lasted 35k due to inferior crank. Did a out of frame high output 103 with welded crank and all it lasted a miserable 10k, due to a shoddy indy shop before I had to go thru the motor again, this time its a 124/121 and well see how long it lasts, I dont know when to leave well enough alone, but first I have to get to a well being state first.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 751
Likes: 9
From: Portland, Oregon
The 103 upgrade is pretty gentle compared to all the hot rodding that can happen to these things. Prob 255 cams and around 9:1 comp on the 09. I would want to make sure it had compression realeases. As Bagman said the crank going would be a bummer, but that could happen at any mileage. I have personally seen 120k twin cams that run great.
The real problem with that 09 mileage is resale, but if you are buying it at I the right price point... If the engine goes out there are plenty of take out 103's for cheap LOL.
There are lots of folks happy with their 07 touring bikes.
Road Glides in general seem to bring more in used prices around here, just scarcer I guess.
The real problem with that 09 mileage is resale, but if you are buying it at I the right price point... If the engine goes out there are plenty of take out 103's for cheap LOL.
There are lots of folks happy with their 07 touring bikes.
Road Glides in general seem to bring more in used prices around here, just scarcer I guess.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 566
Likes: 70
From: The Redneck Riviera
Complete Maintenance Records including any mods (hopefully Dealer) will tell the story on the '09. (or the '07 for that matter) One way of looking at is, more problems have the potential to surface in 60k, than 14k, and if they are properly remedied, the bike is good to go.
The '07 is the 1st year 6Sp, the (common) problems with that may or may not have surfaced in 14k, any (common) problems with the '09 usually surface well before 60k.
Are they both 1 owner bikes? is another factor that I would consider, along with the general condition of the bikes.
The '07 is the 1st year 6Sp, the (common) problems with that may or may not have surfaced in 14k, any (common) problems with the '09 usually surface well before 60k.
Are they both 1 owner bikes? is another factor that I would consider, along with the general condition of the bikes.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 824
Likes: 2
From: O'fallon IL
I agree. Given a choice, I wouldn't buy an 07 or 08. Yes, there are plenty of them out there running great but the 09s and up are so much better. Be patient and wait for a cheap low mileage 09 (or newer) to surface.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,202
Likes: 792
From: Kansas City, Missouri
I'm jumping on this train also. I had an 2008. I didn't like it as well as my 2011. Just didn't handle as well. 60K miles is a ton on the 2009 unless your getting it cheap enough to fix anything (major expenses) that might go out on it. Maybe a esp warranty thrown in (as in free) on the 2009 would sweeten the deal in you favor. Even then I'd want to pick it up cheap.
Last edited by heavymetalthunder; Oct 3, 2014 at 09:31 PM.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Mountain West, Big Sky Country
OP buy the 09, 60K is higher than normal but not out of the range of possibilities. the 15's are out, so say 5 to 8 k a year. 6 years avg mileage is between 30 to 48. 60 makes it 10K a year.
dont sweat it. road glides rack up a lot of miles because they are the best riding touring model HD makes.
if you have engine problems, fix em. most likely your issues will be minimal as if anything most of the problems have surfaced and been repaired. if you are concerned, if you can buy an ESP then ride the pi$$ out of it.
dont sweat it. road glides rack up a lot of miles because they are the best riding touring model HD makes.
if you have engine problems, fix em. most likely your issues will be minimal as if anything most of the problems have surfaced and been repaired. if you are concerned, if you can buy an ESP then ride the pi$$ out of it.
