Buying a used Road King
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: South Dakota
Buying a used Road King
So I'm looking at buying a used Road King, should I be worried?
It looks pretty good and sounds like it runs just fine.
I couldn't test ride it, most private sellers won't let you test ride unless you have cash in hand.
It comes with exhaust, head pipe, Thundermax tuner, Apes, tires with 4K on them, all Maint records and serviced at the local HD shop including maint till Apr 2016.
2012 RK with 14.5K miles
Just wondering how y'all buy used bikes without riding them.
Thanks
It looks pretty good and sounds like it runs just fine.
I couldn't test ride it, most private sellers won't let you test ride unless you have cash in hand.
It comes with exhaust, head pipe, Thundermax tuner, Apes, tires with 4K on them, all Maint records and serviced at the local HD shop including maint till Apr 2016.
2012 RK with 14.5K miles
Just wondering how y'all buy used bikes without riding them.
Thanks
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: Maumee Ohio
I would let the seller know you are serious about the bike ..Maybe he will change his tune and reconsider......and you should insist that you do test ride before purchase. Let him be sure that any damages incurred by you during the test ride...will be paid for if it happens
Maybe that will help
Maybe that will help
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,582
From: Wisconsin, USA
I understand why a private seller wouldn't let you test ride. I bought my bike from a dealer for that reason. I didn't test ride it, as I bought it in January. Plus I wasn't used to such a big bike and wouldn't have been able to tell any subtle problems anyway. But I figured I would have better luck having a dealer address problems, than a private seller.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 415
Likes: 13
From: Northeastern Md.
Can't be much if anything that has been a problem with a 3 year old bike,especially when service records can be produced.Bought my '06 RK 2 years ago from original owner.I informed him on the phone beforehand I would want to give it a ride/at least "go through the gears",and jokingly asked if he would accept cash as payment.He had already got himself a new Ultra-so we went riding,no problem.Guess I was lucky.Maybe you could suggest that the seller follow you,or maybe he could ride it and you follow so you could at least see/hear it in operation.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,335
Likes: 328
From: Arizona
Gotta ride any used bike before buying. If the bike has been down, you won't know if it tracks straight, or shudders at certain speeds. Just because parts are replaced, doesn't always make the bike right.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
With cash in hand and a valid MC license you should be able to test it. Under these circumstances, you should be covered by your personal auto ins. What is the price. Make sure you do not pay too much. A lot of private sellers think these things are gold. For reference, I just bought a used 2013 Limited with 2,116 miles for 18,500 + TTL.
If he won't allow a test ride, make sure the price is so low that you can't pass. Also get the VIN and have your local dealer check for warranty work, possible wrecks, etc. My dealer has no problem with doing this service. He knows that if you buy a bike anywhere he is going to profit because of future business he will get from you.
If there is a maintenance agreement with the local dealer until 2016 you should be alright.
Bill
If he won't allow a test ride, make sure the price is so low that you can't pass. Also get the VIN and have your local dealer check for warranty work, possible wrecks, etc. My dealer has no problem with doing this service. He knows that if you buy a bike anywhere he is going to profit because of future business he will get from you.
If there is a maintenance agreement with the local dealer until 2016 you should be alright.
Bill
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Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 577
Likes: 20
From: Reno
I've bought 3 bikes in my life. Bikes one and two were brand freaking new... 3rd... my cop bike I bought some years ago used, seen only in pictures, and it has been the best damn bike... why... because it was well maintained and I wasn't the one who ironed out the kinks.
Many of us have purchased bikes we have only seen, much less, able to test ride. I know every purchase experience can be different. Some of us lie, some of us do not.
I was able to call harley (the number you call for recalls and I while I was aking about the brake light switch recall) I asked if they had access to service records. Well, they do and now I do. Grab the vin and give them a call!
The only thing I happen to NOT like when purchasing a used bike is... that bike not being stock or not having access to the stock parts. Farkle aside, I see hundreds of posts bantering back and forth about apes, tuners, pinging, dyno shops, hours spent, money etc. Maybe the owner has found the right combination for the bike to run its best and is selling the whip at a fair and reasonable price such that its style suits your minds eye.
Either way, all the best to you. Follow you gut or heart of hearts and buy that batch if all feels right.
BTW, I don't want someone on my whip even if it is about to become theirs. I'd hate to be the jack hole who drops it or experiences some unforseen/unavoidable oopsy, my bad, situation. I would rather meet someone at a dealer or independant, pay them an hour of shop time and have them look the bike over and have them test ride it. Their insurance not some he said he said dude, I never said I would pay for it if an accident happened. Sorry.
Many of us have purchased bikes we have only seen, much less, able to test ride. I know every purchase experience can be different. Some of us lie, some of us do not.
I was able to call harley (the number you call for recalls and I while I was aking about the brake light switch recall) I asked if they had access to service records. Well, they do and now I do. Grab the vin and give them a call!
The only thing I happen to NOT like when purchasing a used bike is... that bike not being stock or not having access to the stock parts. Farkle aside, I see hundreds of posts bantering back and forth about apes, tuners, pinging, dyno shops, hours spent, money etc. Maybe the owner has found the right combination for the bike to run its best and is selling the whip at a fair and reasonable price such that its style suits your minds eye.
Either way, all the best to you. Follow you gut or heart of hearts and buy that batch if all feels right.
BTW, I don't want someone on my whip even if it is about to become theirs. I'd hate to be the jack hole who drops it or experiences some unforseen/unavoidable oopsy, my bad, situation. I would rather meet someone at a dealer or independant, pay them an hour of shop time and have them look the bike over and have them test ride it. Their insurance not some he said he said dude, I never said I would pay for it if an accident happened. Sorry.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,007
Likes: 353
From: Ohio
Check all the records to see all of what has been done to the bike. Unless it's been severely damaged you're OK.
But, if you want some protection, have the seller agree to a 30 day or so warranty in case any defects show up that a test ride would have revealed. Have the seller deposit an agreed upon amount of money with an escrow service to cover repairs just in case. This sort of thing is done all the time with classic cars, houses, etc.
But, if you want some protection, have the seller agree to a 30 day or so warranty in case any defects show up that a test ride would have revealed. Have the seller deposit an agreed upon amount of money with an escrow service to cover repairs just in case. This sort of thing is done all the time with classic cars, houses, etc.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: South Dakota
Owner bought it brand new from local shop and they did all the work to it so I feel pretty confident.
My buddy works at the local shop and he says he thinks he knows the bike and it runs fine.
Owner started it and ran around the parking lot a little, seemed fine.
Just wondering if others have bought used without test ride...guess I wanted a little reassurance.
My buddy works at the local shop and he says he thinks he knows the bike and it runs fine.
Owner started it and ran around the parking lot a little, seemed fine.
Just wondering if others have bought used without test ride...guess I wanted a little reassurance.