How many miles are too many?
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 863
Likes: 2
From: spain and uk
I think in some ways a 5 year old ride with 2000 miles on it is worse than one with 20000 miles. Engines don't like sitting for long periods without being used.
As long as it's been used with decent quality oil and regular oil changes I don't think there is much to worry about.
Also, as has been said, these engines are simple, and easy to work on, and parts are readily available, and a rebuild is always an excuse to upgrade a few bits here and there.
I wouldn't say the same about my VN1700.
As long as it's been used with decent quality oil and regular oil changes I don't think there is much to worry about.
Also, as has been said, these engines are simple, and easy to work on, and parts are readily available, and a rebuild is always an excuse to upgrade a few bits here and there.
I wouldn't say the same about my VN1700.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,399
Likes: 1,040
From: Seabrook, NH
I would not hesitate to buy a bike under five years old with high miles if it has been maintained properly. My neighbor's limited is 2 years old with 50,000 miles and mine is 2 years old with 30,000. Try to find bikes like ours with the balance of a factory seven year warranty.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 822
Likes: 61
From: Northern Kentucky
Keep looking you'll find a low mileage bike, they are out there. In 2014 I bought a 2013 which had 823 miles on it. People buy 900 plus pound bikes and then either can't ride them or become afraid of them.
Bill
Bill
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 629
Likes: 3
From: Mission, Texas
I agree that there are lots of bikes with low mileage around. Seen lots of guys buy them and after about 3,000 miles they mostly sit in the garage. Also agree that you should get a bike with all the service records. When bikes hit the 50K mile mark they drop dramatically in price so I'd stay away from any bike in the 40K range.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,350
Likes: 46
I bought my 99 Ultra with 47K, has 111K now & I just got done installing Andrew gear drive cams at 100K. The M&M Fi is the only qwerk I have but it is livable. Bike runs great & I would not be afraid to ride it anywhere. Good luck
Toby
Toby
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 51
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
I traded private party for bike+cash for my 06 SG with 18K miles. I think it depends on what you intend, rack the miles or pleasure cruise once in a while and how long you'll keep the bike. You may cut a deal on a late bike with 60k and get hurt later. I also think 40-50K is too much. I'd only buy a bike with under 20k miles cause I keep it and ride it a lot.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,616
Likes: 1,613
From: Eastern Ohio
I bought my 2011 Electra Glide Classic in July of last year. 42k miles. Gave $13,500. After I bought it I did some research on it. It was a rental from New York state. I'm not afraid of it at all. I put 4000 more miles on it before snow started flying. I'll run it till it dies.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 420
Likes: 4
From: Bradenton,Florida
Man, you got your money out of that bike. That 2000 couldn't of been much more than $10,000.00 new. (I'm only posting out of jealousy!)
Stage I
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: ohio
I bought my 2011 Electra Glide Classic in July of last year. 42k miles. Gave $13,500. After I bought it I did some research on it. It was a rental from New York state. I'm not afraid of it at all. I put 4000 more miles on it before snow started flying. I'll run it till it dies.
Harleys never die. They get Reborn