Used Road King question
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 129
Likes: 4
From: Texas
Used Road King question
New guy here about to buy my first Harley. I currently am riding a 03 Honda shadow ace 750 (first bike). I'm ready to upgrade and have been looking at road kings.
The one I am looking at is a 2008 rkc with 14,350 miles. It has Vance and Hines exhaust, power commander, pegs, and new tires. It's setup with everything exactly how I want except for a drivers backrest. He's asking $9500.
Being completely new to Harley's just curious as to what y'all think about this deal. And I have read about 09 having the new frame but don't know enough to know if I should avoid this deal simply because of that. So any advice on this would be a lot of help.
The one I am looking at is a 2008 rkc with 14,350 miles. It has Vance and Hines exhaust, power commander, pegs, and new tires. It's setup with everything exactly how I want except for a drivers backrest. He's asking $9500.
Being completely new to Harley's just curious as to what y'all think about this deal. And I have read about 09 having the new frame but don't know enough to know if I should avoid this deal simply because of that. So any advice on this would be a lot of help.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 9,156
Likes: 1,905
From: Doghouse... mostly
I'd hold out until you can get one with the newer frame design. Much better riding and handling. A '09-10 model should be about in the same ballpark price wise. IMO the power commander leaves something to be desired as far as a tuner goes but if that's the bike you gotta have you can change that out easily enough.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 908
Likes: 96
From: Red Deer, AB
You will probably hear numerous posters bash the older style frame. I personally think the 09's are over rated but that's just me. I prefer the older ones and hence I have an 07. If you're going to hold out for a newer one, don't even bother with anything older than a 14. The Rushmore's are much more refined.
08's are a bit of an anomaly as they are the first year for the 6 gallon tank, 25 mm wheel bearings and Throttle by Wire.
They and (07's) are higher geared than all other touring models so two up riding has you gearing down more than the 09 and up models. I've ridden two up through the Logan Pass without an issue. My buddy on his 2012 Limited didn't fair as well. He had to be towed after his voltage regulator packed it in. Gearing can be corrected with a Japanese model Sportster rear pulley though.
The Y pipe is prone to cracking but again there are options to get away from this issue. On the bike your looking at it may already be resolved if the V&H header has been installed.
Up here that bike outfitted as it is would be a steal. IMHO the Road King is the most versatile of the touring bikes. I'm very pleased with mine and this is my third one. On this one I have added a Reckless Fairing and a TourPak. Both are quick detach and are off for commuting but on for trips.
Since you are new to the HD world I would have the bike checked over by a reputable shop to hopefully save you some grief down the road. That is very low mileage for that year of a bike. We have a much shorter riding season (5 months at best) and I have 45,000 miles on mine.
I personally would not steer away from that bike simply because it's an 08. If you like it and it checks out ride on.
Good luck in your search
08's are a bit of an anomaly as they are the first year for the 6 gallon tank, 25 mm wheel bearings and Throttle by Wire.
They and (07's) are higher geared than all other touring models so two up riding has you gearing down more than the 09 and up models. I've ridden two up through the Logan Pass without an issue. My buddy on his 2012 Limited didn't fair as well. He had to be towed after his voltage regulator packed it in. Gearing can be corrected with a Japanese model Sportster rear pulley though.
The Y pipe is prone to cracking but again there are options to get away from this issue. On the bike your looking at it may already be resolved if the V&H header has been installed.
Up here that bike outfitted as it is would be a steal. IMHO the Road King is the most versatile of the touring bikes. I'm very pleased with mine and this is my third one. On this one I have added a Reckless Fairing and a TourPak. Both are quick detach and are off for commuting but on for trips.
Since you are new to the HD world I would have the bike checked over by a reputable shop to hopefully save you some grief down the road. That is very low mileage for that year of a bike. We have a much shorter riding season (5 months at best) and I have 45,000 miles on mine.
I personally would not steer away from that bike simply because it's an 08. If you like it and it checks out ride on.
Good luck in your search
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
IMO the chassis upgrades are worth it. The 09's are much better than the 08's and the 14's are much better than the 13's. It just depends on what you want to spend. Overall I don't think that is that bad of a deal. It's not the deal of the century but it sounds fair at least compared to where I am located.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 457
Likes: 6
From: Woodstock, Ga
New guy here about to buy my first Harley. I currently am riding a 03 Honda shadow ace 750 (first bike). I'm ready to upgrade and have been looking at road kings.
The one I am looking at is a 2008 rkc with 14,350 miles. It has Vance and Hines exhaust, power commander, pegs, and new tires. It's setup with everything exactly how I want except for a drivers backrest. He's asking $9500.
Being completely new to Harley's just curious as to what y'all think about this deal. And I have read about 09 having the new frame but don't know enough to know if I should avoid this deal simply because of that. So any advice on this would be a lot of help.
The one I am looking at is a 2008 rkc with 14,350 miles. It has Vance and Hines exhaust, power commander, pegs, and new tires. It's setup with everything exactly how I want except for a drivers backrest. He's asking $9500.
Being completely new to Harley's just curious as to what y'all think about this deal. And I have read about 09 having the new frame but don't know enough to know if I should avoid this deal simply because of that. So any advice on this would be a lot of help.
I thought I would give you my 2cents as I used to have a 08 street glide bought it new when they first came out
All I can say is that I would not touch a 08 All the problems I had with the Throttle By Wire Which I think they ironed out now but it was a major problem
I think 08 is probably the worst year you can buy
I currently have a carbed road king 99 and love it I would go 07 and older or 09 and newer depending on $$$$
There's alot of used bikes for sale now be patient as it's a buyers market
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,207
Likes: 69
From: Orange County, NY
Chassis upgrades should not be a reason for you "hold off". Yea, they are nice improvements, but not a deal breaker. Since you're coming from a Honda shadow, you'll love the road king.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 286
Likes: 24
From: West Louisiana
I have an '08 and have been very pleased with it. $9500 seems bout right for our area. I've been watching southeasttexas classifieds and there are some '08 in the 10k range that haven't sold.
As far as the frame and throttle by wire goes, I haven't had any issues with mine. I wouldn't sell mine tomorrow and buy an '09. I would not get hung up on year model, but more on condition and price. And if it's unmolested with a pure stock motor I don't think you'll regret it. Being new to HD I wouldn't buy anything that's been modified by cams etc. As you'll read, a lot of people want to tear into the motor right of the bat and dog the **** out of it. Also too no matter what year you get its a not a Honda. I've had my starter go out and one wheel bearing. I've read posts all the way through the '14s with some kind of mechanical issue.
I'll end with this, I've had three metrics and I like this one, RK, the best.
As far as the frame and throttle by wire goes, I haven't had any issues with mine. I wouldn't sell mine tomorrow and buy an '09. I would not get hung up on year model, but more on condition and price. And if it's unmolested with a pure stock motor I don't think you'll regret it. Being new to HD I wouldn't buy anything that's been modified by cams etc. As you'll read, a lot of people want to tear into the motor right of the bat and dog the **** out of it. Also too no matter what year you get its a not a Honda. I've had my starter go out and one wheel bearing. I've read posts all the way through the '14s with some kind of mechanical issue.
I'll end with this, I've had three metrics and I like this one, RK, the best.
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 975
Likes: 14
From: Bayville, NJ
I've got an '06 RKC with 14,500 miles, bought it 4 years ago pretty much stock. It's a great bike and hasn't given me one issue. Would it be nice to have the newer frame and 6 speed? Sure, but I bought the bike because the deal was right and the bike was super clean. I almost sold it this winter for a bigger touring bike but decided to hang onto it and add some parts to really make it my own.
As stated, coming from a Honda, you'll love the King. Welcome!
As stated, coming from a Honda, you'll love the King. Welcome!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,334
Likes: 56,891
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
If this is a stepping stone and you'll soon be upgrading I'd save the dollars and go with a later model. Contrary to what some say there is a significant difference in the scooters between the 2008 and 2009 model years and the minimal increase in cost is more than worth it. Good luck with your decision