'16 vs '17 Road King
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 287
Likes: 14
From: Georgia
'16 vs '17 Road King
It wasn't long ago that I posted stating I'd never buy a new Harley, but I've changed my thinking after speaking to some friendly and reasonable dealers. I've priced a 2016 RK in vivid black and a 2017 in Laguna Orange but there's almost a $5000 difference between the out the door prices. Both are basic without security or ABS.
Is the updated 2017 worth $5000 more than last years model? I've never owned a touring bike, so either will suffice, truthfully.
Is the updated 2017 worth $5000 more than last years model? I've never owned a touring bike, so either will suffice, truthfully.
Last edited by Gibler77; Jan 18, 2017 at 07:44 AM. Reason: Spelling error
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
This is a conundrum that will never ever go away! Last year's 'old' stock versus the latest model will always have a price difference. There are significant changes between those two bikes, so it might be worth browsing the H-D website to see the specs and decide if you think the latest is bestest! The paint alone on that '17 is $1,000 more than Vivid Black.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,999
Likes: 916
From: Madisonville, La
The L orange is half of the difference. So comparing V black 16 to 17 is now $2500. For that dif i would go for the 17. The ride is significantly better plus the more powerful smoother engine rings the bell for me. Since 2014 i've had thee new tourers and there is a.major improvemet in the 17s.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
if you are keeping your bike forever and resale value doesn;t matter, get the '16.
if you are thinking you may want to sell or trade then factor the better carryover with the '17.
a motorcycle is never an "investment", but a money loser.
the secondary value of the twincam is reduced by a greater factor compared to the new M8 motor.
but then, I'd wait for any bugs to be worked out of a new motor...so maybe at '18?
the ABS is really good, and I would not get another bike without
Mike
if you are thinking you may want to sell or trade then factor the better carryover with the '17.
a motorcycle is never an "investment", but a money loser.
the secondary value of the twincam is reduced by a greater factor compared to the new M8 motor.
but then, I'd wait for any bugs to be worked out of a new motor...so maybe at '18?
the ABS is really good, and I would not get another bike without
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Jan 18, 2017 at 09:58 AM.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 287
Likes: 14
From: Georgia
True, removing the Laguna paint pulls $1000 away. So now it's just shy of a $4000 difference. I just realized the financing rate is 0.99% for 2016 touring models, and that makes it pretty close to free to use someone else's money. I'd be financing anyway, and the best rate on '17s is 3.99%, from what I've been told.
I agree that the suspension and motor are big improvements, but upgrading the suspension isn't difficult, and I'm betting a quality aftermarket set up is superior to the stock. Motor doesn't really float boat all that much. The '16 is the high output 103, so it's not like it's a slug.
I'm just thinking out loud. Not disagreeing with anyone's thoughts or deciding in the next hour. The only thing that has me contemplating is the customization I'll be doing to either bike can be paid for with the savings from choosing the older model.
I agree that the suspension and motor are big improvements, but upgrading the suspension isn't difficult, and I'm betting a quality aftermarket set up is superior to the stock. Motor doesn't really float boat all that much. The '16 is the high output 103, so it's not like it's a slug.
I'm just thinking out loud. Not disagreeing with anyone's thoughts or deciding in the next hour. The only thing that has me contemplating is the customization I'll be doing to either bike can be paid for with the savings from choosing the older model.
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Georgia
And my intention is for this one to be a "forever" bike. Tired of selling after a short while.
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Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
From what you say, then the '16 would be the better buy. Sounds like the dealer is discounting the '16 a bit. Accounts for the difference, as the MSRP are pretty close.
