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Hey Everyone,
I won't bore folks with the details of how I ended up without a bike for the past year, however I have been searching around for used road kings in my area.
I think I found the one that could be in my price range - it is a 2010 with 32k miles on it. Looks clean, has nice stage 1 and aftermarket speakers on it. Their asking price is $11,095, I'm hoping to get it for under 10k. (maybe wishful thinking)
I don't have experience with used bikes so I'm hoping to get some insight from guys who have been in my shoes.
Bike is clean, one owner - no glaring issues that I can see.
It is a buyers market and while 32K on a Harley isn't much, I think it is for the price. I picked up a 2012 Road King Police model last Spring for $9,000 with less than 6K miles on it. There are several bikes on cycle trader with that kind of miles for $8-10K. I certainly recommend 2009 up with a 103 if you can find one. In my area this bike would have a hard time selling for $8,000 this time of year....
Thanks for the insight. Yeah I'm having difficulty finding one with the 103 for a price around 10k. They also had a 2012 with 33k miles and no other upgrades, but they are asking 12k for it. Far to steep considering going to a 2014 would only be another grand.
Road kings are funny. The don't make and sell a ton of them and the guys that buy them tend to hold onto them here anyway. They are spotty when they do surface. It took me a while to find my 10. From what i have seen is buke prices fall to a point and then sort of taper off gradually. Check your market to try to get an idea of what they are going for. Don't be afraid to drive to pick one up and your options open up.
I agree with todd-67. You'll need to expand your geographic search area to find a decent RK. Also, don't be afraid on an RKC, especially on a 2011. They came with the optional Powerpak (has cruise, 103, and security). You could always get hardbags for these.
Most owners think their bikes are worth more than they really are. This could be for a number of reasons, but I’d say top reason is sentimental value. Bottom line is they want/need to sell. Go there with the amount you’re willing to pay (cash tends to open eyes real fast). Be respectful when making the offer, if they accept then shake hands and do the exchange. If they refuse, leave your number and shake their hand. Let them think about the cash on the table and see what happens but continue to search for your ride
$11k seems high. Even $10k. If you are considering an abs equipped bike and are unfamiliar with 09-11 abs failures, research before spending the cash. Its an expensive and very dangerous problem. Had that problem been known a few years back, I'd have spent more for a Rushmore with Bosch abs, not the 09-13 Chinese abs crap.
Bought my 09 two years ago with 17,000 miles for $10,500. ABS, Cruise, Stage 1, and a bunch of chrome upgrades. I think with over 30k $8k-$10k would be alright. I wouldn’t get anything older than an 09. The frame upgrade and wider rear tire that last so much longer than the 130’s is a must. No issues with speed wobbles at all!
Of course I had to dump cash in for some upgrades. Tour Pak, Bars, Lowers, and Cams.
Love the bike best of both worlds Dresses up nice for touring and strips down quick for bar hopping.
Given the amount of used bikes on the market, I don't see a reason to buy a moderate mileage bike (32K ain't high but it sure isn't low miles) unless you plan on riding a bunch of miles and the price is a steal.
Here's an example of an interesting one @ an asking price of $12K.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
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Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.