Road King riders: advice please!
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 584
Likes: 2
From: Woodstock, GA
Road King riders: advice please!
I'm currently riding an '07 Sportster 1200C and am wanting to move up to a bigger ride. I've rented Softtails,Dynas,and several baggers and I really love the overall feel and ride of the Road King. Here's my win/win dilemma. I have the opportunity to buy my neighbors '04 Road King for $14,000. It's got 11,000 miles, leather AND hard side bags, leather tour pack, passenger backrest, engine guard with hiway pegs, kuryakyn grips, and SE pipes with the Stage I done. I know he's babied this bike and all the maintenance has been done by the same indy that works on my Sporty. Seems like a great deal considering the condition of the bike PLUS all the extras included.
However, I've started thinking - what if I put the same amount down on an '08 and carried a small loan for the rest. That way I'd get the warranty and a brand new bike of my color choice, etc. By the way, I'd be selling my Sportster so the loan would just "transfer" from that bike in a way.
I guess my question is have there been enough improvements to the RK line since 2004 to justify thinking about a new bike or do I just get the used bike that already has all the mods I'd want to do if I bought a new one?
No easy clear cut answer but I appreciate evryone's input. Thanks.
However, I've started thinking - what if I put the same amount down on an '08 and carried a small loan for the rest. That way I'd get the warranty and a brand new bike of my color choice, etc. By the way, I'd be selling my Sportster so the loan would just "transfer" from that bike in a way.
I guess my question is have there been enough improvements to the RK line since 2004 to justify thinking about a new bike or do I just get the used bike that already has all the mods I'd want to do if I bought a new one?
No easy clear cut answer but I appreciate evryone's input. Thanks.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 14,670
Likes: 139
From: East of the Sun, West of the Moon
RE: Road King riders: advice please!
i would trade my 06 RK in a heartbeat for an 08 if for no other reason, the 96 CI and the 6 speed tranny. not to mention the fly by wire throttle.
But of course with a bike I paid 20K for out the door with some upgrades and the amount of time, work, and $$ I've put into it since, I'd take too bad of a beating on it, so I'll stick with what I've created. Besides it's unique to me and portrays my character within itself.
Hey how do you catch a unique bird?
Unique up on it.
But of course with a bike I paid 20K for out the door with some upgrades and the amount of time, work, and $$ I've put into it since, I'd take too bad of a beating on it, so I'll stick with what I've created. Besides it's unique to me and portrays my character within itself.
Hey how do you catch a unique bird?
Unique up on it.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,020
Likes: 69
From: Twin Cities, MN
RE: Road King riders: advice please!
Sounds like a fair deal with all the extas.
I am very happy with my Stage 1 "88 Road King.But here are a fewthingsyou may wish toconsider:
You don't mention if he had changed out the seat and handle bars on the RK. You will find most RK riders will change these out since the stock ones are pretty much crap and are not comfortable. Even if he did change them out, they may not be comfortable for you. So for either bike you will probably be changing these. Has he replaced the tires? They would be due if he hasn't.
Also, do you like his taste in....grips, pegs and any other chrome? Right now its not your customization, its his.
The '08s have many nice new features as you are aware of (ISD, tank, 96" etc..). If you get the '08 also consider that you will more than likely want the new seat, handle bars and stage one (AC and slip-ons), passenger backrest and detachable tour pack. So you will be looking at $3,000 to $6,000 or moreon the loan. And many '08 owners also add true duals to help with leg heat. $$$$$
I love my RK because of its great ride, handling and its flexibility to be a tourer or a boulevard cruiser. You can't go wrong with a RK!
I am very happy with my Stage 1 "88 Road King.But here are a fewthingsyou may wish toconsider:
You don't mention if he had changed out the seat and handle bars on the RK. You will find most RK riders will change these out since the stock ones are pretty much crap and are not comfortable. Even if he did change them out, they may not be comfortable for you. So for either bike you will probably be changing these. Has he replaced the tires? They would be due if he hasn't.
Also, do you like his taste in....grips, pegs and any other chrome? Right now its not your customization, its his.
The '08s have many nice new features as you are aware of (ISD, tank, 96" etc..). If you get the '08 also consider that you will more than likely want the new seat, handle bars and stage one (AC and slip-ons), passenger backrest and detachable tour pack. So you will be looking at $3,000 to $6,000 or moreon the loan. And many '08 owners also add true duals to help with leg heat. $$$$$
I love my RK because of its great ride, handling and its flexibility to be a tourer or a boulevard cruiser. You can't go wrong with a RK!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 9,335
Likes: 13
From: MA
RE: Road King riders: advice please!
14K seems high for an '04, even with the add-ons. There have been a lot of nice upgrades since '04 likethe bigger tank, better brakes, 96" and a 6 speed. If it were me, I'd gofor the '08. I wouldn't mind moving up to an '08 for the ABS, but I've got my bike close to where I want it and don't want to start over. Oh yea......and the wife wouldn't be too happy either. 
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 0
From: Snowflake, Arizona
RE: Road King riders: advice please!
Hi KJ: Here is my take... I really like the 04 and 05, very trouble free bikes. $14k...Maybe fair, but not a gooddeal. I paid a $1,000 less for my 04, but it had 18k, and that was a year ago. I picked up the leather RKC bags for $200, to go with the hard bags; Corbin seat with Corbin backrest; Rush mufflers; Mine is as clean a any bike going the road, full syn and change the fluids at 2k, andI would not pay more than $12k for my04 as it is.There are huge number of bikes on the market. I am not a fan of the 07s, but yes a 08 would be nice. Also, there are a lot of people who do not know what they want.... so 08s with very low miles will be coming along soon.
Good Luck
Hogback
Good Luck
Hogback
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: Southern Maryland
RE: Road King riders: advice please!
I'd go with the 08... There are enough changes since 04 to make it worth it... 96ci, 6 speed, 6 gal tank, brembo brakes (abs if you like), throttle by wire, etc., and a nice new 2 year unlimited mileage warranty...
Your neighbor isn't giving you a bad deal... It's just not a great one... I've seen 05, 06 & 07 RKC for sale with much of the same mods for that same number +- $2,000... If he comes down the $2,000 take the RKC and keep the sporty!
Good Luck...
Your neighbor isn't giving you a bad deal... It's just not a great one... I've seen 05, 06 & 07 RKC for sale with much of the same mods for that same number +- $2,000... If he comes down the $2,000 take the RKC and keep the sporty!
Good Luck...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,728
Likes: 1
From: Olympia, Washington
RE: Road King riders: advice please!
Curious why he's got his up for sale. I agree with most of the points already made. The offer is okay, but what mods are you going to have to make to the bike--seat, bars, etc. That's moves the price of the bike up. For that kind of money, I'll be interested in what the HD dealer could do for me on a new bike--for all the reasons everyone else is stating.
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: kansas city
RE: Road King riders: advice please!
I moved up from a 07 1200c in Oct for a 2007 RKC. I wanted to wait til I found a 07 or Pruch a 08 because of the 96 mortor and the 6 speed it had 6000 miles and I got it for $18,000.The 07 already had all the adds I wanted so it was a better deal then buying the 08 and spending more dough.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,128
Likes: 27
From: florida swamp
RE: Road King riders: advice please!
I just bought my 06 RK police ( I know it's not quite the same but I'm making it my own) with only 1441 mi. on it from a dealer for $12995...yeah, the 08's are nice and the warranty is something to consider but a new black RK standard totalyfactory stock is 19k after tax and delivery...then you gotta start with the upgrades...I decidedI would rather keep the 5 grand....be patient, look around, there are some good deals out there
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,763
Likes: 0
From: AZ
RE: Road King riders: advice please!
I show the 04 Road King has a trade in value of $9,810. Ask your friend to meet that number and deal with the stealers to make a little extra on the trade up to the 08.
http://www.kbb.com/kbb/Motorcycles/Trade-In.aspx
http://www.kbb.com/kbb/Motorcycles/Trade-In.aspx