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Advice on buying RKC

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Old Jan 10, 2009 | 10:35 PM
  #1  
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Need some help on buying a Road King Classic.

I saw a deep turquoise and white RKC and fell instantly in love. I don't think I have ever seen a more beautiful motorcycle in my life. I would have paid whatever they asked signed whatever they wanted me to just to have that bike. A little voice in my head told me to get out because this is the last state of mind you should be in to make a large purchase. With every ounce of willpower I had in me, I left the dealership, wiped the drool off my shirt, let my knees recover their strength and drove home.

That was two days ago and I have had some time to think about it, actually more like time to dream about it and just plain old fantasize about my fat as# riding that oh so beautiful creation. Before I pull the trigger I have a few questions for you experienced guys before I obtain motorcycle nirvana.

1) What is a fair price (MSRP, MSRP + Freight & fees, less then MSRP) I don't mind paying for something of value I just don't want to be the sucker they see coming a mile away.

2) I feel like a good ABS is a big plus, love it in my car - What is your opinion of the HD ABS

3) Are the profile lace wheels easier to clean then the stock spoke wheels. I love spokes can't imagine this bike without them but don't cherish cleaning them, anything that actually makes spoked wheel maintenance easier is worth it to me.

4) Last but not least with something this beautiful the last thing I want to do is get it stolen, is the HD security system any good.

Thanks for your help, I can't wait for spring and a chance to ride this oh so glorious slice of motorcycling heaven.
 
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Old Jan 10, 2009 | 10:43 PM
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Originally Posted by sasman666
Need some help on buying a Road King Classic.

I saw a deep turquoise and white RKC and fell instantly in love. I don't think I have ever seen a more beautiful motorcycle in my life. I would have paid whatever they asked signed whatever they wanted me to just to have that bike. A little voice in my head told me to get out because this is the last state of mind you should be in to make a large purchase. With every ounce of willpower I had in me, I left the dealership, wiped the drool off my shirt, let my knees recover their strength and drove home.

That was two days ago and I have had some time to think about it, actually more like time to dream about it and just plain old fantasize about my fat as# riding that oh so beautiful creation. Before I pull the trigger I have a few questions for you experienced guys before I obtain motorcycle nirvana.

1) What is a fair price (MSRP, MSRP + Freight & fees, less then MSRP) I don't mind paying for something of value I just don't want to be the sucker they see coming a mile away.
I emailed every dealer in my area and told them what I'd pay, then let the emails roll in.
2) I feel like a good ABS is a big plus, love it in my car - What is your opinion of the HD ABS
Never had to use it, yet, but have it.

3) Are the profile lace wheels easier to clean then the stock spoke wheels. I love spokes can't imagine this bike without them but don't cherish cleaning them, anything that actually makes spoked wheel maintenance easier is worth it to me. Spokes are spokes. I use S-100 and a little elbow grease

4) Last but not least with something this beautiful the last thing I want to do is get it stolen, is the HD security system any good. I have it and it is piece of mind

Thanks for your help, I can't wait for spring and a chance to ride this oh so glorious slice of motorcycling heaven.
Good luck!
 
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Old Jan 10, 2009 | 11:02 PM
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I paid $17,500 before tax/title for my black/white 08 RKC last July. It has security but no abs. If they had the same color combo w/abs available I would have gone with the abs model.

The security fob is bulky and I really don't like carrying it around. If I had the choice I would not order the security system.

Cleaning a RKC is a PITA. The leather bags, white walls and spokes are a chore to scrub down. A jack would make cleaning the wheels and tires much easier and I plan to have one by the spring.

As far as price goes I would have to think they would be dealing some in this economy.
 
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Old Jan 10, 2009 | 11:20 PM
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Get the turquoise and white (beautiful colors), get the ABS, get the laced wheels with wide whites as it looks great on this bike, get the security. Expect to pay MSRP and dicker with them on the freight and prep.
 
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Old Jan 10, 2009 | 11:57 PM
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Do a search on this forum and read a post titled "How to buy a New Harley 101" I thought it was good information.
 
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Old Jan 11, 2009 | 12:00 AM
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Great choice! Check out the pics of mine in my gallery.

I got hosed on my bike. They wouldn't deal at all. I bought it right before the stock market started tanking and gas was at peak. Not to mention, I'm in Dallas and our economy hasn't suffered (yet) like other parts of the country, I'm a woman, it's my first bike, I wanted it and had zero knowledge about squat. I'll be a lot wiser next time you can bet! Thanks to this forum.

Wouldn't even think of getting one w/o ABS if it were an option. Not negotiable as far as I'm concerned. Search threads on this - it's worth the cost.

Security. I have it, but added it a couple of months later. Could take it or leave it honestly. Wouldn't be a deal killer and you can always add it later if you decide you want it. You could probably install it yourself as my salesman said it's a breeze.

The spokes & whitewalls are more of a pain to clean, but not enough to lose sleep over. Plus, on the bike you're looking at, the spoke wheels and white walls just go with it. I got the upgraded wheels because I suspected they'd be easier to clean, plus, I prefer the look. I did get an Easy Wheeler II; check it out at http://www.webbikeworld.com/r3/motor...asy-wheeler-2/ Makes cleaning the whitewalls and wheels much easier. My only issue is I need help getting the bike onto it, but my guess is guys won't have that problem. The rear wheel on a bagger is just hard to get to...no dodging that. T

Good luck and send pics when you get your bike!
 

Last edited by monstead; Jan 11, 2009 at 12:12 AM.
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Old Jan 11, 2009 | 06:38 AM
  #7  
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If the one you are looking at doesn't have ABS, they will have to order you a different bike, it is not an add on they will do, like the security system. But finding one now shouldn't be too difficult. I had a similar experiance yesturday when I went to the dealer to cancel my extended warantee. Saw a "White Gold / Pewter Pearl" RKC. Never would have thought I would like that until I saw it. The *** end of the road king looks very cool with the fat tire now.

By the way, most dealers near me had incentives in Dec, but very few now. I thought Jan would be a better time to buy, but I could have done better last month. The interest rate on a HD loan through Eaglemark isn't so hot now either.
 

Last edited by monkyman; Jan 11, 2009 at 06:43 AM.
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Old Jan 11, 2009 | 07:26 AM
  #8  
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Default Monstead

Originally Posted by monstead
Great choice! Check out the pics of mine in my gallery.

I got hosed on my bike. They wouldn't deal at all. I bought it right before the stock market started tanking and gas was at peak. Not to mention, I'm in Dallas and our economy hasn't suffered (yet) like other parts of the country, I'm a woman, it's my first bike, I wanted it and had zero knowledge about squat. I'll be a lot wiser next time you can bet! Thanks to this forum.

Wouldn't even think of getting one w/o ABS if it were an option. Not negotiable as far as I'm concerned. Search threads on this - it's worth the cost.

Security. I have it, but added it a couple of months later. Could take it or leave it honestly. Wouldn't be a deal killer and you can always add it later if you decide you want it. You could probably install it yourself as my salesman said it's a breeze.

The spokes & whitewalls are more of a pain to clean, but not enough to lose sleep over. Plus, on the bike you're looking at, the spoke wheels and white walls just go with it. I got the upgraded wheels because I suspected they'd be easier to clean, plus, I prefer the look. I did get an Easy Wheeler II; check it out at http://www.webbikeworld.com/r3/motor...asy-wheeler-2/ Makes cleaning the whitewalls and wheels much easier. My only issue is I need help getting the bike onto it, but my guess is guys won't have that problem. The rear wheel on a bagger is just hard to get to...no dodging that. T

Good luck and send pics when you get your bike!
Good for you Monstead! Sasman666 if you get the bike get the Craftsman red lift, it will pay you back 100 times when you jack her up and are able to sit and clean the spokes and underneath. I usually hoist mine up to clean and in 30 min I am done.
 
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Old Jan 11, 2009 | 09:39 AM
  #9  
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I really like those colors too. The white walls and leather bags really make the classic look good. I got the upgraded spoke wheels. Cleaning spoke wheels is not an easy task. I clean my bike after every ride. I don't clean the white walls after every ride, but when I clean the entire bike, wheels and whitewalls it takes less than 1 hour. I do use a jack to lift the wheels. There are some dealers in my area offering 1500 off 08's and 1000 off 09s.
 
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Old Jan 11, 2009 | 09:53 AM
  #10  
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Smile Rkc

I have a Black 08 RKC with ABS,Laced Wheels & Security. Love the bike!!
CW
 
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