I'm looking at a 2001 Road King with 13,000 miles. Two problems. I've ridden it and the front brake lever will pull all the way to the bars unless you "pump" it, kinda like a car that needs it's brakes bled. Also, the bike runs fine except the right side exhaust is very dis colored at the back, like in this pic....................he wants $12,000 for it. Thoughts of what's wrong?



http://www.spartacommercial.com/clas...iles/368_2.jpg

 

1.) Front brakes need bleed.

2.) The right side being blacker is normal because most of the exhaust comes out it.

 

That sounds like a high price to me.

My point of reference, this thread shows my 2003 RKC w/ 17k miles, over 1 year left on warranty, and TONS of chrome, backrest, luggage rack, tour pack, etc., just look at the pics: https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...questions.html

I got it in Jan for 11.5 and while they were a production model (not significantly reduced limited edition), imo the two-tone 03 100 year bikes still get a little more than say an 02 or an 04 by comparison.

As for your issues, the soft front brake is a common problem, sometimes they need bleedin, sometimes I've heard the calipers need to be reset, for lack of a better term.

The discoloration may not be a problem or it may mean something, like it might be running to lean/hot, I'd ask for records to see if he's done anything to it, like putting on high flow pipes and air cleaner but not remapping the EFI, or if it's carbed, maybe it needs an adjustment.

You could always make an offer based on having a mechanic/dealer check it out before closing the deal, if you're that concerned over it. Either way, I'd negotiate that price if you want the bike.

If you end up passing and waiting, shop ebay for similar bikes to what you want, anywhere in the country, closer the better, but anywhere is ok. Then "WATCH THE ITEM" to see if it sells and for what it sells for, to get an idea what you should be paying used.

Then, for actually buying the bike, you can often have better luck finding local offers on Craigslist, but not always in your exact town. For that, I use http://www.searchtempest.com/ (formerly CraigsHelper.com) to search any city you want from one interface. Put in your zip, and drag the bar to how many miles you want to search, then type in your keywords, you have to try different things. like FLHR, ROAD KING, HARLEY, 2001 ROAD KING, or whatever you're really looking for.

Good luck

 

the pipes make me think its ben running lean for a long time?

 

$12K way too much, shop around.

 

A little overpriced, IMO. The brake is no big deal. Bleed it. The exhaust appears to be a Thunderheader. Thunderheader exhausts discolor easily as a matter of course. Probably no problem with reference to the exhaust.

 

It's a little high. The brake thing is an easy fix. Check the fluids, and see what they look like. Honey color is ideal. Ride it if possible. See if there are any leaks. And ask for the receipts on maintenance. Typical for that year are cam bearings, tensioners, etc. going south. Probably already been replaced, but check the records. And again, that's high for a 2001, even with that low of mileage. This market will yield some great deals if you shop around.

 

Take a look at similar bikes at:

www.chopperexchange.com

You'll get a good idea of whats being sold around the country and how much they're asking for. If you still want the bike, take a few printed sheets from the exchange to the guy and show him what people are asking. I think his price is a little too high.

 

One more thing.........This a dealer's bike and he wants my 2007 SuperGlide AND $4,000 for the bike. Now what do you think?

 

Uuuhhh.....no? Just MHO.

If dealer bike, the brakes should be perfect.

The discoloration is normal but might be running lean as others noted.

Check prices online and see what 2001 RK is going for.