What mileage is too high?
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 744
Likes: 8
From: Pluto
What mileage is too high?
Hey all - I am still waiting for my roadstar to sell so I can buy my first Harley - a Road King. Y'all have been nice to answer my questions as I carefully narrow my search and I appreciate that!
I am taking in consideration the advantages of the '09 and '10 and definately have not ruled them out. However, in also considering less expensive options, I have my sights set on the 2003 black and silver or a 2002 (I do not want to go earlier because of the new EFI and tighter frame at '02).
MY QUESTION IS THIS: some used '02 and '03's have low miles around 3 - 6 thousand and others have 17,000 - 22,000 miles. Now, I put on about 7500 - 8500 miles a season and I am wondering if 22,000 miles is too high - in other words - HOW MANY MILES CAN WE TAKE THESE BIKES?
I am taking in consideration the advantages of the '09 and '10 and definately have not ruled them out. However, in also considering less expensive options, I have my sights set on the 2003 black and silver or a 2002 (I do not want to go earlier because of the new EFI and tighter frame at '02).
MY QUESTION IS THIS: some used '02 and '03's have low miles around 3 - 6 thousand and others have 17,000 - 22,000 miles. Now, I put on about 7500 - 8500 miles a season and I am wondering if 22,000 miles is too high - in other words - HOW MANY MILES CAN WE TAKE THESE BIKES?
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 744
Likes: 8
From: Pluto
Excellent - that is what I want to hear.....if I go the older used route this would allow thousands of dollars in savings and a bike that is already loaded with the goodies I want....I hate decisions like this but at least it's a win-win situation no matter what I decide!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,549
Likes: 3,954
From: Vermont
There are lots of options also for making it more bulletproof. You can do the SE tensioner upgrade, you could do the cam conversion kit, you could go gears (providing runout is in spec.) You can take all the money you saved on buying used and put it into upgrades like a big bore, etc. You could also do the Brembo brake conversion like the 08 and later have and get decent brakes. Good luck.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,072
Likes: 104
From: Prescott, AZ
My suggestion for anyone wanting to buy a used bike... Talk to your local HD shop manager... Ask them if they would be willing to do a quick "look over" maybe an hour charge on a bike that you are interested in - if the bike is not in your area - contact a HD in that area.. once you have that question asked... then make an offer to the buyer - with the deal - YOU pay to have the bike checked - if all is well - then the deal is done. Yes, this will cost your an hour labor but it will not only put your mind at ease - it just may save you a bundle down the road.... I would think any seller that was OK with his bike would be open to this - it protects both parties.. Buying a good used bike will cost you seveal 1,000 dollars - why not get it checked..
Also, a lot of used bikes out there may have the extended warranty on them, that another plus - be sure to ask...
If a seller balks at the suggestion of getting the bike checked at the shop - then maybe its a sign to walk away??
You could even ask the seller to show you the service paper work on the bike.. Or get his permission to get the info from the Local HD shop...
I have found 'Honest' sellers want the buyer to feel good about the deal.
good luck in your search..
Also, a lot of used bikes out there may have the extended warranty on them, that another plus - be sure to ask...
If a seller balks at the suggestion of getting the bike checked at the shop - then maybe its a sign to walk away??
You could even ask the seller to show you the service paper work on the bike.. Or get his permission to get the info from the Local HD shop...
I have found 'Honest' sellers want the buyer to feel good about the deal.
good luck in your search..
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
Likes: 95
From: Billings,Mt.
He bought the bike.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 744
Likes: 8
From: Pluto
There are lots of options also for making it more bulletproof. You can do the SE tensioner upgrade, you could do the cam conversion kit, you could go gears (providing runout is in spec.) You can take all the money you saved on buying used and put it into upgrades like a big bore, etc. You could also do the Brembo brake conversion like the 08 and later have and get decent brakes. Good luck.
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Road Captain
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From: Pluto
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,072
Likes: 104
From: Prescott, AZ
Your answer/question is a Perfect example on why it would be a good reason to have the bike checked by a HD mech - I would suggest you ask that same question to the mech checking out the bike... We all have to trust someone - Find a shop or mech you trust and go on what they say - the mech really has nothing invested and will help you out. I am not saying that a mech will catch everything but I would surly invest $80 on a $10,000 PLUS deal... Kinda like looking at pretty woman... we can get focused on the looks and Not see that she is a real bitch... lol...
bike/women = same thing really... we fall in love/lust/like = too easy... then find out later we really ---ked up....lol