How many miles are too many...
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 131
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From:
How many miles are too many...
... for a '99 Road King?
I found one at a local indy with nearly 70,000 on the clock. The bike is beautifully appointed and well kept, with no objectionable scratches or corrosion in the chrome or paint. There are extras in the way of chrome pieces and such, as well as an aftermarket hard trunk and pilot back rest.
The engines starts right up, no smoke and idles well with no odd sounds.
The shop mechanic tells me that the bottom ends on these engines are nearly bullet-proof and the top ends are good for close to 100,000 miles before needing a rebuild. He says a rebuild, which involves a .010 re-bore, rings and head work, typically costs around $2,000 and takes about a week to turn around.
Are there any problems I should be on the lookout for? What is a fair price for this machine?
I found one at a local indy with nearly 70,000 on the clock. The bike is beautifully appointed and well kept, with no objectionable scratches or corrosion in the chrome or paint. There are extras in the way of chrome pieces and such, as well as an aftermarket hard trunk and pilot back rest.
The engines starts right up, no smoke and idles well with no odd sounds.
The shop mechanic tells me that the bottom ends on these engines are nearly bullet-proof and the top ends are good for close to 100,000 miles before needing a rebuild. He says a rebuild, which involves a .010 re-bore, rings and head work, typically costs around $2,000 and takes about a week to turn around.
Are there any problems I should be on the lookout for? What is a fair price for this machine?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8,039
Likes: 1,305
From: Jayhawk Country
NADA average retail on that bike is a little under $8,500. My opinion, that's a lot of miles and not far from a rebuild. Kinda depends on how much he is asking for it if it's a good deal or not. I would pass on it just because of the miles.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 131
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From:
Suppose I could get it for 8 grand?
I ride about 4-5 thousand miles a year, so assuming all is as it seems, I should (in theory) get several years out of it before the top end needs going over.
However, I do see your point about the mileage. Guess I have to spend more $.
I ride about 4-5 thousand miles a year, so assuming all is as it seems, I should (in theory) get several years out of it before the top end needs going over.
However, I do see your point about the mileage. Guess I have to spend more $.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,932
Likes: 4
From: 46th State, USA
I've got a local friend that has 100k miles on an '03 Fireman Edition Ultra Classic that runs very well and has been taken very good care of. It's for sale at $7500.00 if it's still available.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 6,112
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More important, if possible find out how many owner's have had it,over 3 I'd pass.Ask a few question's about thing's that have been fixed,cam chain tensioner's being the most important.These engines are tough but,everything wear's out,wheel bearing's,swingarm bearing's,thing's like that.Price according to milage,could be a good deal if you figure on keeping up with the various thing's that are tired and will need fixed or replaced soon.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,197
Likes: 708
From: (Toronto) Canada
If the bike is in great shape he probably maintained it well. Do a compression and a leak down test. My bike (01) has 85,000 miles on it and it is still very tight.
Is it FI?
IMO, 70,000 on a twinkee is not bad. you still have lots of life left in it.
Is it FI?
IMO, 70,000 on a twinkee is not bad. you still have lots of life left in it.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 216
Likes: 4
From: Rincon, GA
My boss has a 99 ultra with over 100K. That is best sounding engine I know of but I would never tell him that. I know he has never had anything major done to his either.
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