Used Touring Model advice
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2nd Gear
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Southern Ohio
Used Touring Model advice
I am a fairly new rider who has completed the MSF course. The instructor who is a KY police officer also offers an advanced course once I buy a bike (you need your own motorcycle). I have been looking at two used Harley Touring models with ABS and I would like some advice on which may be best.
Bikes I am considering:
The first is a 2008 Road Glide with ABS that has 3,168 miles on it. The bike is in very nice condition, in Red Hot Sunglow with a black cherry two tone stripe on the bike. I generally like the looks of the bike and the way it sits, and the Dealer tells me that once I become proficient with the bike I will never want anything but a Road Glide. The only things that I dont like about the bike is the lens cover over the headlights which is sort of rounded and looks strange,the bike has spoked wheels which will require some work to keep up, and someone stuck some stick-on harley skull nameplates on the back of the bike which are plastic that would need to be removed. In my opinon, the stick-on nameplates detract from the appearance of the bike. The bike is heavy, but it does not feel as heavy as it is (800 lbs). The asking price is $16,900. The dealer has also had this bike awhile.
The second bike is a 2009 Road King Classic with ABS in black with 5,100 miles on it. The asking prices is $17,900, which seems high. It is a very good looking bike, and sits very well. It appears the weight is somewhere around 800 lbs. I like the Retro look of the bike, but leather bags & spoked wheels will require quite a bit of upkeep I would think.
Out of these two choices, which would be the best bike for a fairly new rider? I dont see myself as trading bikes every few years (like cars), so I would like to make the best decision the first time.
Thanks,
DRW
Bikes I am considering:
The first is a 2008 Road Glide with ABS that has 3,168 miles on it. The bike is in very nice condition, in Red Hot Sunglow with a black cherry two tone stripe on the bike. I generally like the looks of the bike and the way it sits, and the Dealer tells me that once I become proficient with the bike I will never want anything but a Road Glide. The only things that I dont like about the bike is the lens cover over the headlights which is sort of rounded and looks strange,the bike has spoked wheels which will require some work to keep up, and someone stuck some stick-on harley skull nameplates on the back of the bike which are plastic that would need to be removed. In my opinon, the stick-on nameplates detract from the appearance of the bike. The bike is heavy, but it does not feel as heavy as it is (800 lbs). The asking price is $16,900. The dealer has also had this bike awhile.
The second bike is a 2009 Road King Classic with ABS in black with 5,100 miles on it. The asking prices is $17,900, which seems high. It is a very good looking bike, and sits very well. It appears the weight is somewhere around 800 lbs. I like the Retro look of the bike, but leather bags & spoked wheels will require quite a bit of upkeep I would think.
Out of these two choices, which would be the best bike for a fairly new rider? I dont see myself as trading bikes every few years (like cars), so I would like to make the best decision the first time.
Thanks,
DRW
FWIW I purchased a used '09 Road King classic w/3k miles for $15.5 in July. It's non-ABS. Keep looking at the ads you might find something a little better but then again maybe not. Lots of new riders out there that get pulled into riding and find out it's not for them. Ive been riding for 15 years on BMW's and Moto Guzzi's and find my Road King to be a very, very good bike. It has the new chassis and larger gas tank. I've always loved the look oF the Road King and can ride this thing all day long. I don't find the leather bags or the soled wheels to be a problem at all. Get a jack from J&S and you can do a lot of your own services, at least the fluid changes and the jacked bike will make cleaning the wheels a breeze.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,342
Likes: 0
From: Western Wisconsin
When dealers have left over bikes when the new models come in you can usually buy one for $2K under sticker.
I've purchased a 2 year old left over for $3500 under MSRP from my dealer.
Now take into consideration "used" with miles.
A bike that is 2 to 3 years old with miles should be no more then $5K less than a new bike.
I figure 1st year.....$2000 zero miles or miles.
2nd year......another $1000 to $1500 depending on mileage.
3rd year......another $1000 to $1500 depending on mileage.
I have bought dozens of Harleys and helped others with their purchase and I haven't had a problem using the above calculations.
I've purchased a 2 year old left over for $3500 under MSRP from my dealer.
Now take into consideration "used" with miles.
A bike that is 2 to 3 years old with miles should be no more then $5K less than a new bike.
I figure 1st year.....$2000 zero miles or miles.
2nd year......another $1000 to $1500 depending on mileage.
3rd year......another $1000 to $1500 depending on mileage.
I have bought dozens of Harleys and helped others with their purchase and I haven't had a problem using the above calculations.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 409
Likes: 0
From: Tucson,Arizona
You should get what you want and only you know what that is....but to give you my opinion which you are asking for .......my choice is the Road King....and I have had a Road Glide.....again the choice is yours ....you gotta make it....bigal v
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Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 817
Likes: 1
From: N.E. Ohio
I would look around. Iam in Cleveland Ohio area. There have been better deals than that in the local paper. Maybe twice the miles but 2-3 gs less. Call Theil's wheels in Upper Sandusky they are an Hd dealer. I was there maybe 2 months ago and they had alot of used bikes.
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 800
Likes: 27
From: In the Pacific Northwest, a few hours east of Seattle.
Even if all you do is compare the year of the bike, the miles it has on it, and whether or not it has certain feature or specifications you want (or don't want), like ABS, looking at what numerous other private sellers and dealers are asking for bikes can be instructive.
Check this site out: http://www.hogs4sale.com/
The two bikes you're looking at are both built on the H-D touring frame and suspension, and will handle pretty similarly. But ask yourself what you envision mostly using the bike for?
If long trips are in your plans, the fairing, tunes, etc. of the Road Glide will be welcome.
If you want to strip the bike down, you can remove the windshield and turn the Road King into a boulevard cruiser. So part of the decision is what you really want the bike to do.
Best,
Doc
Check this site out: http://www.hogs4sale.com/
The two bikes you're looking at are both built on the H-D touring frame and suspension, and will handle pretty similarly. But ask yourself what you envision mostly using the bike for?
If long trips are in your plans, the fairing, tunes, etc. of the Road Glide will be welcome.
If you want to strip the bike down, you can remove the windshield and turn the Road King into a boulevard cruiser. So part of the decision is what you really want the bike to do.
Best,
Doc
