Took a Road King Classic out for a test ride today...
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 424
Likes: 4
From: Denver, CO
Thanks guys, good insight you all shared. I appreciate!
I've put on the Fatboy almost 2K miles in two months, all while being busy with other things in life... you know what I mean. So I do enjoy taking a 100-275 mile day as it can be done on the Fatboy.
Ideally, riding 350-450 miles a day, for a few days at a time... even at my age of almost fifty eight in two weeks and fortunately being in very good condition (I still climb the high peaks regularly and road cycle, etc)... doing this on a touring suspension is 'much easier' than on the softail! This is a given as you all know.
For the moment, I'll play the game with the dealer as I understand the process to a certain degree. But I do not put up with any b.s. or shenanigans... you all understand that aspect of the 'deal'.
I own the Fatboy free and clear and will pay cash for the RKC balance. Money isn't 'easy' these days but if I can do OK on the RKC purchase w/o much 'hassle', I'm in it to play.
Again, keep the comments coming and I will keep the forum posted on what transpires in the next few days, etc.
I've put on the Fatboy almost 2K miles in two months, all while being busy with other things in life... you know what I mean. So I do enjoy taking a 100-275 mile day as it can be done on the Fatboy.
Ideally, riding 350-450 miles a day, for a few days at a time... even at my age of almost fifty eight in two weeks and fortunately being in very good condition (I still climb the high peaks regularly and road cycle, etc)... doing this on a touring suspension is 'much easier' than on the softail! This is a given as you all know.
For the moment, I'll play the game with the dealer as I understand the process to a certain degree. But I do not put up with any b.s. or shenanigans... you all understand that aspect of the 'deal'.
I own the Fatboy free and clear and will pay cash for the RKC balance. Money isn't 'easy' these days but if I can do OK on the RKC purchase w/o much 'hassle', I'm in it to play.
Again, keep the comments coming and I will keep the forum posted on what transpires in the next few days, etc.
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 185
Likes: 1
From: Tuddenham St. Mary, United Kingdom
I'm in the same type of dilemma deciding whether to trade my 2010 EGC for a 2011 Road Glide Ultra. Not as dramatic a change as what you're contemplating, but still has some of the same issues.
Dealer is giving me what KBB says is appropriate for trade (not counting accessories/add-ons). As some have pointed out, I could take a beating and trade, or take a chance and sell it myself. But I might be holding it a while if I try to sell it myself.
Best advice I've received is, go for it (especially when your wife says, "Go for it.").
But in your case, could you keep the Fatboy AND get the Road King?
Dealer is giving me what KBB says is appropriate for trade (not counting accessories/add-ons). As some have pointed out, I could take a beating and trade, or take a chance and sell it myself. But I might be holding it a while if I try to sell it myself.
Best advice I've received is, go for it (especially when your wife says, "Go for it.").
But in your case, could you keep the Fatboy AND get the Road King?
Account Retired
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,245
Likes: 12
From: Here
I've been where you are right now. I came from a Dyna to Touring 2 years ago. I've already had three bikes. I tried the EGC, UC and now I've got the bike I love. 2010 Road King. It's very comfortable for long trips and handles great around town. Doesn't have the pizza box and bat wing fairing in the way. I can pull the windshield off for short rides. I would say go for it, you only go around once.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 218
Likes: 2
From: Mass
You won't be happy until you get it.
Keep playing the game with dealer by dropping in every few weeks and reminding them that you're to buy but at better terms.
Any other dealers close enough to shop?
In my case, I ended up buying from a dealer 100 miles away because of the savings.
Keep playing the game with dealer by dropping in every few weeks and reminding them that you're to buy but at better terms.
Any other dealers close enough to shop?
In my case, I ended up buying from a dealer 100 miles away because of the savings.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,348
Likes: 247
From: Florida
I would try selling privately to get the best price then go to the dealer and nail him down, win win :-)
I used Chopper Exchange to sell my Fatboy, found a buyer in 3 weeks, great exposure and price, well worth considering while in negotiations with the dealer.
I used Chopper Exchange to sell my Fatboy, found a buyer in 3 weeks, great exposure and price, well worth considering while in negotiations with the dealer.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 241
From: Highlands, NJ
OK! I rode a Fatboy for 8yrs. When I got back from OC Bike Week this year, I went to the dealer 2 days later and traded for a 2011 RKC.
Honestly, it was a great move.
Fatboy? What's a Fatboy? The RKC is a great bike. My only regret is that it's starting to get cold and my riding time will be cut short.
Go for it, you wont regret it.
BTW, I had my Fatboy up for sale on the net for over a year. Ended up getting 1k less from the dealer than I was asking.
Honestly, it was a great move.
Fatboy? What's a Fatboy? The RKC is a great bike. My only regret is that it's starting to get cold and my riding time will be cut short.
Go for it, you wont regret it.
BTW, I had my Fatboy up for sale on the net for over a year. Ended up getting 1k less from the dealer than I was asking.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 8
From: Detroit, the asshole of America
I paid what amounted to MSRP for my 11 RKC with no dealer fees. On paper they sold the bike for under MSRP but then added freight and prep, so it was a bit of a wash. Sales tax not included, of course. I didn't haggle at all, and I'd never been to their dealer before. I would guess your dealer can do better.
-Nick
-Nick
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 12
From: DOWN SOUTH
The price is negotiable. If they want your business the will work with you. If money is not that big of an issue, I would go for the ultra. It is nice to have tons of room for your chit and not limited to just 2 saddlebaggs and stuff strapped all over the back. Plus you cant beat all of the extra lighting it gives you in the rear. Yeah some people say the bat wing gives them a feeling of being enclosed in, but you get used to it and the wind protection from the elements is extrodinary. Like others have said before, its your ride, its your money and you only live once, so be happy with your choice, whatever it may be. Good luck to you and stay safe.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 424
Likes: 4
From: Denver, CO
Got a call from a friend this morning while at the airport in a meeting. He wanted to 'alert' me to a 2010 Road King Custom at the HD dealer not far from the airport. 180 miles on the bike, red, security, cruise... no ABS, 1.5 years left on the warranty, same as mine.
I stopped by and know a few of the folks there and saw the bike. Nice! Went home and picked up the Fatboy (man, do I enjoy this bike!) and rode it to the dealer... the techs checked it out, the manager got 'his number' and I test rode the Road King.
We're a bunch of dollars 'apart', I gave them an 'understanding' where I'd want to be dollar-wise... put it in their court and told them to call me if they want to get down to final numbers.
I could easily go for the 2010 and give up on the new 2011. Would be missing the 103 motor and ABS.
You got any thoughts on the 2010 RK with 180 miles and the possible deal?
I'll keep you posted.
I stopped by and know a few of the folks there and saw the bike. Nice! Went home and picked up the Fatboy (man, do I enjoy this bike!) and rode it to the dealer... the techs checked it out, the manager got 'his number' and I test rode the Road King.
We're a bunch of dollars 'apart', I gave them an 'understanding' where I'd want to be dollar-wise... put it in their court and told them to call me if they want to get down to final numbers.
I could easily go for the 2010 and give up on the new 2011. Would be missing the 103 motor and ABS.
You got any thoughts on the 2010 RK with 180 miles and the possible deal?
I'll keep you posted.