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Too many miles ?

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Old Jan 21, 2011 | 08:16 PM
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Default Too many miles ?

I am shopping for a used HD touring bike. I have been riding a metric for a year and I am ready to step up. What is considered too many miles on a used bike ?
 
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Old Jan 21, 2011 | 08:38 PM
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It all depends on how it was taken care of.
 
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Old Jan 21, 2011 | 08:42 PM
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These bikes can run for 100k or more when well taken care off. The real question is what kind of ride are you looking for and what do you have to spend?
 
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Old Jan 21, 2011 | 08:42 PM
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second that. depends how it was taken care of, weather riden in and type of miles. Open road or city, stop and go.
 
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Old Jan 21, 2011 | 08:46 PM
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Don't know what you are looking for but there are some very low mileage used bikes available in this market. I recently saw a cherry '05 Fatboy with 7000 miles on it go for $12K and it was nice with performance and comsmetic upgrades.

As to your question, it does make a difference how the bike was maintained. If the seller doesn't have records and this is your first Harley, you should probably avoid those. 25K miles is nothing for a well maintained Harley. Once mileage goes over 50K, even if the bike was well maintained things like belts, steering head bearing, tranmission main shaft bearings, etc. may need attention and those repairs are expensive if you don't do the work yourself.

You need to research the models and find the one that suits you and start looking for that model.
 
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Old Jan 21, 2011 | 08:48 PM
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I would narrow your search to a particular make/model you want. Shop around to see what's available & then worry about miles. If it been properly maintained & in good condition - miles aren't going to be something you'll need to worry about.
 
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Old Jan 21, 2011 | 08:52 PM
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More than likely I will purchase a used RK because of my budget. I have seen a few EG's with around 30K miles on them... I didn't know if 30k miles should be a concern.
 
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Old Jan 21, 2011 | 08:56 PM
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if you know what bike you want just do the search and look for the lowest mileage, price and newest model year. I have seen used bikes two old with 60, yes 60 miles on them. People buy them and decide they want something else. If they average less than 3000 per year and have been taken care of chances are they are in good shape. too many options but sooner or later you will find the bike you want. look at dealers, ebay, craigslist and the local paper to get a feel for what is on the market. good luck. ride safe.
 
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Old Jan 21, 2011 | 09:24 PM
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To the OP. Used Road King is a great choice. Shop the cop bikes first. There you will get a blank canvas and a lot of bang for the buck. Check Ebay and such, if you see a deal jump on it and go pick her up.
 
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Old Jan 21, 2011 | 09:40 PM
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Originally Posted by blwright
More than likely I will purchase a used RK because of my budget. I have seen a few EG's with around 30K miles on them... I didn't know if 30k miles should be a concern.
30K is just broke in. Many buyers will shy away and that lowers the price, which is bad for HD. HD resale has taken a hard hit with so many used bikes for sale. I sold my 77 FXE (new to me for $3,333.00 in Oct 78) for $6000 in 1997. It had 230,000 miles on it and running strong with only a small tranny seal leak.

Each model and year has their service issues. Find a shop you can trust (not a dealer) and take the bike you are thinking of purchasing and have them check it out. Find out what that certain bike issues are. Find out if the issues have been addressed yet.

Go to a dealer and ride the different models to help with your decision.

Have fun shopping and don't be in a hurry.
 
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