What would you do...
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,022
Likes: 60
From: Greer, South Carolina
You said a 2011 Road King with a 103 engine so I'm assuming it is a Road King "Classic".
First, does the 2010 S.G. have cruise control? If it doesn't, you will probably regret that it doesn't. The RKC comes standard with cruise control.
Second, what kind of bike do you see yourself riding?? A stripped down bagger like the S.G. or the 1950's look of the RKC? The way you think about what you're riding and how you "feel'' about it is very important. I say that because I bought the wrong bike and 6 months later I was back at the dealer to get the right one.
Third, if you buy the 2010 Street Glide you will be riding a 2 year old bike in 6 months (yes, the 2012's will be out at the end of July, first of August). Is that important to you?
Fourth, if you buy the RKC are you ready for the high maintenance of the laced wheels and wide whitewall tires?? And the leather bags are smaller than the hard bags and require maintenance beyond just washing and waxing like a hard bag.
Fifth, how important is music to you? If you buy the RKC and music is important, you may have to spend $400-600 for a sound system that fits behind the windshield.
Sixth, is the warranty on the built up S.G. the same as the factory warranty that you'd get with the 2011 RKC?
I know that it's a big decision and a lot of money, so just wanted to point out some things to consider before making that big decision. Hopefully, you'll make a decision that'll put you happily down the road for years and not unhappily back at the dealer taking a fleecing like I did.
First, does the 2010 S.G. have cruise control? If it doesn't, you will probably regret that it doesn't. The RKC comes standard with cruise control.
Second, what kind of bike do you see yourself riding?? A stripped down bagger like the S.G. or the 1950's look of the RKC? The way you think about what you're riding and how you "feel'' about it is very important. I say that because I bought the wrong bike and 6 months later I was back at the dealer to get the right one.
Third, if you buy the 2010 Street Glide you will be riding a 2 year old bike in 6 months (yes, the 2012's will be out at the end of July, first of August). Is that important to you?
Fourth, if you buy the RKC are you ready for the high maintenance of the laced wheels and wide whitewall tires?? And the leather bags are smaller than the hard bags and require maintenance beyond just washing and waxing like a hard bag.
Fifth, how important is music to you? If you buy the RKC and music is important, you may have to spend $400-600 for a sound system that fits behind the windshield.
Sixth, is the warranty on the built up S.G. the same as the factory warranty that you'd get with the 2011 RKC?
I know that it's a big decision and a lot of money, so just wanted to point out some things to consider before making that big decision. Hopefully, you'll make a decision that'll put you happily down the road for years and not unhappily back at the dealer taking a fleecing like I did.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 805
Likes: 4
From: The Live Free or Die State
Tough choice...
You're not giving us too much to go on here.
SG is the biggest selling bike in the HD lineup so expect to get more SG votes here. I'm a little partial since I own one but could easily see myself on a King.
Style, Radio/Fairing, Waranty are the issues as I see them. The first two are personal preferences and will likely make the difference in the long run. With the SG you are getting a year less on the waranty. The dealer is clearly motivated to get the SG off the floor and you should use that to your advantage. I wold have him add a couple of years to the waranty on the SG, especially since the engine won't be factory installed. Others have mentioned a cam swap. I'd certainly give it a try.
The last piece of advice I'll give is to go to another dealership and shop the deals you have on the table. Let the dealership who's made this offer know that you're shopping. From where I stand he figures he's got a $20K sale all wrapped up either way...give yourself a little more bargaining power.
Good luck and keep us posted!!!
You're not giving us too much to go on here.
SG is the biggest selling bike in the HD lineup so expect to get more SG votes here. I'm a little partial since I own one but could easily see myself on a King.
Style, Radio/Fairing, Waranty are the issues as I see them. The first two are personal preferences and will likely make the difference in the long run. With the SG you are getting a year less on the waranty. The dealer is clearly motivated to get the SG off the floor and you should use that to your advantage. I wold have him add a couple of years to the waranty on the SG, especially since the engine won't be factory installed. Others have mentioned a cam swap. I'd certainly give it a try.
The last piece of advice I'll give is to go to another dealership and shop the deals you have on the table. Let the dealership who's made this offer know that you're shopping. From where I stand he figures he's got a $20K sale all wrapped up either way...give yourself a little more bargaining power.
Good luck and keep us posted!!!
Last edited by knewt5; Jan 26, 2011 at 09:48 AM.
