Thinking about a Road King
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 509
Likes: 21
From: L.I. New York
Bought my first and only Road King classic brand new in 2006.love it and have no complaints.IMO the best of the touring bikes.Ton of things you can do to this bike.Best advice I can give regarding buying a "pre owned" RK is to ask to see all paperwork (if any) regarding maint.preformed on it is up to date.See if the bike starts right up.Take a spin on it if possible.If it's a local sale,ask if the bike can be seen by your wrench (disregard this part if you know what to look out for) And IMO most HD touring bikes w/low miles are owned/cared by people that did'nt abuse there bikes or did not have the time to ride or did not care to ride after buying it.Your bike is out there waiting for it's new home.Good luck!
Bought my '09 in '10. Bike had about 8500 miles on it. I did a lot of looking around in the Southeast - major markets were Atlanta, Birmingham, Nashville. There were a lot of bikes available, but it took me several months before I bought the Road King I now have and it was less than five miles from where I live. I did find it on the local Craigslist - had been monitoring the listings for some time when this bike just showed up. Once I went to see it, I knew it was the bike to buy. I thought I wanted a Fatboy until I happened upon this Road King. I could not be happier with this decision.
Found this while looking at Craigslist - 2008 RoadKing Classic 1550 miles - $14900 (Nashville)
Found this while looking at Craigslist - 2008 RoadKing Classic 1550 miles - $14900 (Nashville)
Last edited by jlfabian; Mar 2, 2011 at 12:30 PM. Reason: update with information
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,498
Likes: 128
I've been riding Harleys for over 45 years and my Roadking is the best one I ever had. I've been the full range from Sportsters to full blown dressers and I like the King better than any of them. It is by far the most versatile of the bunch.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
My 2 cents.
I would try to get an 09 or newer nice frame and updates, handles like a dream. Not extremly important though.
I would be more leary of an older bike with very few miles. That means it has done a lot of sitting and that is not good. Especially if it hasnt been stored properly.
I personally Know a guy that has just over 93000 mi. on a heritage. He did have some work done not too long ago, Im not exactly sure but I think a top end rebuild, but my point is that if it has been well maitained a Harley should last many, many miles.
The road King is an awesome bike!
I would try to get an 09 or newer nice frame and updates, handles like a dream. Not extremly important though.
I would be more leary of an older bike with very few miles. That means it has done a lot of sitting and that is not good. Especially if it hasnt been stored properly.
I personally Know a guy that has just over 93000 mi. on a heritage. He did have some work done not too long ago, Im not exactly sure but I think a top end rebuild, but my point is that if it has been well maitained a Harley should last many, many miles.
The road King is an awesome bike!
I picked up my 07 king in 2009 and its been a great bike, got it from an older guy with 3500 miles for $13,500. If you can find one with no mods i think that would be the way to go. Personally I don't care for the new frame and HUGE tank of the >09. But you will love having the 96" over the evo or even an 88 twinkie. Happy hunting, if you can travel to the midwest there are tons of low mile bikes for the taking.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7,611
Likes: 104
From: Southern Colorado
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 9,850
Likes: 220
From: Sacramento, CA.
I would suggest whatever bike you find, take it to the dealership & pay to have it inspected before you put out any $$$$. I don't have a labor price it's different all over the states. Probably 1/2 hr. They may even take it for a test ride. Hey, after a Sporty from the 80's anything will be better!!!! (NOT Another Sporty) Good Luck.