How many is too many

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

May 31, 2012 | 09:17 AM

#21

beary

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 4,928

Likes: 285

From: Edmond Oklahoma

Its not a question if How Many, its a question of How Much. How much money are you willing to risk. All bikes have some kind of monetary risk that you may have to invest to keep if running to your style of riding. The more miles, the more risk. A 2004 88 engine is riskier at 30000 miles than 20000 because of the worn parts. Mainly the cam shoes. It's been awhile, but I think that is about a $700 fix, or risk. Then there are the normal wear parts like tires, brakes, motor mounts and even the Speed sensor. Lets say another $1000 worth of stuff. So, is this bike worth the risk of around $1700 give or take to ride it for a year?

Beary

May 31, 2012 | 11:06 AM

#22

j1mmy

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 4,598

Likes: 14

From: navarre ohio

i have close to 50k on my 01 EGC.. still runs like new. except for cam chain tensioners,the drivetrain is all original

May 31, 2012 | 11:21 AM

#23

akcruiser

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: May 2012

Posts: 103

Likes: 0

From: Glennallen, AK

Beary thanks for the input. I would rather my dad buy something that he could just ride without too much risk of going down the repair path for at least a few years. Here in Alaska, the low mileage deals are few and far between. I did just buy a 2006 Electra Classic with 8700 miles for $11,000 which everyone I talked to said it was a great deal so we will keep looking for something similar I guess to come available. All I normally see is mid mile 30,000-50,000 bikes going for $13,000-17,000 up here.

May 31, 2012 | 11:42 AM

#24

beary

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 4,928

Likes: 285

From: Edmond Oklahoma

You are sure welcome, but I really wasn't expecting to be the voice of reason. I just wanted to give a different perspective to your question. The bike may be a really good deal. But sometimes we need to consider those other things we don't think about in the heat of the moment like the cost of bike insurance or maintenance. I have a friend who has owned and loves BMWs. As badly as he wanted to replace his 2000 BMW with a new BMW, he instead bought a Gold Wing because of the lack of good BMW maintenance shops in our area.

And older bikes are great bikes, but there is normally a cost added for miles and age. If that is worth risk, then older high mileage bikes are good options. But many of us don't want to worry about it or we would rather put that extra risk money toward a lower mileage bike.

I love Alaska and dream of riding there one day.

Beary

May 31, 2012 | 06:55 PM

#25

painey

Road Warrior

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 1,348

Likes: 247

From: Florida

If I was you I would look for good deals outside your area, up to 500-1000 miles away and then just spend 2-3 days riding it back. Two nights in a hotel is a small price to pay for getting a good deal on a late model bike

May 31, 2012 | 08:07 PM

#26

akcruiser

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: May 2012

Posts: 103

Likes: 0

From: Glennallen, AK

I am looking all over the state of Alaska for a bike for my dad. Distance in the state isnt the problem, just lack of bikes for sale.

Jun 1, 2012 | 02:01 AM

#27

Thet

Tourer

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 435

Likes: 1

From: Aurora, IL

Considering I put 10,000 miles on my Street Glide last year alone, and didn't do any touring really I'd say anything under 10K per year is a decent bike.

Jun 1, 2012 | 06:33 AM

#28

tn_chopper_man

Road Captain

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 508

Likes: 0

From: Southeast, TN

Buddy of mine just bought a 2006 ultra for 12,000 with 28,000 miles.

Loaded including rhinehart true duals and warranty until 10/13.

Fresh tires and brake pads....we left out 2 days later on a 2,000 mile round trip for the wekend.

Suggest looking around...Deals are out there.