I'm not sure if I'm posting these questions in the right spot or not.... If not please let me know.

I'm getting ready to pick up my first Harley. I've had a half dozen or so different Japanese cruisers and sports bikes but never a Harley so I've got a few questions. Thanks in advance for any help.

I was told that the road and street glides are the exact same bike from the neck back but when I sit on them it feels like the road glide leans me back more and feels more comfortable. Is there a difference in the rake? Maybe its the seat or bars but a street glide sits me closer to the tank and more upright.

So on to my question... The wife and I are saving to buy a house so I promised her I'd get a used bike so as to not screw up our debt to income ratio too much. I'm looking at 3 different road glides and I want to pick y'all's brains a bit on them.

The first question I have is how many trouble free miles can I expect from an HD motor? The 1st bike is a 2008 96ci with about 52,000 on the clock listed at the dealer for $13,995. I'm worried that this maybe at the downward slide off this motors life.

Bike #2 is a 2002 88ci motor with air box, pipes and stage one with 46,000 miles for $9995. How well does this motor hold up and what kind of power am I giving up my not going with a 96ci?

Bike #3 is a 2006 with 76,000 miles for $12995.

What do you guys think the pros and cons are from the 88ci to the 96? Is it really worth the extra 3 grand to go from a 2002 to a 2008 if they both have about the same 50,000 ish miles on them.

 

Any used bike you get from a dealer will be over priced (a generalization sure, and there will be exceptions but not the ones you listed), find something on craigslist or ebay.

Any touring bike from a given year will share the same frame, but depending on the model will have a different seat, shocks, fairing (Road Glides are frame-mounted), etc, so you really need to ride some to figure out what you like.

 

My choice is bike # 2 but I am kinda partial to the TC88. Put some cams in that puppy and she will keep up with any of the others no problem.

 

I've owned every touring bike Harley makes. If you are 5' 10" or taller, RG are great. Shorter riders seem to prefer batwing bikes. I'm 6'2" and love my RG.
As far as price, you can get a low mileage touring bike for around $14k. Low mileage to me would be under 20k miles. Look on cycle trader or ebay. You'll find plenty of bikes like the one below.

Harley-Davidso​n : Touring

2005 FLTRI, Harley Davidson Road Glide

17,224
Buy it now or Best offer $12,900.00

 

02 is a very good year,forged crank,timken bearings,delphi injection (if not carbed)upgraded axel and swing arm, only problem is the cam tensioner shoes,easily solved with gear drive cams.

 

My HD Guru, who I trust without reservation, swears up and down that 02 was the last good year for baggers.

I will caution you to make sure the cam chain tensioners have been changed on that motor to the upgraded ones. At 25K they should come out of the bike, by 35 you really want them out of the bike, by 45 you are on borrowed time.

Best mod for that bike... dump the crap HD suspension, go with progressive fork cartridges and progressive 440 or better shocks. Night and day difference trust me

 

I just bought an 07 road glide (2months ago)...from craigs list...21,000 miles..staqe 1.Rinehart 2into1...$12,200...shop around...

 

6'-2" and 250 pounds. I've riden several oft friends Harley's and the road glide seems to fit me the best. My only concern was mainly the 50k miles. Will these babies be good for another 50k? How does the 88 stack up against the 96? My last two bikes were a 110ci Honda VTX and a 1300 Hayabusa. I know neither motor will compare to the Hayabusa but I'm worried that if I get the 88 that I'll be disappointed and wish Id have ponied up the extra cash and goten the 96ci. I've been approved for a bike through Harley so not looking at eBay or Craigslist. It's good to know that the 02 is a solo bike. It runs like a champ, I was just worried that it wouldn't run for much longer.

 

Stay away from the dealer for a used bike...you will over pay. Be patient and fine one from a private seller, deals are out there.

 

And temper your expectations, its a touring bike/road sofa not a rice rocket.