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<snip>but I I've only bought one used vehicle of any kind from a dealer. They want top dollar! Ya can do much better from private sellers. I would also look for a '09 up RG, or any tourer. But it does boil down to what you like/want and can afford. Good luck!
What he said ... you can do very well buying private if you are patient ... you've waited this long, a little longer won't hurt ... and yes '09 or newer.
If the R.G. is what you really want and the dealer will sell you an extended warranty, go for it. 30,000 mi. ain't s***
Bob is right and you wont be able to put the mrs on it (FB) till you make it more comfy so, if not that RG then keep shopping around till you find the one you really want. Waiting till the season is over is always in you favor, patience brings big dividends.
thanks all for the quick responses. I have already rode the FB and it did ride nice, i scheduled to ride the RG this afternoon. is the mileage something i should be concerned about?
30k on an '05 works out to about 4k per year.
Considering I've got about 32k on my '11 Ultra, and I don't think that's a lot, I'd say 30k on an '05 isn't anything to worry about.
From an engineering perspective I'd opt for the 09. I'd also second the opinion that the 05 MIGHT require some preventive maintenance, most notably the cam chain tensioners. Be careful here.
I have 75,000 on my '05. Maitainance wise I replaced the cam tenseioners at 70K and just recently needed a regulator and stator. And all the regular scheduled stuff. Comfort ride wise I have progressive shocks and monotubes and a True-Track. It runs great!
I was just in basically the same boat. I was looking for a Heritage Classic to ride back and forth to work and still be able to take the wife to the beach or away for the weekend. She said she was OK with it but we'd need to put a Mustang seat and floor boards on it or no deal.
Local dealer had a 2003 Ultra come in with only 19000 km on it. One ride and we were both sold. It's only been 2 weeks but I can already tell it was the right decision. Super easy to handle in town but on the open road and out in the wind my wife's happier than she's ever been on a bike.
Try to get maintenance records for the RG and have them or someone you trust go over the bike thoroughly and give you a report. My '03 was still eligible for Harley ESP, so that might be something to consider for a little extra piece of mind. Especially if you'll be making payments. Nothing worse than an expensive breakdown that you can't afford to fix because you still have to pay for the bike.
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