Should I buy this Road Glide?
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: MA
Should I buy this Road Glide?
Hello,
I am looking at a Road Glide to purchase. It is a 2003, anniversary addition. The problem is, it has 103k miles. I feel as though thats way to high, but I currently own a sportster and am not familiar with these. My last bike was a goldwing, and I know that could go 200k, but thats a completely different style engine. I feel as though I can get this bike for $4,500. Would this be a good deal, or is it too much. Or should I just stay away from it?
Thanks
I am looking at a Road Glide to purchase. It is a 2003, anniversary addition. The problem is, it has 103k miles. I feel as though thats way to high, but I currently own a sportster and am not familiar with these. My last bike was a goldwing, and I know that could go 200k, but thats a completely different style engine. I feel as though I can get this bike for $4,500. Would this be a good deal, or is it too much. Or should I just stay away from it?
Thanks
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 322
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From: California
It may run and run and run, but I would just be ready to drop a new motor in it. Or top end. Once ya do that then your back up to a price that's what you coulda paid for one but the rest of the bike still has 100K on it. If the 4500 was all I had then ya, I would do it.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,144
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From: Mass
....whoa...that's mileage is a little too high...it's priced correctly at 4500..and for a reason. It will need a total rebuild pretty soon...you could do a new engine for 2500-3500...but what would be the point?...for 6500-7500 you could be buying bikes with 15K-25K on the clock...much better way to go in my opinion...and I certainly hope the fact that it's an anniversary isn't making you think it's special...no one cares about that except the people who own them...good luck no matter which way you go...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
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From: Oxford, Nc
As an owner of a Road Glide with 137,000 miles, I can recommend that you avoid it. My motor runs like new, but I have a stronger bottom end in mine than the '03 had.
My bike runs great, but that's because at 100,000 miles I started replacing stuff before they'd leave me on the side of the road. In the last 50,000 miles, I've replaced the fuel pump, all the relays, both wheel bearings, both fork seals, a drive belt, the rocker arms and shafts, the cams ( gear drives at 81,000,) the bank angle sensor, the swing arm bushings and just recently replaced the swing arm clevis blocks with Nylatron blocks to tighten up the rear end.
I've also repaired abraded wiring in the charging system and headlight wiring where the constant contact with metal frame brackets and such finally wore them through.
So I'll take my bike anywhere. I ought to be able to, as most of the wear parts are damn near new. And I'd buy your 103,000 mile Road Glide as a second bike in a heartbeat because I know what it'll need.
The question then: Is that something you want to do too?
My bike runs great, but that's because at 100,000 miles I started replacing stuff before they'd leave me on the side of the road. In the last 50,000 miles, I've replaced the fuel pump, all the relays, both wheel bearings, both fork seals, a drive belt, the rocker arms and shafts, the cams ( gear drives at 81,000,) the bank angle sensor, the swing arm bushings and just recently replaced the swing arm clevis blocks with Nylatron blocks to tighten up the rear end.
I've also repaired abraded wiring in the charging system and headlight wiring where the constant contact with metal frame brackets and such finally wore them through.
So I'll take my bike anywhere. I ought to be able to, as most of the wear parts are damn near new. And I'd buy your 103,000 mile Road Glide as a second bike in a heartbeat because I know what it'll need.
The question then: Is that something you want to do too?
Last edited by Stiggy; Oct 26, 2013 at 06:35 PM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Illinois
I would think that it is a crap shoot. If it was well maintained and the owner has records that would help. It could run up to 50K more. Price doesn't seem out of line.
But I suspect he would be very motivated to accept a lower offer.
But I suspect he would be very motivated to accept a lower offer.
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: MA
Thanks for the advice. While I may be able to rebuild the motor, or even put a new one in, for that price I'd be better off buying one with less miles. I just assumed that was a good price, and if 100k was ok, I would buy it. I think I may be better off if I pass on it. Something else will come along. Thanks again!
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: MA
lh4x4 , He is looking to get $5,400, but i figured I could get if for $4500. End of season, high milage, etc.
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From: Kansas City, Missouri
I'd buy it for $4500. Use it as a learning tool while I learn to rebuild the engine and whatever else it needed. If your not into that kinda thing spend more money upfront and buy a lower mileage unit. I doubt it will be a rider without some $$$ spent on it somewhere.
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Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: MA
heavymetalthunder , to be honest, I love working on bikes. I havent done anything this involved but wouldn't mind doing it. I just am not sure if it would be worthwhile put the money into it, where I could buy a newer/less mileage bike for that money. Plus, other things will probably start to go, I am assuming. Bearings, etc.
