first bike...
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Stage IV
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
first bike...
Ok, I have been looking around at HD's. I'm a few months away still from graduating from college (upon which date I will be treating myself to an HD)
I have been looking at the different models and I really think I want a Road King. I just like the classic look, with the large fenders, leather saddle bags and white wall tires. I had a Ducati in high school, but other than that I haven't had any other motorcycles. Does this sound like a good first bike? And are there any years/models I should stay away from? Also, what sort of mileage would be decent on a Road King from around 02-03?
Thanks!
I have been looking at the different models and I really think I want a Road King. I just like the classic look, with the large fenders, leather saddle bags and white wall tires. I had a Ducati in high school, but other than that I haven't had any other motorcycles. Does this sound like a good first bike? And are there any years/models I should stay away from? Also, what sort of mileage would be decent on a Road King from around 02-03?
Thanks!
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 554
Likes: 0
From: Western Washington State
RE: first bike...
Road King is a good choice as long as you are 5'8" or taller, not that you could not ride it if you were shorter it justmight be a little harder to get used to initially. Anyway you will find 02-03s with 2500-35,000 miles in the used market. Browse Ebay to get a taste of the market and check craigslist.org for bikes in the local market. Kelly Blue book and NADA can give a good idea on the relative price you can expect. Only mechanical issue other than the normal tires, brakes paint etc is the pesky cam chain tensioners, which are somewhat unpredictable. Some have had problems in less than 1000 miles and some have exceeded 20,000 miles with no problems, go figure. A qualified HD mechanic can inspect the tensioners with minimal disassembly. If this worries you do a search of this forum on the subject, there is a lot of good detailed info.
Welcome; congratulations; good luck
FBL
Welcome; congratulations; good luck
FBL
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,236
Likes: 95
From: lancaster, pa
RE: first bike...
Maybe it would be wise to hold off on the new bike til you can buy a house? Its a good investment and a good tax break. Thats what I did right out of school. This will also give you a little time to check out an eg cause once you get there theres no turnin back
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Stage IV
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
RE: first bike...
Hmm, well I'm only 5'6". But I was planning on riding one before I bought any way of course. And thanks for the advice on the house, but due to my line of intended work, I know I'll be moving a lot in the first few years, so I think I'm going to hold off on buying a house.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: New Braunfels, TX
RE: first bike...
i'm 5'7" and i have a RK Custom
the Custom is factory-lowered and i have no problem putting both feet flat on the ground while on the bike.
it is my first bike and is really comfortable.
the Custom is factory-lowered and i have no problem putting both feet flat on the ground while on the bike.
it is my first bike and is really comfortable.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,479
Likes: 4
From: SoCal
RE: first bike...
Considering the depreciation and how well taken-care-of Hogs tend to be, I'd lean toward any Twin-cam offering. And don't overlook the 99-01 fuel injected bikes - Only the earliest models had issues, just like any new-model release. I have an acquaintance who bought a used '99 EFI FLHRI and loves it. He recently added a 21-inch front wheel. And I'm sure since he bought used he didn't take the hit I did on my '01. The Delphi is a better system, but so are tubeless tires.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 9,335
Likes: 13
From: MA
RE: first bike...
Buying a house right out of college? Where? 
Starter houses around here are 350k. Don't see many college grads with the money for a down payment, salary or credit rating. [8D]This might have been more doable when I got out of school 25years ago, but I hadother things I wanted to spend my money on......beer and women. Ahhhh, to be young again.... 
Starter houses around here are 350k. Don't see many college grads with the money for a down payment, salary or credit rating. [8D]This might have been more doable when I got out of school 25years ago, but I hadother things I wanted to spend my money on......beer and women. Ahhhh, to be young again....
ORIGINAL: voodoodrug
Maybe it would be wise to hold off on the new bike til you can buy a house? Its a good investment and a good tax break. Thats what I did right out of school. This will also give you a little time to check out an eg cause once you get there theres no turnin back
Maybe it would be wise to hold off on the new bike til you can buy a house? Its a good investment and a good tax break. Thats what I did right out of school. This will also give you a little time to check out an eg cause once you get there theres no turnin back
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