Hello HD Forums
Hello HD Forums
Hello All!
I don't own a motorcycle yet but based on my research, it looks like I'm going to want a Road King. I have my classes coming up in a few weeks. Getting excited! Got my helmet and gloves.
Pretty certain I'll be buying used (once I can figure out how to save up enough). Though I am getting mixed reviews from people I know personally about whether I should consider EFI or Carb engines. The most I've done is replace front brake pads and oil on a Suzuki XL7. I'm not entirely confident I'd keep up with cleaning the carb. But, I do like the price point and the idea they are pretty much done depreciating.
Definitely a lot I want to learn about mods (must haves and not worth it). Hopefully able to be able to join the community for real with a motorcycle in the future!
I don't own a motorcycle yet but based on my research, it looks like I'm going to want a Road King. I have my classes coming up in a few weeks. Getting excited! Got my helmet and gloves.
Pretty certain I'll be buying used (once I can figure out how to save up enough). Though I am getting mixed reviews from people I know personally about whether I should consider EFI or Carb engines. The most I've done is replace front brake pads and oil on a Suzuki XL7. I'm not entirely confident I'd keep up with cleaning the carb. But, I do like the price point and the idea they are pretty much done depreciating.
Definitely a lot I want to learn about mods (must haves and not worth it). Hopefully able to be able to join the community for real with a motorcycle in the future!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
Likes: 8,509
From: Spartan Country, Michigan
Welcome from Spartan Country, Michigan!
I tell a lot of new comers to the forum to get: Factory Service manual and the Parts manual. Take to an office supply store and have them put a spiral binder in place of the glued binder. That will let the manuals lay flat on your bench. Get a three ring binder and record all your maintenance, repairs, accessories, etc. This will be a great reminder of what was done when. And great material to pass along to the new owner should you sell and upgrade. Also know how large your fuel tank is, a rough idea of your range per tank, and record your fuel usage. I have an app called Simply Auto that I record all my fuel used. I use the odometer and use the fuel gage as reference only. I reset the odometer to zero on fill ups, and I know I can safely get 200 miles on a tank on around town riding, and upwards of 230+ on trips.
I tell a lot of new comers to the forum to get: Factory Service manual and the Parts manual. Take to an office supply store and have them put a spiral binder in place of the glued binder. That will let the manuals lay flat on your bench. Get a three ring binder and record all your maintenance, repairs, accessories, etc. This will be a great reminder of what was done when. And great material to pass along to the new owner should you sell and upgrade. Also know how large your fuel tank is, a rough idea of your range per tank, and record your fuel usage. I have an app called Simply Auto that I record all my fuel used. I use the odometer and use the fuel gage as reference only. I reset the odometer to zero on fill ups, and I know I can safely get 200 miles on a tank on around town riding, and upwards of 230+ on trips.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 82
Likes: 14
From: Quebec, Canada
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,528
Likes: 6,407
From: Honah Lee
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,711
Likes: 3,438
From: SW WA.
I put 200,000 miles on a 2000 Electra Glide I bought new and rode for 20 years,EFI was an option but I went with a carb and never had a fuel issue.
Some of the early EFI bikes with the Magneti Marelli system were problematic and should be avoided,that was used (optional) on late Evos and early Twincams up to 2001.
I'd avoid those,2002+ they went to the Delfi system which is much more reliable but the older bikes with carbs are just fine.
I bought a new Electra in 2019 so no carb option anymore but I'm loving it,bigger tank (6 gallon) 6 speed trans ,old bike was 5.
Getting 48 mpg on the highway and can go 240 miles or more on a tank.
Some of the early EFI bikes with the Magneti Marelli system were problematic and should be avoided,that was used (optional) on late Evos and early Twincams up to 2001.
I'd avoid those,2002+ they went to the Delfi system which is much more reliable but the older bikes with carbs are just fine.
I bought a new Electra in 2019 so no carb option anymore but I'm loving it,bigger tank (6 gallon) 6 speed trans ,old bike was 5.
Getting 48 mpg on the highway and can go 240 miles or more on a tank.