Please help me in my quest for a used bike

K

KailaW

New member
So in 2005 I wanted a Road King Custom. I didn't get one, and have been riding my 92 Sportster for 15 years. Now I am at a point where I am ready to upgrade. I was going to get a new RK standard, but kinda felt like I would be settling, when what I really still want is a Custom. I wasn't sure if I wanted a used bike, but after much thought, I'm pretty sure I am in the market for a used RK Custom. I have searched and read and looked at a lot of different opinions about 88 vs 96. 5 speed vs 6, etc. At first I thought "Should I "hold out" for an '07 with the 96/6?" The more I read and think, the more I think I might actually prefer an earlier model (05-06). I have never ridden any of them. I've actually only ever ridden my sporty, so obviously anything is a huge step up. I guess the question I have is just really looking for input on specifics I may not be aware of from year to year. To my knowledge, 04-06 were pretty much the same right? Is there anything to look for, or to look out for when shopping for one of these models? It will most likely be the early part of next year, until I make it happen, so I have plenty of time to ponder. If I find a great deal on a great bike, regardless of year/engine, I surely won't pass it up, I just want to make sure I am well informed before I take the plunge. I've been browsing on Craigslist and Ebay and Chopper Exchange. Not sure how to tell the real deals from the scams, but I'll be careful. What are some other good resources for tracking down a good used bike? I appreciate any and all thoughts on the matter. Thanks.
 
I wish I could help but the only 2 Harleys that I have owned have been 96" 6 speeds. Everyone that I ride with that has ridden both seem to like the 96" and most like the 6 speed.
 
IMO Not much diff between the 04-'06 and the '07s-'08 if you cruise the speed limit or there abouts. The 6 speed in nice at 75+ MPH Where a 5 speed is running high RPMs the 6 is in its pace. 65-70 not much difference, both trans are happy.
6th gear is almost useless at 60 MPH.
Also big guys or if you ride 2 up the 6 speed is a little sluggish in the lower gears with a stock motor.
'09+ has better gear ratios.
 
To me it all came down to money. I bought an 06 Street Glide a couple months ago, and am extremely pleased with my purchase. Would I rather a 96"/6 speed? Of coarse, but with my limited budget, there was no way I could comeup with the 4k extra to get a newer model (at least that is about the average difference in price in my area). I love the bigger faster motors, but not enough to put me back another couple years to save up more $$ or wait until prices come down.

If you do end up going for a 96/6, try to swing an 09+ as I'm sure you have read.

Other than that, with the 04-06 models, just check all the details. I have seen some bikes that get left out in the rain and not properly dried off, so small amounts of rust get in the screw heads.

Check the rotors, some owners wait too long before replacing pads and their rotors get all grooved.

Also, check the wheels. Especially if you are looking for a RK Custom or Classic. I have seen spoked wheels out of true, with a slight wobble becuase the owner didn't keep propper air pressure in the tires, and they hit some ugly bumps.

Good Luck
 
Is the fact that 07 was the first year for the 96/6 cause for concern? I know the tranny makes noise, etc. But is it really a dealbreaker? I've been searching classifieds recently and found some potentially good deals on 07s. Would I regret buying an 07? Did anyone buy an 07 touring model and wish they hadn't? I'm a little leary about the 07 based on some negative comments that I've read, just wondering if there is any validity to that stuff. Should I just buy whatever RK Custom I get a good deal on and be happy with it?
 
i have a good friend who has an 05 roadking. it's a great bike. i've helped him work on it many times, and have ridden it a lot myself. it's really a comfortable bike. i ride an 08 streetglide with the previous 96" 6 speed, now a 103", and i like it too of course. his bike is more comfortable for me though as long as i'm not in a hurry. i have a hard time riding mine in a calm manner, i guess because i'm addicted to horsepower and especially the torque. to do it again, i doubt i'd buy a new bike. for some reason, i find that the newest gimmicks really don't excite me. i couldn't care less if harley comes out with a new overhead cam motor or anything else. any of the shortcomings that you may find in the older twin cam harleys really aren't a big deal. sure the cam drive system sucks but that can be easily upgraded, along with other stuff you may find you want to improve on. good luck on your quest, and welcome to this side of the forum.
 
Try here:

http://www.hogs4sale.com/

Their bikes are listed by section - just click on what you're looking for.

Says they have 10 RK Customs listed currently, here are 7 of them:
http://www.hogs4sale.com/Inventory_Harley_Davidson_Road_King_Custom_FLHRS.htm

You may have to fly to where the seller lives to close the deal (I had to take the train from DC up to Boston), but it can be worth your while. One of the above bikes has less than 2K miles on it...probably in decent shape.

I found a brand new 2004 RK Custom here (in 2006) that had 621 miles on it. It was one of those showroom chrome whores that the dealer (and the buyer) had added lots of extras on, and I fell in love with it. The original paperwork - which came with it, along with a top of the line H-D jacket, gloves, helmet, etc. - had it listed at $24,600+ on the floor, with taxes would be more, and I got it for less than a stock 2006 bike listed for. I got lucky. Perhaps you will too. Best of luck,

Doc
 
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