Need Advise Please-Used Road King Purchase
#51
#52
Hello everyone. I am new to the forum and would greatly appreciate any input/ advise. I am ready for my first Harley. Been waiting 30 years. I am 54 and feel so happy to finally be in the position. In my research, I have fallen in love with Road Kings. In looking at prices in my area, I seem to fit financially into the 2014-2018 years, with a 2018 being on the very high end (would need a really good deal). I am learning that the 2014-2016, 103 engine with Rushmore improvements are a great choice. I also read that the 2017 and 2018 made significant improvements to the engine M8 107 and elsewhere. My question is what year would you guys choose if given the opportunity and why? Thank You very much for your time!!!
#54
#55
I have had my bikes down many times, lots of scratches on those parts. I guess it wouldn't hurt to have looked at it, but it is 10k not 25k. If it rides fine, I dunno. Again probably never awful to have inspected. But not every town has a bike shop, people don't realize that.
You can't go wrong with black either.
You can't go wrong with black either.
#56
Hi guys. Please help out. I think I found the "steal". It is a beautiful 2018 RK with 12,5K miles. I can buy for just under 10K which I think is a great buy. The seller is 68 and wants to sell. He has been riding since 12, is a certified mechanic and former motorcycle instructor in NH. He is about 1.5 hours away and seems to be honest. He states it is stock with no mechanical issues. Never an issue with the oil pump and Sumping. He has maintained it well and had the Clutch ( maybe clutch master cylinder replaced at the dealer from a recall). He honestly told me that he had to avoid an accident 3 years ago and skid out the bike and bailed. The bike slid for a bit causing the damage in the photos to the crash bar and under the "primary". He said it never leaked. Please let me know if I should be worried. Thanks guys. Oh yeah. He also mentions he had it lowered 1" and it can be easily put back to normal. Is that true? I am at the end of my budget.
Bring a flashlight with you and account for all damage, ensuring it's superficial and not too costly to replace. Pop the side covers off and look at the mounting tabs for the rear guards. They easily bend... and if bent... be aware that this is considered a "totaled bike" ... as dealerships will not fix frames on bikes. However, if the tabs are slightly bent, they easily can be corrected with a wrench.
In addition, take a look at the upper mount on the front engine guard and make sure that is not bent. If there is damage there it better be very superficial or I would pass on the bike.
After inspection, if all looks OK beyond superficial parts needing replacement, test ride the bike. Make sure it tracks well, etc.
My guess is the damage is likely very superficial and can easliy be replaced... and you would end up having a like new bike for cheap.
Given the age of the bike, miles, and if it were me, i would replace the oil pump (CAM since you are there), also look to see it has the transmission cover vent to address transfer. Given all that... my target price for that bike would be 8K...but that's me and I tend to drive a hard bargain.
Good luck... my guess is the bike wont last long, so if you are serious, I would jump on it. Just do your due diligence by inspecting it.
Last edited by cj24; 07-10-2024 at 10:30 PM.
#57
#58
#59
I picked up a 21 FLHR like yours above for a steal with less than 1k miles. This is in CA post covid with prices very high. Like the one you are considering, it was in a small spill. I certainly would consider that bike you are looking at. I have about 500 in parts in mine and now have a like new bike for half the cost.
Bring a flashlight with you and account for all damage, ensuring it's superficial and not too costly to replace. Pop the side covers off and look at the mounting tabs for the rear guards. They easily bend... and if bent... be aware that this is considered a "totaled bike" ... as dealerships will not fix frames on bikes. However, if the tabs are slightly bent, they easily can be corrected with a wrench.
In addition, take a look at the upper mount on the front engine guard and make sure that is not bent. If there is damage there it better be very superficial or I would pass on the bike.
After inspection, if all looks OK beyond superficial parts needing replacement, test ride the bike. Make sure it tracks well, etc.
My guess is the damage is likely very superficial and can easliy be replaced... and you would end up having a like new bike for cheap.
Given the age of the bike, miles, and if it were me, i would replace the oil pump (CAM since you are there), also look to see it has the transmission cover vent to address transfer. Given all that... my target price for that bike would be 8K...but that's me and I tend to drive a hard bargain.
Good luck... my guess is the bike wont last long, so if you are serious, I would jump on it. Just do your due diligence by inspecting it.
Bring a flashlight with you and account for all damage, ensuring it's superficial and not too costly to replace. Pop the side covers off and look at the mounting tabs for the rear guards. They easily bend... and if bent... be aware that this is considered a "totaled bike" ... as dealerships will not fix frames on bikes. However, if the tabs are slightly bent, they easily can be corrected with a wrench.
In addition, take a look at the upper mount on the front engine guard and make sure that is not bent. If there is damage there it better be very superficial or I would pass on the bike.
After inspection, if all looks OK beyond superficial parts needing replacement, test ride the bike. Make sure it tracks well, etc.
My guess is the damage is likely very superficial and can easliy be replaced... and you would end up having a like new bike for cheap.
Given the age of the bike, miles, and if it were me, i would replace the oil pump (CAM since you are there), also look to see it has the transmission cover vent to address transfer. Given all that... my target price for that bike would be 8K...but that's me and I tend to drive a hard bargain.
Good luck... my guess is the bike wont last long, so if you are serious, I would jump on it. Just do your due diligence by inspecting it.
#60