All need an opinion on a Road King. I know a gentleman who has a 1997 Road King that has been babied but has 42,000 miles on it which averages out to 4,000 miles per year. Would this bike still have a lot of life in it or am I asking for trouble buying a used bike. I would appreciate your opinions. I have an 05 1200C that I bought new but am looking at making some longer runs this summer 1000 to 1500 miles and just looking at the comfort factor and smoother ride on the interstate.

 

I would look at it the same way I would look at a ten year old automobile with 42,000 miles on it. I think the bike has a lot of life left in it and as far as trouble goes, you will have some issues to work with but they should be expected. (For example the tires might look new but are they too old to be considered safe?)

 

42,000 miles? That's barely ridden, I do that in 9 months.

 

when you get to the 40k range,,,,, there are the norm. things that need replacing, like belt,,, prim'y and cam chain tensioner pads,has swing arm and steering head brgs ever been greased, clutch pak..... ect.

 

Thanks for the responses. I am pretty new to the HD world only been it it for two years and you are always learning. The things you guys posted are the questions I will ask about when I go look at the bike this evening.

 

I've got an 06 and a friend ofmine has a 99, Can't hardly tell them apart and they ride the same. 42,000miles is not many on a quality machine like a harley that has been babied. If the price is right and you like it go for it.