Here is the story, I got cut back on time at my job as a teacher. I found another job but the pay isn't as good...but I will manage. I did sell my 07 FLHT last month when I found out I was getting cut but before I stumbled into my new job...no problem with that decision, I knew I wasn't going to keep it forever even though I could still afford it.

Now I want to buy another bike but downsize so I don't have to worry about a payment for a bike. Shut up all you people that say "if you can't pay cash, don't buy it"...I know what I can afford and not afford. Anyhow, I am going to buy another bagger (RKC...most likely) but I am going for a used one...thankfully I am not looking back as far as the AMF years. I know the 07's had the heat issue and the IDS prob...but I never had anything go wrong with my 07...so those are not major issues for me.

Is there any year of bike (Harley) from the last 15 years to avoid?

And for what reason should I avoid that year?

 

The one that costs too much. That's it.

 

I think your pretty safe with a RKC all the way back to when it was introduced. Since those came out, there haven't been too many issues even if you get an EVO. What is your budget? I saw an 05 RKC sell here for 10k with ony 11,000 miles on it, and the bike had about 3k worth of upgrades. The guy wanted his payments to go away also. Give us an idea of what you want to spend?

 

I am looking at $10,000 - $11,000 or less...I am looking at all baggers...even Road Glides are starting to grow on me. The good ones go quick. If I don't get anything this summer, I can live with that, maybe I will be lucky and find something during the off season.

Also, how many miles are too many miles when looking at a Harley (nothing done to the engine)?

 

I think because of the economy, the market is now saturated with bikes with very low miles on them. I think around the 10k amount, you can find a bike with not too many miles on it. www.craigslist.org might be a good start, but I think your local paper will be full of bikes that people need to unload, I know that is the case where I live. It is really a buyers market with used bikes, so I would be fussy and find the right fit, price and low mileage.

 

Keep an eye open for an ex-police bike. I got a great deal on a slightly used '06 RK earlier this year and I couldn't be happier with it.

 

I search craigslist every day.

 

Too bad you had to sell your STD....It's a great looking bike.

 

I picked up an 05 Road King Police for 9995. Nice bike, serviced often, runs great. I am converting it to a full blown bagger. It will run circles around my 03 Ultra with the big bore kit and true dual Rineharts. The only upgrades it has right now is a SE air filter.

 

Don't think you need to be concerned on which years to avoid but there are debatable advantages with certain years.

In the EVOs (which are considered by many to be very reliable motors), 97 came out with the new frame so you'll see that many add on and inter changeable parts are for 97-08 years.

So I'd say if possible don't go older than a 97 Evo as some parts maybe easier to get with 97+ bikes.

99 came out with the 88 twin cam but not going to get into EVO vs twin cam debate but many die hard EVO owners will say they prefer the EVO over the twin cam for reliability.

2000 had the benefit of 1 inch front axle, better brakes, and new wheels, a plus over pre 2000 bikes (note older bikes can be modded with newer style wheels and brakes).

2002 had the same for the rear (1 in axle) with the beefier swing arm a plus over pre 02 bikes (note for a few bucks the 02+ swing arm can be retrofitted to pre 02 bikes using the Sta Bo bushings or other kit).

99-02 is considered to have a more reliable lower end with the Timken crank bearing a plus over 03+.

02+ has the more desirable Delphi FI system a plus over previous FI systems.

So 2002 is a decent year and 97-98 in the Evos also decent years.

You can see in my sig... paid $6K for the 97, did a few mods and very happy with it.