When I took a tour of the Kansas City factory they told us that one of every few bikes (I can't remember the number now) was actually test driven out on the road. She said the ones that actually have a few miles have been road tested by the factory.

 

I was there when they uncrated my 09...It had 0 miles on the clock...After they prepped it and I took delivery it had 14 miles on it, so I would say up to 20 or so is normal if it is prepped correctly.

 

Mine had 1.

 

5 mi on my '07 RK Custom...

 

Hi ex ninja I just wanted to expand on what Nickpisp said. I also walked the line in Kansas City and they explained that if you were "fortunate enough" to get a bike from the factory with 15 plus miles, that just meant it had been through the toe-to-tail test by their top mechanics. You would be getting a "proven bike." I was bummed my Rk only had 4. And sure enough, I have had to make several warranty visits to the shop.

 

I test rode a Road Glide Ultra. I began the ride with 8 miles, returned it with 20.

Both my Street Glide and Street Bob had less than 7 miles on them when I bought them.

I don't think there's anything that can be done in 20 miles that would affect the bike negatively. Even if there was, you have a two year unlimited mileage warranty.

 

I should add, it was at Sturgis in either '97 or '00 that I spoke with the factory worker, testing distances/techniques could surely have changed.

 

When I bought my '11 RKC, I wanted to test ride one solo and then with the wife on it just to get a feeling for the fit & handling. So they sent me out on the black one I was eyeballing. I ended up putting about 20+ miles on it. When I got back to the dealer, I told them I'd take it, but wanted one that hadn't been test ridden.

They obliged and I bought one with 5 miles on it.

 

Picked up 2008 rocker c with 5 miles on it from the dealer place,was told it was rode on the lot.

 

07 streetbob had 4miles on it.
2011 RGC had 40 miles on it. Ask me if I care?