If you are handy another option is a crashed Big Twin. Lots out there. Fix the big stuff and ride it. Cosmetics are just that, fix them when you see the right deal on take off parts. Who cares it's yours. I know resale on a salvage title is 25% lower but again so what. You're buying it to ride it not for resale.

 

I agree with what other's have said. My local Craigslist if full of reasonable mileage ( 10 - 20k) mid - 2000s (05/06/07) Street Glides for sale in the 11 - 14k range. Same with Road Kings. Take a look around.

Also agree that the Road King Custom (FLHRS, 04 - 07) was one of the nicest in that range if you can find one for sale. I had one, an 07 (only year with a 96 and 6-speed) and loved it, wish I never got rid of it...

 

Here's an Example:

http://nh.craigslist.org/mcy/3126943549.html

 

If my father read your post he would say you are a Cadillac man living in a Chevrolet world. I was in a similar situation as you in the late 90's. Wanted a Road King, and couldn't afford it. I ended up buying a brand new Honda Shadow Aero 1100 for $8k and rode that bike until I sold it in Dec 2010 for $4k. I still miss it. (and I think it held its value pretty well)

Don't over extend yourself. You stated that whatever you buy, you will mod it. That usually isn't cheap. I think a Dyna is going to be the most bang for the buck for a big twin H-D. Also don't be afraid to travel to get the best deal, and if you can wait until after Thanksgiving, depending on where you are shopping, you can score a great deal in the off riding season, plus have a larger down payment if you save.

mikebaby

 

Don't forget about those police model bikes either. You can usually get a pretty awesome deal on those around here. Usually like 9k for an 03-05 with less than 20k miles. Look at mine... the newer ones like 09-11 only go for 15k and those usually have 2k-10k miles.

 

deleted because to quote Roger Clemmons I misremembered.

 

dont know where you are but pm me i have a 05 rk classic with everything including tour pack for like 11000 or a 96 ultra classic in outstanding condition for 9k low mil, on both.

 

Unless you want to mess with wiring, I would stay away from the police bikes. If you are comfortable tooling in the garage, then by all means go for it.

Here are a few examples of bikes in my local ads:

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218...2&search=Ultra

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218...lpid=4&search=

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218...lpid=5&search=

All newer than 2000 and priced between $8k and $9k with low miles.

Good luck.

 

I'm 6'4" 235 lbs and my first Harley was a 2003 Dyna Wide Glide. I loved that bike and rode it all over for seven years. If you go with a Dyna the FXDWG is the way to go IMO because of the forward controls and "apes". Having said that the bike in my sig picture started life as a police bike. Nothing left stock on it now, so it's not where you start it's how you finish it. I would rather have an "older" Harley than a new Honda etc. Don't be scared of well maintained mileage: there's a difference between "use" and "abuse". My FLHTPI below has 33K on the clock.

 

Just buy my '00 road king with all new mechanicals for $8500.