G'day All,

 

I'm currently looking around to replace my 1200 Sportster with something a little bigger. There are a couple of different style Harleys that I'm considering and they are all nice in their own way. Ultimately, I plan to ride each one & decide which I like most. The bikes are as follows:

2007 1584cc EFI Dyna Wide Glide - 35,000km

2010 1584cc EFI Dyna Street Bob - 61,000km

2004 1450cc Carburreted Road King - 83,000km

Now, I've ridden bikes for many many years before a 15yr hiatus for children however, in the past it has all pretty much been sports bikes. Because of running at typically high revs & the hard ridden nature of most sports bikes I would avoid anything with over 30,000km on the clock.

What I don't know much about is Harleys... can anyone comment on the mileage figures of the three bikes I have listed. Obviously, one has half the mileage of the others so, that's probably a good thing. But, are these figures notably high for a Harley engine; what mechanical things should I be looking or listening for in a test ride & what expensive work may await me as I add yet more miles to any of these machines.

Thankyou all in advance for any information which might help me make an informed mechanical decision at least... the styling & ride comfort, well hopefully I'll figure that out on a test ride or two.

 

2010 Fatboy lo just clocked 100,000 km, runs like magic still.

 

https://youtu.be/kknQtn-boxE?list=UUWFRLjC12F51Z6Q21RddNfg

It all depend on how it's ridden and is its maintained properly , it can last for ages

I put 180,000 on my old Evo Softail and it was still a long way from any engine work. I used to change oil at 4,000km intervals with a filter change every 8,000kms.

You only have to look at a lot of taxis to see what difference regular maintenance makes to an engines life.

Thanks Kiwi Dave; that certainly arms me with some good information and advice. Similarly I have a Prado Diesel with 207,000 km; regularly serviced & I also expect it to go for a whole lot longer. It might need a few things along the way but, way cheaper than a new one.

That probably rules out the RK that I'm looking at but, only because it is sitting in a car yard & I get the impression they know nothing about it. Their advertising detail is very light on & they seem to not know much about it other than it's a Harley.

The WG is a private sale; I was put on to it's original owner by a dealer & the current owner is original owners mate (wow, that's confusing). I will be speaking to current owner tomorrow & your input has given me some good ideas on questions to ask.

The SB is at the local dealership; it was bought from them & I believe serviced by them so, they should be able to provide me with some good information you would think.

Happy to take more information if folk have to offer but, I think I have received some excellent advice.

The only other thing I would ask for is whether anyone has anything specific I should be looking out for as a potential problem with any of these models.

Thanks again to all

74000kms on mine. Had a couple of starter clutches go, but that was due to a forked battery. Did the cam tensioners myself (but they didnt really need doing). Just oil and filters (genuine). I ride it to work most days and ride it hard when I can with a few mates. Its a bit rough in places but I prefer to ride it than clean it. Steering bearings will need doing soon. Nearley everything is do-able diy.
Dont be scared of the kms. Any of those bike will be fine. You will know which one as soon as you ride it!

Cheers Guys, all good advice & all very much appreciated...

The attraction of these particular bikes is their price & visual condition. They all appeal to me it will come down to which one I like riding the most together with whether or not that one is mechanically sound. I will hopefully be test riding them all in the coming week or so, paying close attention to the things you guys have mentioned and then making a decision.

You'll know soon after which one I get coz I'll post a pic on line...

You can get a good idea of how it was looked after by examining it very carefully. There is only so much neglect you can hide if it's been treated badly. Also it needs to be backed up by a full service and repair history. A lot of guys do their own work which makes it hard, i.e. is he a qualified mechanic or is he an ordinary bloke just struggling through with advice from his mate etc. Some guys are better than others.