Road King or Softail Deluxe

Jo
6 years ago

I'm also looking to buy my first Harley, and have been looking at both the Road King and Electra Glide. With my budget most I've looked at are in the < 2006 year range, although there is one 2009 Road King that I may be able to wrangle a deal on.
So the comments by many on the improved 2009 frame caught my eye. What are the improvements? And with 2009 models does one still have to be wary of the cam chain issue?

steelo
6 years ago

Hi Jo. If I was on a bit of a budget and had my time again looking for a starter bike. I'd buy a post 2009 (the later year the better) Softtail Heritage. I think the soft tails have softer more compliant rear suspension. The engines (I think) are the counterbalanced ones and if you could get the 103ci and or 6 speed that'd be great. The leather bags look brilliant and can be easily taken off as can the windscreen. You get a front crash bar. My BIL has one and I love it. Just looks classy. I had to spend a lot of money on my deuce, just fitting bags, better lights, passenger backrest and a removable screen.
Get a dollar value in mind. Hit every private seller within 200k's of you and $5000 of your price. Talk about the bike with the seller on the phone and just sound em out as to their willingness to do a deal. Don't mention any value or your budget at that time. Get a couple bikes in mind, go and look at them with cash / finance ready to go. You'll know the one you like when you see it and talk to it's owner. Make that deal on the spot! Or just walk away. As many on the forum have said, with such quickly changing models and so many second hand bikes out there, it's a buyers market. FWIW, I picked up my 2014 Ultra with 6k km's for a little over 21K. Good luck.

Jo
6 years ago

My budget is $15,000 max, ride away. :) Not in a rush, will take my time. Have been looking predominately at Road Kings and Electra Glides. But recently saw this baby and really liked the look. Mileage worries me though. So few 2nd hand bikes seem to have detailed service history.
https://stock.harleyheaven.com.au/stock_locator/details/OAG-AD-15738276/0/2013%20Harley-Davidson%20Softail%20Deluxe%201690%20(FLSTN)#

chriso
6 years ago

That’s a good bike jo, ks wouldn’t worry me,I’ve bought a couple with big ks.
As said before , have a go at screwing em down, use the ks to your advantage

steelo
6 years ago

What was I saying. Yep. That ones ticks the boxes. Hard top box as well.

steelo
6 years ago

Did you buy anything Jo? Saw this nice soft tail heritage on Adelaide Gumtree