[backwaterdogs]

im a mc fanatic, but never owned a bagger before...several old school harleys years a go and lately all sport bikes, duals sports etc.

Been wanting an RG for sometime and have been going back and forth between a Road king, RG or yes, even a valkyrie.

But today i test drove '10 RG and thats all it took, im buying one now! Gonna cost me some bucks tho...oh well

Wondering anyone can help with these 2 questions on a road glide.

i have a line 2 '04s can can get 1 for 10k other 10.5k...very similar condition, neither has true duals

other is an 03 im looking...9k, only 12,000 miles, true duals...but have to fly to get it.

my questions is this. Staying in my price range limits me to 5 speeds. Will quickly get into 14k range to get an 09/10 with a 6 speed.

Any opinions on 03/04 vintage versus 09/10? is 6th gear and improved frame worth the 4 to 5 grand?

 

[bucketlisthd]

I suggest 09 and up. And don't ride a 15. That'll really cost ya. I did and my 09 was gone the same day.

 

[Zrakk]

Worth every penny

 

[Bleachey]

07 was when the 6 speed was introduced. I agree 09 and up, frame +6 speed is a big improvement IMO.

 

[JacktheBagger]

Your first mistake was riding '09 and newer ..

You can get the six speed in the '08 , I had one and it was nothing compared to the '11 I have now as far as handling goes .. The five speeds you will be running around 67 mph at 3000 rpm , 67 in sixth is around 2500 rpm , 3000 in sixth you will be running 75 ..

Nothing wrong with the five speed 88's ..

Were they ridden or parked ?

JtB

 

[Q-Hog]

Get a 2011 or newer.

 

[Craigmier]

09 is when the biggest changes happened. 96" and 6 speed. Can find em for 12k.

 

[sj01fltri]

Granted the 09 and up will handle better in the twisties but nothing wrong with a 88 5 speed,i put 60,000 miles on a 01,if its price point you are looking at get the 03-04,then with money saved do your your own up grades,i added a frame stabilizer to my 01 made a big improvement along with sepherical bearing upgrade to the swing arm,cant go wrong either way.

 

[backwaterdogs]

Thanks everyone for the replies! I test rode a 10...it handles great. Was planning on a frame stabilizer if I get pre-09.

I better find a 5 speed to try out. Maybe it's because of my sport bikes but I tend to like higher rpm...I think that's when things sound the best.....so crushing in 5th at 3500 to 4000 sounds about right to me (I have a zx14....it likes about 5k best)

Is sustained cruising at 4k hard on vtwins or is the pref. Of the 6 speed mainly based on liking lower rpms? Heck....seems like I had one many years ago with a 4 speed.

BTW I found a 10. Sweet bike true duals I can get for 14.9k...less than 20k Mikes

Can't wait to get an rg....but tough to pick only ONE!

 

[backwaterdogs]

Also @jackthebagger.....2 of 3 I'm looking at have not been ridden much.

The 03 for sure....owner has had back problems and has ridden very little recently.

I am concerned about riding it back 8 hours.

One 04 has 28k. And guy sound like he rode pretty regularly

 

[JacktheBagger]

3500 to 4000 rpm with a six will get you locked up , sweet spot on my stock 11 is around 32-3300 which is a bit over 80 mph in six ..

My five speed Tour Glides were not happy for extended cruising over 3200 rpm or so , they would do it all right , but I could feel a difference in the motors ..

Actually with the TCs , they ( whoever they are ) recommend staying above 2500 rpm or so , as not to lug the motor ..

My four speed Harleys were happiest in fourth at 55-65 mph and not much more ..

JtB

 

[JacktheBagger]

If they are being ridden fairly regular ( even if not to far ) , is much better for your wallet than one that has been sitting for an extended period , don't ask me how I know this ..

Expect to change stuff tho' like maybe battery and tires and all the fluids , check the brake pads as well ..

JtB

 

[DuraGlide]

An 08 will get you 96" motor, six speed trans, 6 gal tank, updated brakes and a few other improvements over the older bikes for not much more money. 09 and up are bringing a little more money with the new frame. Handling is subjective, I didn't feel the earth move getting off my 08 and getting on an 09.

 

[backwaterdogs]

ok thanks again all!!!

What do you all think of this deal...

08 w. prior salvage title. i was told it went down on on left side damaged fairing bags and crash bar. was told no frame damage or front damage. also told current owner had driven for 3+ years on the repairs.

it has 77k, asking 8500. i think i can get it for 7500, and have a tour pack and possibly lower fairings.

my though on going cheap is ride this year, assuming all goes well, trade up to something newer next year....unlikely i'd be able to more than 5k on the rest of this riding season,,,,more like 2 to 3 at most.

thanks!

 

[FLtroll]

I'm always a bit leery of salvage titles

 

[DuraGlide]

Trading in with a salvage title won't be fun. You'll probably wind up paying the dealer to take it. Now as far as a candidate for a 120R and a 30" front wheel build, sounds interesting.

 

[bucketlisthd]

You're gonna have a much harder time selling with a salvage title.

 

[Uncle Fuzzy]

Based on your comment about riding sport bikes, I'd have a hard time seeing you being happy with a pre-09. Even with an '09 and up, I'd strongly suggest you plan on installing a set of Progressive MonoTube set up for the front end. An upgrade of brake pads might also be a consideration, based on what your used to. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[Minivend]

+1 on 09 and up. The six speed is the cats meow..have a 2011 Ultra and really enjoy how it handles at 75-80mph..


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[Big_gary]

ok thanks again all!!!

What do you all think of this deal...

08 w. prior salvage title. i was told it went down on on left side damaged fairing bags and crash bar. was told no frame damage or front damage. also told current owner had driven for 3+ years on the repairs.

it has 77k, asking 8500. i think i can get it for 7500, and have a tour pack and possibly lower fairings.

my though on going cheap is ride this year, assuming all goes well, trade up to something newer next year....unlikely i'd be able to more than 5k on the rest of this riding season,,,,more like 2 to 3 at most.

thanks!

Thats not a good deal. Stay away from a salvage title unlees you get it for a song. I prefer a 2010 up , but if you get a good deal on an older bike in good shape, go for it. There are advantages /disadvantages to every year.