What to buy? : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

Big Arm · 10-20-2003, 06:37 PM

New to the forum. Looking seriously at buying a bike. Almost have the wife convinced! Anyway, I found two places with Road Kings. First of all, is this a good choice? Next, I can get an 03 for 18,045 or an 04 for 18,680. Are these prices decent? Which is the better buy? Thanks for the help!

supersport · 10-20-2003, 06:48 PM

I have only one question for you. Are you prepared for the commitment of ownership of this bike? Aside from that, might I offer a resounding YES? The King is a beautiful bike! If I didn't have so much invested in my FXDX and such a sentimental attatchment to it, I'd swap it in for a new RK in a heartbeat.

Steelheader · 10-20-2003, 06:55 PM

Get what makes ya smile. I personally am going to get an '04 FXDWG. I have always loved the Wide Glides.

I would choose the '04 over the '03 due to the warranty. '04s com with a 2 year unlimited mileage warranty. '03s come with a 1 year warranty. HTH and good luck.

tomv · 10-21-2003, 08:34 AM

another option...purchase the 03 and put the $600+ savings toward a 7 year service contract. not as comprehensive as the factory warranty but 7 years is 7 years. choice is up to you.
i have similar feelings toward my fatboy as supersport to his fxdx. i would go road king classic in a flash if i had it to do all over again. enjoy your new ride whatever you choose.

UltraRick · 10-21-2003, 09:08 AM

If the 03 is new, I would get it, but it seems you could geta better price than a $600 difference. If you can't do better than $600, I would get the 04. My.02

DWhite · 10-21-2003, 09:48 AM

I would shop around a bit and find a dealer that sells for MSRP.
If you only have the 2 to choose from, presonally I would get an '04. 1 year newer and has the better 2 year warranty. I guess it also depends on the colors of the bikes and which one you like better. Damn tough choices. I cant say it sucks to be you. Many people would like to have to make the same choice

Enjoy no matter what you do.

DWhite

Cryptoboy · 10-21-2003, 10:03 AM

With only a $600 price difference I would get the '04. Unless you have a burning desire for the 100 year Anniversary striping and such.

Is this your first bike? I would almost recommend something smaller if it is. A FXD or FXDL is about 100 pounds lighter. I love the RK, it's a great looking bike! A friend of mine has one, very nice!

I agree with Dwhite, find a place that will sell for MSRP. You didn't mention if the bikes were completely stock, or which RK they are (Classic, Custom, or basic RK).

Good luck!

Big Arm · 10-21-2003, 10:13 AM

These are the standard Road Kings. As of this minute, I am leaning towards the '03 because my wife (who sometimes has profound things to say) asked if I wanted my first Harley to be a 100 year model or a 101st year model. This will be my first Harley, but not first bike. Have had Japanese bikes before. I want something both my wife and I can ride and we are both big people, so thought the air shocks would be nice. As far as I can determine, these are offered at MSRP plus around $700 freight and set up. Feel like a kid in a candy shop!

chops · 10-21-2003, 10:21 AM

I'd go with the '04.
An ani model doesn't mean squat.
Also, go with what YOU like cosmetically, not opinions elsewhere, as you are going to get recommendations from every model made, that will really confuse you.

Cryptoboy · 10-21-2003, 11:06 AM

I agree with Chops, get the one that you like the most!

My wife and I aren't the smallest people, but she felt the RK was too big for her to handle at this point (we're coming from Buell Blasts though, at like 350lbs or something!)

vadiver · 10-21-2003, 11:42 AM

Check out that 04 Custom Road King, that thing is sweeeeeet! Welcome to the forum.