If you wanted to ride a Harley across the country....

[HardDrive]

So let's suppose you had a $10k(ish) budget. And you wanted a reliable Harley to drive across country. You want something that can roll 80mph all day long on the interstate, and not require major service for a 5000k stretch. What would you buy?

Baggers are an obvious choice, but how do things break out in terms of the model years? What about a Road King? Any Dynas up to the task?

(I lust after Road Kings)

[varmint]

One person? Then a road king. Electra glide for anything else.

Watching Harley prices fall. Where is the bottom?

[pwd72s]

[Chocaholic]

Burner knows his Harley's...good advice. From my perspective, you can buy almost any year RK or E-glide that falls within your budget and make that ride 20 times over without issue. And, under $10k you'll have a lot of options available to you.

I've always liked the RK best of the bunch and have owned several (FXR's, softtail, v-rod). Rock solid on the highway, very versatile (add or remove luggage, windshield, lowers) and a classic look that is always easy on the eyes. My last HD was a 2006 carb'd model RK and I loved that bike. Riding European bikes these days but if I was in the market for a low cost, full size tourer, I'd snag another RK in a heartbeat.

[Mike80911]

If it were me I would look for a newer model used Ultra Classic. That bike was made for driving cross country and prices for used ones are down.

[HardDrive]

Originally Posted by afterburn 549

Hard drive ,
When and where ya going? (if you were to do this)

I'd ride from Columbus, OH to Seattle.

[Jeff Higgins]

I've done many such rides on first my 2000 and now my 2013 Road Kings. I will do many more in the future.

The 88 ci Twin Cam represents both a useful power and reliability upgrade over the Evo. The 96 inch Twin Cams are not worth the premium paid over the 88 inch bikes - the dirty little secret in the H-D world is that the better 88's make more power than the average 96's.

My 2013 103 inch is a great bike, but it may be hard to find a good example in your price range. The good news is that, in a heartbeat, I would trade it for my wrecked 88 inch. So, in your "predicament", in other words, I would be shopping low mile 88 inch bikes. Avoid any '99 and '00 models that have not had the cam bearing upgrade (a lot like 986's and 996's with the IMS problem) and you will be good to go.

Oh, and let me know when you get here. I'm retiring in four days, so if you need a riding partner while you are here, I would love to oblige. We can even find a lonely gravel pit where I can re-introduce you to your favorite .45 Colt...

[911boost]

That would buy you a bike like my 06 Electra Classic and I would ride it without hesitation.

[nota]

BMW if you want a no problems trip
honda if you must have a V-twin

[Don Ro]

Why a Harley? You just like Harleys?

[Don Ro]

Originally Posted by afterburn 549

Why scoff at a Mans choice?

Scoffing? Who's scoffing?

[911boost]

The big Harley baggers just eat up with miles, and for me at 6-4, do it in comfort.

[HardDrive]

Originally Posted by Don Ro

Why a Harley? You just like Harleys?

I've never owned a Harley. Frankly, many in that crowd doesn't seem like my people. I've mostly rode Ducati, and I've never toured. I love the look of the Road Kings and baggers, and love the idea of thundering across the American west on one. Every time I see guys rolling through the hills of South Dakota, I'm jealous.

Nota, I don't want to ride across the country on an appliance, I want to ride a Harley. Moreover, it seems like there is a Harley dealer just about every 100 miles, even in the middle of nowhere. Can the same be said for BMW dealers?

[911boost]

It can't, but I have seen a few Harley/BMW dealers combined.

Who cares about the crowd, you don't interact with anyone when riding. As with every group, there are good and bad.

I love my HD.

[HardDrive]

Well, I said many, but not all. There are all kinds of people on Harleys, just like there are all sorts of people who own P-cars. I just can't stand the phoney baloney people with their bandanas and $1000 worth of new riding gear trying to come off as some kind of tough guy.

[Don Ro]

"...and I've never toured."
~~~~~~~~
Do you plan on a solo ride or with another rider?
.
I've always thought that I'd like to try the 883...but I'd prefer an upright position.
Weren't some old Harleys more upright?...like the XLCH, sportster.... (memory?).
~~~~~~~~~
HardDrive...I'm with you on the whole HD affectation trip.

[nota]

Originally Posted by HardDrive

Nota, I don't want to ride across the country on an appliance, I want to ride a Harley. Moreover, it seems like there is a Harley dealer just about every 100 miles, even in the middle of nowhere. Can the same be said for BMW dealers?

but with a BMW you are unlikely to need a dealer for parts or repairs
unlike a hog

ever see a hog with 300k miles and no major rebuild or repairs ?

[911boost]

I had to put mine on my atv trailer to take it in for a stereo reflash (added rear speakers to the tour pak) and it damn near killed me. I didn't have a ride back after dropping it off. I made sure I had a ride to go pick it up though.

I've got all the "I rode mine" tshirts and what not, but if the old guys are enjoying it, then good for them. I am seeing more trikes over the past few years which is probably a good thing for the older crowd.

[911boost]

Nota, you don't like Harley's stay off the thread. Pretty simple.

I, like many have had both and they have been trouble free for many miles.

[HardDrive]

Originally Posted by nota

but with a BMW you are unlikely to need a dealer for parts or repairs
unlike a hog

Why do I have this feeling that you have zero data to back up this claim? In case you didn't notice, the days of the AMF Harley are long gone.