Harley Davidson mechanic

[VinSanto]

I am considering the purchase of a 2008 Road King that has been sitting for at least 6-8 years. It is covered in grime and is not running at this time. It would end up at a repair shop just to get it running. I could use input from a HD mechanic on where to take it or maybe there's someone here in the Villages that still works on them. I have not looked at it yet and don't know the exact condition. I can perform minor mechanical work myself or assist someone with professional experience. I am looking for a project and this might fit the bill.

[LAFwUs]

I am considering the purchase of a 2008 Road King that has been sitting for at least 6-8 years. It is covered in grime and is not running at this time. It would end up at a repair shop just to get it running. I could use input from a HD mechanic on where to take it or maybe there's someone here in the Villages that still works on them. I have not looked at it yet and don't know the exact condition. I can perform minor mechanical work myself or assist someone with professional experience. I am looking for a project and this might fit the bill.
I'm not a "mechanic" but I've hand built & full frame off restored a number of custom bikes (& cars) thru the years.
The absolutely worst thing for a bike is for it to sit. A bike that has sat for nearly a decade (indoors I hope) is going to need literally everything gone thru, alot of rubber & some plastic components replaced, all fluids flushed & refilled, gaskets, new tires, all electronics tested, etc.
The need to take this to a dealer just made all that cost go up exponentially!
I hope its a screaming deal, as you may end up spending more than the bike is either worth or could be purchased for without all the trouble.
Just my 0.02 cents.
The big question is: why has it been sitting for so long?
Good luck either way you decide to go.

[RICH1]

You must be rich.. Owning an older HD requires acquired mechanical skills and a designated Loan officer …. If you hire a mechanic , check his credentials and specialty tools… Remember if you think a professional is expensive, hire an amateur and find out what expensive really is

[Michael G.]

I had a 12 year cycle up north and had a hard time getting a dealership to even do simple adjustments.
The wrench there told me they don't like to work on rides that are older then10 years.

I ask why and they said many times something as simple as a hose connection can seize and break a part that practically impossible to replace because of age, and some parts can be hard to find after 10 years.

Good Luck on your newly found project but proceed with caution.

[VinSanto]

LAF,
I think you may have talked me out of it. The bike is really not a screaming deal. From the couple pictures I've seen it looks like it sat outside but not covered very well. Sometimes you need a solid qualified opinion to bring you back to reality. Thank you for the saving me and my wallet !

[villagetinker]

I have helped friends with wiring problems on HD cycles, and they would have invested a LOT of money if I had not been able to find the problem(s). On a side note, wiring diagrams are very hard to find online. Background, I have completely rebuilt 8 Mustangs, and a couple of other cars. So if as you stated this sat outside and was not well protected, I would expect LOTS of electrical problems. Just my humble opinion.

[LAFwUs]

LAF,
I think you may have talked me out of it. The bike is really not a screaming deal. From the couple pictures I've seen it looks like it sat outside but not covered very well. Sometimes you need a solid qualified opinion to bring you back to reality. Thank you for the saving me and my wallet !
Your welcome VinSanto!
I am sorry to have possibly deflated your venture into this particular bike however.
The good news is, there are plenty of others to go find.
If you do, may I strongly suggest you find a bike that is fully operational and has been at least decently cared for. Least then you know what issues it has or not.
Unless you have a full shop, a good budget and better than average skills or a whole lot of love & money, I'd steer well clear of any bike that has been parked outside, inoperable for any length of time, no matter how good a deal. They go bad quickly in situations like that and could be an indicator of just how the bike was treated all along..
Best of luck to you sir!

[jimschlaefer]

I am considering the purchase of a 2008 Road King that has been sitting for at least 6-8 years. It is covered in grime and is not running at this time. It would end up at a repair shop just to get it running. I could use input from a HD mechanic on where to take it or maybe there's someone here in the Villages that still works on them. I have not looked at it yet and don't know the exact condition. I can perform minor mechanical work myself or assist someone with professional experience. I am looking for a project and this might fit the bill.

I've got a 2016 Fat Boy in excellent condition I might consider selling since I don't ride it that much any more. Garage kept and "babied". I still ride it a couple of times a month for sure. Very low miles. Located here in the Villages. If interested, contact me via Messenger on this site.

[Nucky]

I learned an expensive lesson on a H1 Hummer about 20 years ago. Sounds like you should just dream another dream…I really respect that you brought it up for discussion. Wish I had way back when. I’m almost certain that I paid a little more than 10K for my lesson.

[Robbb]

I had a 2008 road king, it was my fav bike of all time. I did not see any pics so I'm just shooting from this hip here. Its fuel injected so no carbs to clog, however if the gas has been left in it, it if you drain the fuel lines completely its possible the injectors are ok. There are not difficult bikes to work on, and they are really kind of fun. Drain all fluids, see if the engine can turn over, just becauses if looks bad on the outside does not mean its totaled on the inside. Change all fluids, remove plugs and replace, completely drain all gas, flush tank and and as much of the fuel line as you can. Turn over by starter motor a few times. Pray like hell and hit the ignition button.

[NoMo50]

I own two HD's, and do most of my own work on them. I would probably pass on the project you describe, even if the bike were given to me. That thing could very easily turn into a massive money pit from which there is no return. If you could get it cheap, and I mean dirt cheap, you would do better stripping it down and parting it out. At least that way, your ledger would be in the black.

[Deden]

My husband has HD's and goes to Bobby at Gibson cycles on 441 Ocala Fl. Yellow building a little before the Harley dealer. Good Luck!

[Villages Kahuna]

Gator Harley on 441 in Tavares.

[Larchap49]

I am considering the purchase of a 2008 Road King that has been sitting for at least 6-8 years. It is covered in grime and is not running at this time. It would end up at a repair shop just to get it running. I could use input from a HD mechanic on where to take it or maybe there's someone here in the Villages that still works on them. I have not looked at it yet and don't know the exact condition. I can perform minor mechanical work myself or assist someone with professional experience. I am looking for a project and this might fit the bill.

Plan on replacing or reconditioning the gas tank it will be rusted inside. I carbureted rebuilding the carb if injected the injectors may be ok but may need cleaning or replacing. Any steel fuel lines need replacing. Brake calipers may or may not be ok, flush out/replace the brake fluid and see if the brakes drag afterwards. Everything else should be ok after cleaning and lubing. Good luck. PS if it not close to free take a pass

[VinSanto]

Great advice from all. My budget is extremely tight and I don't mind some sweat equity is the reason why I'm looking in that direction. I like the road king but there aren't many great deals on them. I rode many years ago for the police department and would like to find a retired police bike that needs tlc to get back on the road. I will just keep looking and see what turns up. The wife and I go to estate , garage sales and I'm always hoping something covered up in the corner will be what I'm looking for. Thanks everyone for the great input.

[Tomas]

You probably would only want to buy a Harley in running condition, the mechanics are usually around 85 to 100 per hour now. Parts if they can get them are expensive. When buying a Harley - you really don't look for a deal per se. You look for a good runner - and then bargain your way down the road. There should be plenty of reasonable deals with good runners out there. But trying to buy one cheap?
The guy that owns a nice one paid plenty to get it and plenty to maintain it, that's the one you want. Not the one sitting outside and ignored. New Battery - New gas filter which is in the tank and hard to get at - Flush fuel tank, 2 new tires for sure. Can only guess what that would cost and that is just the beginning of the job. I am not a mechanic but I had a 2008 ultra. Loved that bike so I know how you feel.

[bark4me]

I'm not a "mechanic" but I've hand built & full frame off restored a number of custom bikes (& cars) thru the years.
The absolutely worst thing for a bike is for it to sit. A bike that has sat for nearly a decade (indoors I hope) is going to need literally everything gone thru, alot of rubber & some plastic components replaced, all fluids flushed & refilled, gaskets, new tires, all electronics tested, etc.
The need to take this to a dealer just made all that cost go up exponentially!
I hope its a screaming deal, as you may end up spending more than the bike is either worth or could be purchased for without all the trouble.
Just my 0.02 cents.
The big question is: why has it been sitting for so long?
Good luck either way you decide to go.
I totally agree. Save your money and buy a used one at one of the many dealers or motorcycle shops near by.

[Deden]

Leesburg

[Deden]

More like 125.00 an hour! at Harley Davidson dealers!! Go to owner Bobby at Gibson cycle is a Harley mechanic, on 441 in Ocala!!!

[Quent]

Great advice from all. My budget is extremely tight and I don't mind some sweat equity is the reason why I'm looking in that direction. I like the road king but there aren't many great deals on them. I rode many years ago for the police department and would like to find a retired police bike that needs tlc to get back on the road. I will just keep looking and see what turns up. The wife and I go to estate , garage sales and I'm always hoping something covered up in the corner will be what I'm looking for. Thanks everyone for the great input.

Try Bruce Rossmeyers old HD for traded X Police Bikes

[VinSanto]

I looked at Rossmeyers retired bikes. There's not a bad one in the bunch. I would take any one of them but they're out of my pricerange. I'm looking for something older than those listed. Much older. I'm in no hurry.

[keepsake]

I think I just heard today that H-D is going all E.V. No more ICE. Get woke and go broke.
Their clientele won't want any part of this.