fordtech50
New member
Hello, new guy here looking for comments, advice, suggestions.
I was going to buy a GL 1500 or a GL1800 but have decided instead to get an RT. I rode an 04 last year that I was thinking about but the 54000 miles scared me a little as well as some of the shifting characteristics. I just have always loved the looks of these bikes and wanted a comfortable long distance tourer. I've heard the good (and some bad- mainly older models from what I've read) I've read up alot about them. I am a professional mechanic-rebuild transmissions, engines, know electrical so I would be performing any repairs and maintenance. I have 3 prospects that I could buy at a moments notice.
One is a 2007 Blue with low miles under 11000 with new tires, and is a very good looking bike but I worry about it not being ridden and sitting too much- seals drying out etc. Plus he wants a fairly high price. It's probably my third choice based on age, and price. Although my first choice in color- looks really nice.
The second is a Silver 09 with 28000 miles and fairly new tires and has been ridden across the country twice and has service history records. The current 2nd owner bought a 1600 and he rode this bike pretty hard- which may not be a bad thing. I would want to run it hard too if need be. The price is very reasonable too and comes with a few extras. The silver color's nice.
The third is a Ostra grey matte metallic 2011 trade at a dealer-one owner who they said bought it and maintained it there. 21000 miles. Not much more than what the guy with the immaculate 07 wants. Plus newer engine, some newer technology. Color is nice but not my first choice.
So, have the newer camhead 1200s had any major issues that I should be looking out for? The 07-09s? I thought about bringing a stethoscope to listen to rear drive bearings with bike on centerstand. Checking for play in wheel. Have the Final drives been holding up pretty good on the later model 1200s? How about transmission input shafts, and ABS stuff?
The 09 seems like the logical choice based on the money, service history, etc. I could use the savings on things for the bike like maybe a better seat. But I really like the idea of a couple year newer bike with a little extra power and newer technology in general.
Any opinions, comments, suggestions welcome. I just sold my Bonneville so I'm jonesin to ride and I'm gonna buy soon.
I was going to buy a GL 1500 or a GL1800 but have decided instead to get an RT. I rode an 04 last year that I was thinking about but the 54000 miles scared me a little as well as some of the shifting characteristics. I just have always loved the looks of these bikes and wanted a comfortable long distance tourer. I've heard the good (and some bad- mainly older models from what I've read) I've read up alot about them. I am a professional mechanic-rebuild transmissions, engines, know electrical so I would be performing any repairs and maintenance. I have 3 prospects that I could buy at a moments notice.
One is a 2007 Blue with low miles under 11000 with new tires, and is a very good looking bike but I worry about it not being ridden and sitting too much- seals drying out etc. Plus he wants a fairly high price. It's probably my third choice based on age, and price. Although my first choice in color- looks really nice.
The second is a Silver 09 with 28000 miles and fairly new tires and has been ridden across the country twice and has service history records. The current 2nd owner bought a 1600 and he rode this bike pretty hard- which may not be a bad thing. I would want to run it hard too if need be. The price is very reasonable too and comes with a few extras. The silver color's nice.
The third is a Ostra grey matte metallic 2011 trade at a dealer-one owner who they said bought it and maintained it there. 21000 miles. Not much more than what the guy with the immaculate 07 wants. Plus newer engine, some newer technology. Color is nice but not my first choice.
So, have the newer camhead 1200s had any major issues that I should be looking out for? The 07-09s? I thought about bringing a stethoscope to listen to rear drive bearings with bike on centerstand. Checking for play in wheel. Have the Final drives been holding up pretty good on the later model 1200s? How about transmission input shafts, and ABS stuff?
The 09 seems like the logical choice based on the money, service history, etc. I could use the savings on things for the bike like maybe a better seat. But I really like the idea of a couple year newer bike with a little extra power and newer technology in general.
Any opinions, comments, suggestions welcome. I just sold my Bonneville so I'm jonesin to ride and I'm gonna buy soon.
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