I've been kind of lurking here for a few months and have enjoyed learning about everthing this site has to offer. This really is a great community of people willing to help each other with one of their true passions.

I really am sold on getting a R* Silverado and have a couple of choices to make. I don't want to walk in blind and would really value your opinions. I've owned several bikes over the years. I even rebuilt an old Honda SL 350, so I'm not afraid of general maintenance, even adjusting valves would not be a problem. I've not had a lot of experience with carburators. It's not so much scarry as it is unknown.


My first question has to do with which bike to buy. I have a chance to get a brand new 08 with the fuel injection, or a slightly used 06 (< 3000 miles). I can get the 06 OTD for under $10K. I have yet to ride it, but don't expect any issues there. With the 08's just showing up on the dealer floors, I haven't explored yet how much negotiating room is available. I figured to leave that for after selecting a dealer. That leads into my next question.

I live in the Dallas, TX area with several dealers (5-8) within a half hour of my house. So I can choose where I go to get it. What questions should I ask of Sales, Service, etc before I give them the privilege of taking my money.

Maybe when this is all said and done, this information could be compiled into a Tech Article. I would even volunteer to do the keyboarding.

Peace,
Joe

The 08s have a brand new fuel injection system. I am sure it is a clone of one they have made for another bike (I personally would love to get my hands on one) but with no track record we have no way to know how reliable or modifiable it is going to be. Not saying it would not be a good bike though, just that the FI is so knew you would end up being on your own until a few show up in the hands of guys who like to tinker.

There is a great dealer in Texarkana, but I am having amnesia with respect to their name. Maybe some else here will remember it. Or if I remember it I will repost.

Good Luck! You are joining an awesome community of folks here who are always there when you need them.

Gram

10k is too much for a used 06. If I was going to buy it they would have to come way down on the price. With the 08 you do get EFI. But EFI isn't as easy to tweak if you make changes. Also if you prefer to do your own wrenching a new bike warranty doesn't mean much IMO. Mine spent the majority of it's warranty period parked in the garage over winter.

Musky wrote:
10k is too much for a used 06. If I was going to buy it they would have to come way down on the price. With the 08 you do get EFI. But EFI isn't as easy to tweak if you make changes. Also if you prefer to do your own wrenching a new bike warranty doesn't mean much IMO. Mine spent the majority of it's warranty period parked in the garage over winter.

The 10K was with TTL. I may be able to talk them down a little more. We'll have to see how bad they want to make a sale when the time comes.

I would do my own maintenance up to the point of voiding the warranty. Modding the tail lights and changing the horn would probably wait. I don't need to give them an excuse to say, "Sorry pal."

I would say that the riding seasaon is a bit longer here in Big D vs. Up in the Great White North (Yeah, I know that means Canada, but you're close enough ).

Peace,
Joe

Easier said than done, but give a month or two into the riding season. Just like anything else, the prices are higher when the demand is there. If riding now means more than $$$'s, then go for it. If I had the resources, I'd get the new EFI.

Joe. Bought my 03 after having a 650 V-Star for over a year. The Boss (wife) said one day "you need a bigger bike". I was gone. Found this one after looking at several dealers. Ended up with it after 1 ride. Plus it matched my hair. Living in Wisconsin there's no shortage of Harley dealerships but I liked the Star line of bikes. I got lucky and found this one. If I were to get another now I'd go with the 08' mostly from the FI standpoint.
As far as who and when to give out your money I'd do exactly what you're into now. Asking questions. Read reviews on the bikes you're interested in. Find a dealer you feel comfortable with and keep them in mind. Whether it's cars, trucks or bikes the deal is done the same. Also get with some financial institutions and find out if they've done any dealings on bikes like these and get their opinion as to prices. Insurance companies are another idea. Dang, ever since I started this PI course I'm beginning to think like one. Best of luck in your search. When you get one your gonna love it. Plus hanging out here is icing on the cake (free, sound advice is always good).

Greyphart

IMTopGun1 wrote:
Easier said than done, but give a month or two into the riding season. Just like anything else, the prices are higher when the demand is there. If riding now means more than $$$'s, then go for it. If I had the resources, I'd get the new EFI.

I've got some time. We just remodeled the kitchen and have to pay that off before the Boss gives her blessing. I know that sounds like I'm whipped, but ya gotta keep momma happy. We have a plan for that and all is well there. I figured to compile a list of questions to ask/look for at the dealer while I had the time.

I tend to agree on the EFI, but the I like the white on the 06.

Peace,
Joe

Just as a refernce I paid around 10k for my 06 brand new with 0 zero miles in 06. Did the dealer take the bike in on trade? Do they know anything about the service history?

greyphart wrote:
Joe. ... As far as who and when to give out your money I'd do exactly what you're into now. Asking questions. Read reviews on the bikes you're interested in. Find a dealer you feel comfortable with and keep them in mind. Whether it's cars, trucks or bikes the deal is done the same. Also get with some financial institutions and find out if they've done any dealings on bikes like these and get their opinion as to prices. Insurance companies are another idea. Dang, ever since I started this PI course I'm beginning to think like one. Best of luck in your search. When you get one your gonna love it. Plus hanging out here is icing on the cake (free, sound advice is always good).

Greyphart

Thanks Greyphart. What questions would you ask of a prospective dealer? What would make you comfortable enough to part with $12-13K? Good idea to ask my insurance agent about any dealings in the area.

Peace,
Joe

Musky wrote:
Just as a refernce I paid around 10k for my 06 brand new with 0 zero miles in 06. Did the dealer take the bike in on trade? Do they know anything about the service history?

I can pick up an 07 for 10K+TTL. A few months ago, I was talking to a dealer about the 06 and they would take 9K+TTL. That worked out to just under 10K OTD. I did ask them about the service history and they told me it was all good and had not been horizontal. I didn't push to hard as it was exploritory at the time. I would prefer to talk to the previous owner if they can hook me up.

Peace,
Joe