Have a chance to buy a 2007 Softail Custom with 25,000 miles. Upgraded pipes and quick detach bags and windshield. $9000. Last bike was a 2003 Softail Standard, which is what u was looking for as I'm pretty familiar with the TC88. I really like this 07 but have heard the first year TC96 and Six Speed can be good or bad. Is this myth? No harm in asking before I take the plunge.

 

My vote goes for the 2003 model.

Shorter crank stroke equals longer engine life - at least every single engine builder I have spoken with thinks so, but what do they know compared to a bunch of people on the Internet?

 

Welcome to the forum and post this in the softail forum. Great group over there and they will give you some advise. I think there were some issues to look for on the '07, but I am not an expert. Good luck and welcome.

 

My 03 has given me zero issues since I got it new. My 10 has had numerous recalls and issues. The 10 is a good bike, no doubt, but I've had much better luck with the 03, and I've had it 7 years longer.

 

If they all told you that, then I would have to say not much. By that logic the 96, 103, and 110 should have a shorter engine life than the 88 because the piston moves another .375 inches (10.6%) on each stroke.

This would also mean that the 5.9 Cummins Diesel Engine would wear out much faster same displacement 5.9 gas engine as it has about a 25% longer stroke.

There are many conditions that lead to short engine life but the length of the stroke isn't one of them.

It's a close race but would still go for the 2007.

 

I had a 07 FXST (Standard) It had the 96 and the 6 speed. I put 38,000 miles on it with ZERO issues. It was a stage II. The only concern I had is- I thought it was geared a bit tall. I like the 03's with the 88's too. When I bought mine I wanted the 96 and 6 speed for some reason
I don't think you can go wrong with either.

 

I have an '07 FXSTC, 96", Upgraded Pipes and Intake, No problems, No whining gears etc.

 

07 heritage.zero problems great bike

 

.375 inches per revolution. That is an extra 375 inches per minute at idle (1000 rpm) that the piston travels over the TC88 stroke.

 

07 Road King classic 50,000 miles +, No problems even before or after
I jacked it to a 103 with 10.5:1 compression except the gears were too tall
on the touring bikes.