As title suggests i am new to Harley. Me and my husband are purchasing a 2016 Street for him/us, but i want a bike to call my own. I found a 2004 Harley Heritage Softail but it is carbureted not FI. What is your take on Carb for a newer rider. I havent ridden a whole alone long distance but did drive my husbands Hayabusa around the neighborhood, and close proximity etc. Thanks for any and all advice. (Oh and since i know it may be a factor i live in Houston)

 

Carbs have been working for new riders for a hundred years , it will be fine!

 

Nothing wrong with a carburetor bike. Don't leave the choke (enrichener) on any longer than necessary when you start the bike when it is cold as you don't want to foul the spark plugs.

 

Thanks for the encouragement! My husband is a crane mechanic so as far as working on it were good as gold appreciate all the encouragement. As long as test drive goes as planned she shall be mine so excited!

 

I have one carbureted bike and one fuel injected. About the only difference between the two is the carbureted bike takes a little bit to warm up. Nothing to worry about just ride

 

Your bike will sound cooler than his efi bike too😜

 

I love that as well!! ��

 

I ride an 04 FXD and also bought an 04 XL That my son rides. Both are Carb bikes. Never had an issue with the FXD but had to rejet the XL. Pretty common in those. The FXD is a stock 88 and never had a problem with it. Don't worry about it and take comfort that you dont have to run to the dealer for a reprogram every time you change a part.

 

Having a mechanic in the family is a big plus when it comes to either of your bikes. The carbed bike once setup should be as trouble free as the FI bike with proper maint. In all my years have never had an issue with carbed machines till ethanol was added to our fuels again proper maint will take care of that. Have fun.

 

On a carb, about the only thing that can go wrong is if the float sticks. Usually a piece of dirt in the float bowl or float needle. Clean it out and go back down the road in twenty minutes.