Hey guys, new poster here...

I'm finding myself with about $10K to spend on a new-to-me bike. I'm 31 years old, I ride all summer and most of spring and fall as my primary transportation, and I'd like whatever bike I get to be my last.

I went to a dealership and looked at the used bikes. Although right now I ride an 80s Yam UJM, the new metric bikes sound chintzy and don't seem to be very well put together. Triumph has a nice sound and seems to be a bit better, and while I lust after Victory and Indian, any bike that is in my price range is either too high miles or too torn up to consider. So, it's to Harley. The dealer I went to had a 2010 Fat Bob with 7400 miles and a $10 price tag. Owned by the lady who does financing at the dealership, so it's always been dealer maintained.

I do all my own maintenance and my current bike gets an oil change every 3K miles. I'm looking for a bike that is relatively trouble free, but that can be easily pulled apart and rebuilt if needed.

Now, my question is, how many miles could I realistically expect to get out of a twin cam? I know that reliability has increased exponentially lately, but what can I reasonably expect out of this thing? My father in law has a 2008 Heritage Soft Tail, and it's ALWAYS in the shop - eating wheel bearings, the tuning is crapped out, the brake pads need replaced, it eats a rear tire every 7500 miles, etc. Is that common? I have my little yam to tinker with, I'd like a reliable daily driver...

 

Buy it & set aside a small amount in savings for maint...you'll get your money'$ worth - trust us.

 

Getting your first Harley is one of life's real pleasures ! With regular maintenance your H.D. will last for as long as you ride and the engine can be rebuilt and even 'souped up' if you so desire. All brands have horror stories so I wouldn't worry about that, just buy one and enjoy yourself...b.

 

Mine's 10 years old. Never had a problem. Runs like a champ.

 

Does the bike you are looking come with any extras that the lady put on the bike?

 

At 31 years old you may not be purchasing you "last" bike. If I would have done that I would now be riding a 1983 Harley with anywhere from 180,000 to 250,000 miles on it, since I am 64 and still riding.


My metrics were all easier/faster to do regular maintenance. The only bike I ever had major problems with was a new Honda in the late 70's. Engine locked up at under 500 miles. Always had extremely good luck with my Harley's, new and used.

 

7500 miles on a rear tire is pretty normal for any bike.

 

Have you considered a carburated EVO? Reliable, easy to maintain, rebuild and tons of parts out there.

 

I have had many HDs but my 08 ultra has just bumped over 70k i just changing the engine from a 96 to a 103 mainly due to wanting more cubic in engine & found a good deal. The 96 still is a good engine. Not sure what plans I will have for it. Only had a few minor issues over the yrs none left me stranded. I change my oil @ 2k miles
Just feel with a air cooled engine it can't hurt..

 

Sold the last one, daily driver ( 1992 FLHTCU ) in 2009 and it was still pickin' em up and puttin' em down with no problems and high miles. The FXEF ( 1979 ) is still good for a cruise ( but my back ain't ... hard suspension ). A good friend just sold his FLHTCU with 110,000. It looked real rough but ran real good.