GF wants a Deluxe so we are searching for a low miles late model year within budget. Have noticed here there were problems in years past with a variety of things (bearings, trannies, leaks) on the TC88 and TC96.

We are thinking of a 2006/2007/2008 model years. Plenty of them out there for sale with ridiculously low miles. Is there a particular YEAR that you would recommend to NOT buy due to mechanical issues from the factory with the stock engine/transmission?

many thanks!

 

My '08 has been great since I got it. Bought it used with only 700 miles on it and about $3500 in extras. Perfect way to buy a bike. Don't worry about which year or what factory issues. There's no problem that can't be fixed. If there was a problem, it's probably already been fixed anyway. Good luck in your search.

 

Haven't had a lick of problems with my 06...

 

No problems to report however, realize that 06 and earlier = 88 & 5 speed and 2007 and later = 96 and 6 speed.

 

Stay away from 2005's. They had many with bad valve seals. Mine has 4500 miles and needs the top-end rebuilt...unless you buy one that is bored out, etc

 

No issues with my '07! I recommend the TC96 with 6 speed!

 

IMHO, the earlier the better. 2007s had a high frequency of cranks that shifted. IIRC, this was the first year of changing sources for the cranks and there were quality control issues. Additionally, this was the first year that the crank runout tolerance for warranty justifucation was increased from .003" to .012" which tells you the the MoCo was expecting problems.


Personally, if you could find a 2002 with 25K miles or thereabouts, I would ****** it up. Still had the forged crank and Timken crank bearing; solid bottom end. I am not a fan of the late model bikes. An '02 that has been maintained will run for 100K miles with no problem. Anything earlier than 2007 will have the old style spring loaded chain tensioners so you should check to see if those have been changed and if not, have them changed before you buy as part of the deal; change the inner cam bearings at the same time.

If you can find a carbed model, that's even better. Some slipons, open up the air cleaner and re-jet and she will purr like kitten.

 

The deluxe was not started until 2005 so there are no 2002's. It looks like 06 is your best bet and most likely a lot less expensive than an 07 and up. A TC88 with a 5 speed is a fine machine as well. It all comes down to how much you want to spend and what is important to you.

Drew

 

IMO U been reading and looking at the cool-aid that some in here post..

I know of no tranny, oil, bearing problems of any 06-10 models.. the 06 88's did have the old tensioners and will need checked around 30k or so.. the (96's) 07's and later haven't have any issues that's been proved to be a real issue..

 

My wife's '06, I like riding it when ever I can (carbed, runs great), 8k on it now.