Doing some research and looking for advice. I'm about to trade my VTX 1300 in for a Heritage softail finally. I'm looking at a 2003 anniversary edition that I really like and wanted advise on what I need to look for and questions to ask. The bike is in really good condition with a little over 30,000 miles. As it stands right now I can get the bike for $10,000 out the door from a local dealer.


Thanks for any input.


HDK

 

Sounds like you are not getting much for you Honda. The main thing you need to ask is if the cam chain tensioners have been replaced. You can do a search on here about the cam chain tensioners. Not trying to sell you my bike but i have a 1998 heritage on Jackson TN Craigslist and i am only asking 8995 and would do some trading.

 

I have one and love it......... I almost sold it when I bought my '12 Bagger, but I'm glad I didn't. Totally different feel from a bagger and fun to ride...!!

The main issue with that year bike, was the spring cam tensioners. Some have needed to be replaced at the 20K to 30K mark. Others have gone 50K-60K.

If they fail, it will be expensive.

There is a cam tensioner upgrade that switches to the current style, hydraulic cam tensioners, that are reported to last much longer.

Ask the dealer if the cam tensioners have been upgraded to the hydraulic style. If not, or if they don't know, ask if they would be willing to inspect them for you... not a big job.

I know it's regional, but 10K sounds a little high to me. But if they are offering a warranty or are willing to inspect the tensioners... might be worth it.

Good luck, it's a great bike!

 

What was the listing date on your bike? I haven't seen any posted in Medina recently. I'm not very far from you.


HDK

 

What was the listing date on your bike? I haven't seen any posted in Medina recently. I'm not very far from you. I work in Jackson.


HDK

 

What year would be best to bypass the tensioner issue. Not looking to drop a bunch of money shortly after purchasing a bike if I can avoid it on the front side. $13,000 is about as much as I'm willing to spend on the bike as well.


Thanks,


HDK

 

They changed them to the hydraulic tensioners in 07. I have an 06 Heritage Classic and had gear driven cams installed. No more worries about cam chain tensioner failures and more umph to boot.

 

10,000 does seems a bit high. Blue Book value on a 03' Heritage is ~$9,300. You didn't state what year your Honda is, but Blue Book value for that bike ranges from $2,400 to $4,400 depending on the year. Even with tax, paying anything above $8,000 out the door would be too much.

As far as a Heritage goes, it is a great bike. The Softail frame will not disappoint you.

1999 to 2006 were the years with the most issues. That isn't to say that 2007 and up are immune, though.

 

My bike is and 05 1300r. KBB shows trade in at 3,000 and they are giving me 3,500. Started at asking $8,000 in addition to my bike and are down to $6,500. Am I still paying too much at this?


I am also going to address the tensioner issue with them and if they don't give on this it will be a deal breaker.


Thanks,


HDK

 

Does the bike have anything extra added to it, or is it pretty much stock? If the bike is mostly stock, I personally wouldn't pay more than Blue Book for it. If Blue Book is $9,300 and they are giving you $3,500 for your trade, then I personally wouldn't pay any more than $5,800.

That is just my opinion. As you said, if the cam chain tensioner has not been replaced, I would keep looking.