Hey everyone, I'm new here...and hopefully will be around to stay. Long story short, I put one of my MX bikes up for sale or trade, and a fellow came along with an offer for his 2002 HD low rider with 16,000 on the dash. I had never been a huge cruiser fan, since all my prior bikes were super sports but for whatever reason this bike looked pretty good to me. It needs some small attention to detail, but overall seems like a fair trade ( I had my bike listed at $4500)

So I have no knowledge of harleys in general, and searching Google hasnt given me much luck. The only thing the owner brought to my attention is he believes the intake manifold seals are leaking, but I'll be able to test for that really easy. So what should I be looking out for besides normal maintnence items such as belt, fluids, etc?

I'm a boat mechanic by trade, but iver never even worked on a HD let alone sat on one. I plan to mainly used the bike for my commute and weekened rides.

This is a pic of the cycle hes going to show me.

 

'99 - '02 Twincams were robust engines overall, with a much stronger crankshaft design than later models (able to handle reasonable power upgrades without major concern, unlike later cranks). Some people get scared of them because the cam chain tensioners are a definite wear item and should be inspected/replaced/upgraded before they fail. I would check them out sooner rather than later, as age can be as much a problem as mileage. The good news is that they really aren't difficult to change (or to upgrade). If you're experienced with engines, it shouldn't be a problem. Get an actual factory service manual and watch some YouTube videos. You'll do it inside of a weekend. Some people prefer the ease of fuel injection on the later models (this one is carbureted), but I like the carb. Suits the personality of the bike, and isn't difficult to tune or maintain. If you search this forum for "wobble" or "vibration" or "motor mount" or "alignment," you'll see that all Dyna models have the potential to be finicky in these areas, but usually manageable. Once properly setup, it's actually impressive how well a good Dyna can handle - even coming from sportier stuff. I see a few obvious non-stock bits on this bike (not saying they're good or bad - that's a matter of taste). Without studying too hard, the following items have been changed:

-Handlebar risers
-Pipes
-Seat (people seem to really like that seat, btw...)
-Front and rear turnsignals
-License plate bracket
-Air cleaner
-Forward controls
-Grips
-Can't see enough detail in this picture, but I don't think that's the original front end. It looks like a later wide glide (maaaybe a mid glide, but I don't think so). It also looks like it's 49mm instead of the original 39mm (fork tube diameter), but I may be wrong.
-Later wheels (probably match the front end, but I could be wrong)

As to whether it's worth it, that all depends on whether you like it! If you're essentially getting it for $4,500, that sounds like a pretty solid price if the bike is solid (and you like it).

If you go forward, you'll find this forum extremely helpful. I certainly have!

Cheers, and good luck!

 

Welcome to the forums, there is a ton of information on this forum. If you have questions, ask but consider your self fore warned, there some peeps who will test the thickness of your skin. Also learn to use the DIY subforums and search menus for a lot of the "new to you" items, i.e. what kind of oil or what gas.Has the carb been modded to match the air cleaner and exhaust. Good looking machine, I'm not one for apes but that's me.

 

Yea, I'm pretty sure I won't be happy with the bars...and the seller mentioned the wiring hanging by the spacers a d also all the modified pieces you listed. I told him my main concern is passing inspections and he says he has the mirrors, turn signals, etc.

Do these bikes have MCC or hydraulic? Pretty sure I've searched and found the answer but while I'm here I figured I'd ask?

 

Hey I know that bike sort of.....

Pop the cam chest open and check your tensioners.
Was the bike ride all the time? If not replace them ASAP! Along with oil pimp, either go with hydrolic or gears and new cam.
Either way you're good....

And welcome to the forum....

 

Probably the best year Dyna built. No cam position sensor, last year for cold-forged crank & timken bearings & first year with the 150/80-16 rear tire.

Check/inquire about the cam chain tensioners. Should be the only potential 'issue' with this model year. As mentioned, someone's swapped out the original narrow 39mm front end for a Wide Glide 41mm front end. Those wheels are MoCo pieces from their P&A catalog.

 

Except for FXDX, which got a 150 in 2000...