Just Back From Dealer - Need some help
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 227
Likes: 12
From: North Carolina
Just Back From Dealer - Need some help
Hi everyone -
Like many others I've been a Harley admirer for many years, but never took the plunge. I've had many other brands, but something keeps pulling me to Harley. I know all of you have enjoyed these bikes for many years, but outside of the Harley community there is a lot of misundertanding, prejudice and outright hostility to Harleys. Because of that I've not been able to separate the fact from the fiction.
I'm new to Harley but with the help of a very patient Harley dealership I've become more educated about the brand, and specific models. I'm not a youngster, on the northern end of 55, and have lost some of my reaction time over the years and have had some surgery that limits my arm strength somewhat. I'm 5'7" about 165 pounds, my wife 5'2", 110. She doesn't ride with me often, and when she does it is usually for an hour or so. If we go to the beach, a 2+ hour ride, I take the Triumph T100, she rides behind in the car.
The question, finally - I've looked at the 2008 Dyna Super Glide Custom and find it to be the best choice for me - pegs under my feet, reasonable weight, lots of torque and the Harley sound, and great visual impact. What concerns me is stories of problems with the new 2007 engine and transmission. Are the stories true - is there a problem, and if so what is your experience? I'd also appreciate comments on my choice of Harley. Part of my reason for the Dyna is the price and the peg location - I'm too short and have too much damage to my arms for the full foot forward position.
Thanks again, great forum.
Like many others I've been a Harley admirer for many years, but never took the plunge. I've had many other brands, but something keeps pulling me to Harley. I know all of you have enjoyed these bikes for many years, but outside of the Harley community there is a lot of misundertanding, prejudice and outright hostility to Harleys. Because of that I've not been able to separate the fact from the fiction.
I'm new to Harley but with the help of a very patient Harley dealership I've become more educated about the brand, and specific models. I'm not a youngster, on the northern end of 55, and have lost some of my reaction time over the years and have had some surgery that limits my arm strength somewhat. I'm 5'7" about 165 pounds, my wife 5'2", 110. She doesn't ride with me often, and when she does it is usually for an hour or so. If we go to the beach, a 2+ hour ride, I take the Triumph T100, she rides behind in the car.
The question, finally - I've looked at the 2008 Dyna Super Glide Custom and find it to be the best choice for me - pegs under my feet, reasonable weight, lots of torque and the Harley sound, and great visual impact. What concerns me is stories of problems with the new 2007 engine and transmission. Are the stories true - is there a problem, and if so what is your experience? I'd also appreciate comments on my choice of Harley. Part of my reason for the Dyna is the price and the peg location - I'm too short and have too much damage to my arms for the full foot forward position.
Thanks again, great forum.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 3
From: Hudson Valley- NY
RE: Just Back From Dealer - Need some help
Buy the bike, ride it till the wheels fall off and enjoy it. I would guess by now that it is a later built model 2007 and that all of the early problems (if any) have long since been addressed. It seemed to be an early problem, hit and miss by line of bike but from what I read, more of a complaint on the touring rigs than the Dyna line. Enjoy the ride and if there is a problem at some point, relax, the bike is under warranty.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 3
From: Hudson Valley- NY
RE: Just Back From Dealer - Need some help
One more thing, there are a lot of very smart people here and I'd be willing to bet you'll get an answer to any questions you may have. Best of luck on your first Harley.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 644
Likes: 0
From: NE. Pennsylvania
RE: Just Back From Dealer - Need some help
my 2 cents.... Hey im 5'7-1/2 and just behind you on the years... but so what.. Right... right!!! The dyna fit me just right as well (06bob) dyna.
Far as the 07's my friend.... across the street... bought a 07 fatboy,,, with the new 96 engine... and yes he confirmed that his engine was running HOT....to the point the pipes coming out of the engine where glowing red..... the dealer told him he will need to install the Stage I air filter system to get it aligned .... at his cost of course.... This is a issue Ive been reading about and I would be up front with the issues you heard and tell your saleperson!!! have them addressed and not to leave the lot until they are fully addressed and you are given answers.
Far as the 07's my friend.... across the street... bought a 07 fatboy,,, with the new 96 engine... and yes he confirmed that his engine was running HOT....to the point the pipes coming out of the engine where glowing red..... the dealer told him he will need to install the Stage I air filter system to get it aligned .... at his cost of course.... This is a issue Ive been reading about and I would be up front with the issues you heard and tell your saleperson!!! have them addressed and not to leave the lot until they are fully addressed and you are given answers.
RE: Just Back From Dealer - Need some help
I have a 2007 Wide Glide and I have not experienced any problems. Does the bike run hot? Yes it does, it is an air-cooled Harley. Of course it runs hot. Is it too hot to ride? No, not even in Texas in August. Are the pipes glowing red like the previous poster stated? No they are not. Also, I have no strange noises in 5th gear as many complain about. I could not be happier about my purchase. There are millions of reasons that people will tell you not to buy a Harley. Most of them will come from people that have never owned a Harley. Take that for what it is worth. There may very well be problems with individual bikes in the 2007 model year, but I bet that is the case with all makes of bikes. I feel as long as you have a good relationship with your dealer, you know enough about what you are purchasing, and understand the service interval and its importance, everything will be fine. Good luck and post pics when you pull the trigger.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 3
From: Billings, MT
RE: Just Back From Dealer - Need some help
I'm slightly taller and older (5'9" & 62). My 02 is a tribute to Harley engineering. It runs like the day it was new or better since I bought it used. You may want to look for a good used Glide. I stopped in at the local dealership today on my way home from a long ride to get a drink of water. There were 3 trade inbikes on the floor that were not there yesterday. The killer was a 1999 Softail Heritage loaded to the gills, 5,300 miles on it, and selling for $8,300. Given the description you gave of yourself, you would be very comfortable and so would the Mrs. given the seats on it. If it had been Vivid Black, I would have bought it on the spot and worried about sell my FXDL later.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,432
Likes: 0
From: SW Ohio
RE: Just Back From Dealer - Need some help
it is a great machine. please post pics after pick up. enjoy it !!
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,463
Likes: 12
From: San Antonio, TX
RE: Just Back From Dealer - Need some help
Lencap,
I am 5'7 and have the 2007 FXDC. Ibought it in July. The bike rides fantatstic, I am not exaggerating. No problems at all for me. Like you this is my first harley. I've been riding for 15 years. This bike is literally the best bike I haveever had the pleasure of riding.I have had Hondas, Suzukis and Yamahas before, while they are all great bikes, I feel that the Harley has more character or soul. I am completely satisfied with the bike and the model. It fits my stature just right and rides great. I too love the mid controls as well asthestock handle bars.
I would recommend the Pewter pearl color as it goes great with the silver engine color, (that's the color I have). I considered the softails as well, but I liked the look of the dynas better.I'venever ridden a softail, but I have heard that the dynastransition easier.The dynahasthe perfectblend of power,performance and style. It is planted at higher speeds. It has a very well balancedsmooth ride. It is asolid stable platform. It looks the best of all theHarleys of course =P
Good luck with your decision.
Tom/054
I am 5'7 and have the 2007 FXDC. Ibought it in July. The bike rides fantatstic, I am not exaggerating. No problems at all for me. Like you this is my first harley. I've been riding for 15 years. This bike is literally the best bike I haveever had the pleasure of riding.I have had Hondas, Suzukis and Yamahas before, while they are all great bikes, I feel that the Harley has more character or soul. I am completely satisfied with the bike and the model. It fits my stature just right and rides great. I too love the mid controls as well asthestock handle bars.
I would recommend the Pewter pearl color as it goes great with the silver engine color, (that's the color I have). I considered the softails as well, but I liked the look of the dynas better.I'venever ridden a softail, but I have heard that the dynastransition easier.The dynahasthe perfectblend of power,performance and style. It is planted at higher speeds. It has a very well balancedsmooth ride. It is asolid stable platform. It looks the best of all theHarleys of course =P
Good luck with your decision.
Tom/054
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 227
Likes: 12
From: North Carolina
RE: Just Back From Dealer - Need some help
I am continually amazed by "Harley people". I just posted my question less than 15 minutes ago and there are six very helpful replies posted. On the forum for another brand I own (think Roundel) I don't get that many replies in a day. Thanks again, and keep the comments coming. To be clear, my decision right now is to go ahead an buy a 2008 model, probably in Vivid Black and pretty much stock until I figure out what I really want. With the wife aboard I probably will need to address the passenger seat, but I'm not sure the best approach. I also appreciate the overheating comments - this is my main concern along with the tranmission comments about noise in 5th gear.
By the way, I've been riding for 35 years, owned dozens of bikes and never made the Harley plunge before now - amazing how other people's opinions influenced me against Harley and the "lifestyle" - over the years almost without exception every Harley owner I've met on the road acknowledged my wave of hello, except when I was on a crotch rocket. (;->
.
Thanks again.
By the way, I've been riding for 35 years, owned dozens of bikes and never made the Harley plunge before now - amazing how other people's opinions influenced me against Harley and the "lifestyle" - over the years almost without exception every Harley owner I've met on the road acknowledged my wave of hello, except when I was on a crotch rocket. (;->
.Thanks again.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 419
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Just Back From Dealer - Need some help
07 - No problems, yes hot in traffic compared to EVO engine but worth it for the extra scoot and extra gear. The only issue I have experienced is not enough time to ride!