2005 or 2006
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,950
Likes: 2
From: Colorado Springs, CO
RE: 2005 or 2006
They are both excellent machines. The closed loop EFI and 6 speed are excellent improvement that will really make a differance. But you can add that to any EFI bike. The other changes are nice, but not that significant to the average rider.
The '05 is a year old. It's value is significantly less than the '06. Every vehicle takes a significant hit in the first year, even a Harley. The extras may make it worthwile to you, and may not. IMO, $1K isn't enough of a discount to make it worthwhile.
The '05 is a year old. It's value is significantly less than the '06. Every vehicle takes a significant hit in the first year, even a Harley. The extras may make it worthwile to you, and may not. IMO, $1K isn't enough of a discount to make it worthwhile.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
RE: 2005 or 2006
The only reason I see to go with an 05 over an 06 is if you want a carb over EFI. I did because I like to do as much of my own wrenching and making jet changes on a carb is easier than fooling with EFI. Also consider that with EFI your Harley tax goes up due to the cost of fooling with the electronics.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,828
Likes: 4
From: Central Jersey
RE: 2005 or 2006
ORIGINAL: sporty2003
just my 2 cents i would go with the 05 there still alot of bugs in 06 or wait until the 07 come out .or just read alot of the post to make your mind.
just my 2 cents i would go with the 05 there still alot of bugs in 06 or wait until the 07 come out .or just read alot of the post to make your mind.
I haven't had any issues at all with my bike...whatsoever, and I think there are a lot of 06 owners who aren't having any problems. This is not to say that there are some who might have had some problems..maybe even some big problems...but somehow I doubt it is any more than 05 owners (and earlier). Not to mention, I doubt there will be any significant changes to the 07s from 06.
I'm not in any way saying that there is anything wrong with an 05 Harley Davidson bike of any model. But quite frankly, with all the changes to 06 dynas, unless you were really looking to save a considerable amount of cash (I don't consider 1K considerable) I really think it is an unwise decision to look an anything but 06.
But then again, there are those who don't really care about having the latest technology....that's not me.
I would consider this a no-brainer decision.
Todd
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,224
Likes: 2
From:
RE: 2005 or 2006
I agree, despite a slightly shaky start with the neutral recall and the tranny bearing 'issue that wasn't', this was probably one of the most successful redesigns or the Moco.
One shift into 6th will spoil 'ya (easily wirth the 1K difference alone). The other cosmetic and mechanical improvements and upgrades are just gravy.
One shift into 6th will spoil 'ya (easily wirth the 1K difference alone). The other cosmetic and mechanical improvements and upgrades are just gravy.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
RE: 2005 or 2006
You will be happy with the 06 six speed trans. But check to see if the bike has the 25 degree fuel injectors if it was made after 2/15.2006 it should have. Do a search for HD TSB M1185 it's in here somewhere in the tech threads. then take a flashlight to the dealer and look under the gas tank just behind the horn and you can read the part numbers off the fuel injector on the left side. If the bike has the 8 degree injectors make them replace them and re-flash the ECM before you buy it. Take the bulletin in with you. IF you can't find the bulletin PM me with your email address and I'll send you a copy. Then get the vin # off the bike and call the MOCO service line to see if it had the transmission re-call service done. Seems like a lot to do but if they want to sell you the bike they will do all these upgrades BEFORE you pay. Then you won't have to go back and deal with it later. JMHO
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 497
Likes: 3
From:
RE: 2005 or 2006
You asked which one I like to ride the best? Well, I would have to go with the WG. But, that is just my preference. I like the looks and the ride of my Wide Glide. Now, the Lowrider, is really sweet and I really like the six speed tranny. I know that it just seems to smooth everything out while cruising at highway speeds. Both bikes have stage one kits, the WG has Vance and Hines Big Shot Staggered and the lowrider has SEII's. They both have lots of power and good torque. I have noticed that the lowrider starts much easier than my WG. I would have to attribute that to the FI verses the carb and, I still like having the carb. The lowrider rides more like a sport bike due to the mid controls and I like the forward controls on the WG. My wife likes the mids. So all in all, they both have advantages but, I like "my" Wideglide better than "her" Lowrider. I guess I am just used to it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,828
Likes: 4
From: Central Jersey
RE: 2005 or 2006
ORIGINAL: KBFXDLI
You will be happy with the 06 six speed trans. But check to see if the bike has the 25 degree fuel injectors if it was made after 2/15.2006 it should have. Do a search for HD TSB M1185 it's in here somewhere in the tech threads. then take a flashlight to the dealer and look under the gas tank just behind the horn and you can read the part numbers off the fuel injector on the left side. If the bike has the 8 degree injectors make them replace them and re-flash the ECM before you buy it. Take the bulletin in with you. IF you can't find the bulletin PM me with your email address and I'll send you a copy. Then get the vin # off the bike and call the MOCO service line to see if it had the transmission re-call service done. Seems like a lot to do but if they want to sell you the bike they will do all these upgrades BEFORE you pay. Then you won't have to go back and deal with it later. JMHO
You will be happy with the 06 six speed trans. But check to see if the bike has the 25 degree fuel injectors if it was made after 2/15.2006 it should have. Do a search for HD TSB M1185 it's in here somewhere in the tech threads. then take a flashlight to the dealer and look under the gas tank just behind the horn and you can read the part numbers off the fuel injector on the left side. If the bike has the 8 degree injectors make them replace them and re-flash the ECM before you buy it. Take the bulletin in with you. IF you can't find the bulletin PM me with your email address and I'll send you a copy. Then get the vin # off the bike and call the MOCO service line to see if it had the transmission re-call service done. Seems like a lot to do but if they want to sell you the bike they will do all these upgrades BEFORE you pay. Then you won't have to go back and deal with it later. JMHO
Todd