New to Harley, looking for some advice on buying a 97 Dyna
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1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2014
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From: B-more
New to Harley, looking for some advice on buying a 97 Dyna
So I am going this weekend to look at a 97 wide glide. I've looked around a lot and I am certain that this is the bike I want. After a 10 year layoff, I want to get back on the road. This will be my first Harley. Also first time buying from someone off Craigslist. So I have several questions..
1. 97 Wide Glide w/25 k miles. Guy is asking $6,200. Too much?
2. Anything in particular I should look for on the bike that would give me a clue whether it has been well maintained?
3. Anything else I should be aware of or look out for?
Any advice would be much appreciated. Looking forward to getting back on the road. Thanks!
1. 97 Wide Glide w/25 k miles. Guy is asking $6,200. Too much?
2. Anything in particular I should look for on the bike that would give me a clue whether it has been well maintained?
3. Anything else I should be aware of or look out for?
Any advice would be much appreciated. Looking forward to getting back on the road. Thanks!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
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Price on the older ones is subject to huge variations and really depends more on the seller than the condition. I've seen similar bikes ranging greatly in price. The same bikes I looked at back in august are still for sale at the same price while everything reasonable sold within a week or two. Is $6200 too much? To me yes, but I don't know where you're at or what's on the market. Around here that year varies from 4500-5500 on average. I got mine for less but it's not perfect by any means
I just checked and there's an 85 for $8k and a 2001 for $7500. I think the answer is if you like it buy it because they are all so different unless your buying new.
I just checked and there's an 85 for $8k and a 2001 for $7500. I think the answer is if you like it buy it because they are all so different unless your buying new.
Last edited by br549A1; Feb 28, 2014 at 10:19 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Anywhere but Texas
look at the nuts and bolts for deformed edges, check the tire date (stamped into the sidewall) the belt...run your fingers along the belts teeth looking for bad cogs same with the pulley, check the pulley bolts, they should be pristine as they a 1 time use only, ping the spokes with a box wrench or something metal, listen for the ring this will tell you they are tight and have been well maintained, sit on the bike are the handlebars straight does the FE turn easily or too easily...fall away is an often neglected task...feel the rotors for grooves got a micrometer, 0.180" is minimum thickness look at the pads...look at the wheel grease seals cracked the bearings have been neglected...RIDE THE BIKE...if he tells you no walk away...for 6K you can buy a decent Twin Cam...what I'd do...Good Luck
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Joined: Dec 2012
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From: Philly
Definately depends on your city too. I bought a 2000 fxdx with 12000 miles for 5200. I know wide glides cost more than a dyna but I think you can get a good twin cam for that price. Unless you really like that bike
Last edited by Phillymiked; Feb 28, 2014 at 02:13 PM.
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2014
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From: B-more
look at the nuts and bolts for deformed edges, check the tire date (stamped into the sidewall) the belt...run your fingers along the belts teeth looking for bad cogs same with the pulley, check the pulley bolts, they should be pristine as they a 1 time use only, ping the spokes with a box wrench or something metal, listen for the ring this will tell you they are tight and have been well maintained, sit on the bike are the handlebars straight does the FE turn easily or too easily...fall away is an often neglected task...feel the rotors for grooves got a micrometer, 0.180" is minimum thickness look at the pads...look at the wheel grease seals cracked the bearings have been neglected...RIDE THE BIKE...if he tells you no walk away...for 6K you can buy a decent Twin Cam...what I'd do...Good Luck
This is really helpful, thanks for the details. I'll see how flexible the price is and if he won't come down I'll keep looking. Really want a wide glide though. Comfortable and I like the extra rake.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
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From: Florida
OP, evo dynas are great bikes. They are easy to wrench on, and sound better than a twinkie. 6200 sounds a tad high, but if the scoot is in really good shape and well maintained it could be worth it. Of course, try to get it for less! I would offer 5000, and put the screws in at 5500ish.
Make sure you get it fully up to operating temps and check oil light @ idle, as the oiling system is one of the few *****s in an Evo's armor.
Good luck finding the right one!
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2013
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From: WMass
Yep, and an 85 Dyna? Nope. Most likely a FXR, and worth more than a Dyna.
Price can vary greatly as pointed out. How mechanically inclined are you?
The ONLY issue on an Evo of that year would be the lifters. If it is at 30k, I would replace them, unless the owner has a receipt showing the work. Cheap enough. Simple bike. Carb'd, electronic ignition. Pull the enrichener, a twist or 2 of the throttle depending on temp, and it should start right up.
Evos are stone reliable. I would take one over a Twin Cam any day. Especially an early Twin Cam. The later Twins, 96ci w/6spd... Much better, and less issues.
Chase
Price can vary greatly as pointed out. How mechanically inclined are you?
The ONLY issue on an Evo of that year would be the lifters. If it is at 30k, I would replace them, unless the owner has a receipt showing the work. Cheap enough. Simple bike. Carb'd, electronic ignition. Pull the enrichener, a twist or 2 of the throttle depending on temp, and it should start right up.
Evos are stone reliable. I would take one over a Twin Cam any day. Especially an early Twin Cam. The later Twins, 96ci w/6spd... Much better, and less issues.
Chase
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Joined: Dec 2012
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From: Philly
A Wide Glide is a Dyna. Jus' sayin'.
OP, evo dynas are great bikes. They are easy to wrench on, and sound better than a twinkie. 6200 sounds a tad high, but if the scoot is in really good shape and well maintained it could be worth it. Of course, try to get it for less! I would offer 5000, and put the screws in at 5500ish.
Make sure you get it fully up to operating temps and check oil light @ idle, as the oiling system is one of the few *****s in an Evo's armor.
Good luck finding the right one!
OP, evo dynas are great bikes. They are easy to wrench on, and sound better than a twinkie. 6200 sounds a tad high, but if the scoot is in really good shape and well maintained it could be worth it. Of course, try to get it for less! I would offer 5000, and put the screws in at 5500ish.
Make sure you get it fully up to operating temps and check oil light @ idle, as the oiling system is one of the few *****s in an Evo's armor.
Good luck finding the right one!