2000 vs 2003 Dyna Superglide
2000 vs 2003 Dyna Superglide
Ok, let me preface this with, I'm buying my first harley, waiting for the final approval from the bank. After speaking with some friends(some work at hd)that own sportsters and dynas the general consensus was even with my small riding experience at 6'2" 175lbs a superglide would pose no problem for me. And that if I found the right deal I should ****** it up.
I've got "meh" credit but a friend works at a bank and was able to help me get a good rate for $6k over 5years.
So recently these 2 bikes came up on CL
2003 FXD w/ 39,xxx
http://www.hannumshdchaddsford.com/d...=1&s=Price&d=A
2000 FXD w/ 26,xxx
http://www.ironvalleyh-d.com/new_veh...53&pov=3648431
My question aside from the mileage, the size of the rear tire, and the add ons to the 2000:
Can anyone give me and other differences that one would notice between these two? Or in the infinite wisdom that I have experienced watching these boards, which would you lean towards?
Any and all input is appreciated. Thank you
I've got "meh" credit but a friend works at a bank and was able to help me get a good rate for $6k over 5years.
So recently these 2 bikes came up on CL
2003 FXD w/ 39,xxx
http://www.hannumshdchaddsford.com/d...=1&s=Price&d=A
2000 FXD w/ 26,xxx
http://www.ironvalleyh-d.com/new_veh...53&pov=3648431
My question aside from the mileage, the size of the rear tire, and the add ons to the 2000:
Can anyone give me and other differences that one would notice between these two? Or in the infinite wisdom that I have experienced watching these boards, which would you lean towards?
Any and all input is appreciated. Thank you
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 153
Likes: 2
From: Beaverton
I doubt you are going to see a significant difference between those years.
What I would want to know is how they've been maintained and that would probably make my decision.
In particular I would want to know about the cam chain tensioners, that seems to be the single most likely thing that would give you trouble. On my '01 the tensioner shoes were chipping at about 27k which is when I had it converted to gear cams. If the bike you are looking at were to need them replaced, gear drive or hydraulic upgrade its a pretty significant cost.
I think otherwise a close inspection like you would anything else, look at the drive belt and sprockets for any rock damage or abnormal wear.
Look at any modifications to see if they were done well or shade tree style. Theres probably more problems with HDs that can be attributed to owners who fancy themselves mechanics than any other way.
What I would want to know is how they've been maintained and that would probably make my decision.
In particular I would want to know about the cam chain tensioners, that seems to be the single most likely thing that would give you trouble. On my '01 the tensioner shoes were chipping at about 27k which is when I had it converted to gear cams. If the bike you are looking at were to need them replaced, gear drive or hydraulic upgrade its a pretty significant cost.
I think otherwise a close inspection like you would anything else, look at the drive belt and sprockets for any rock damage or abnormal wear.
Look at any modifications to see if they were done well or shade tree style. Theres probably more problems with HDs that can be attributed to owners who fancy themselves mechanics than any other way.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 539
Likes: 5
From: Harleyland, USA
Not much help here, but I prefer the 2003, mainly because I think the paint job and studded seat on the 2000 are fugly. But who knows, maybe it looks better in person. Like Joe S. said, look at condition and don't be afraid to wait if you don't find a bike that speaks to you. Lots of used Harleys pop up and more will become available as springtime approaches. When I found my 2004 Low Rider I wasn't even looking for a Harley but had an hour to kill before a business meeting and was near a used bike store I'd visited a time or two over the years. Saw the bike and immediately knew it was time to trade my Triumph (which I'd traded a Sportster for 6 years previously) if they would work a suitable deal.
which one coems with mroe accurate maintenence records, thats what i woudl boil it down too. the 2 have very little noticable difference otu side of cosmetics. so look at mechanical condition as cosmetic appearecne will likely change as yo becoem mroe comfortable with the bike and learn just how much moding you can do to it to make it yours
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,788
Likes: 5,629
From: along the shore of Mishigami
Don't let the Anniversary influence the price, too many made. That 03 paint is hard too touch up, HD proprietary. The 2000 had the cam chain bearing issue, the 03 would be a proven engine. The cam chain tension shoes are the maintenance items that may need attention. My 2002 has 48K on the clock and is running strong, well it's also bumped up to 95". It's a tough call but I think I would go with the 03.
Thanks for all the input fellas. Joe you brought up many things I had never even read about. I think I'm going to try to change up my loan and let the 2000 go as many people brought up the tensioners. On top ofit being 90 min from me and clearly not kept stock like the 03. Even with the higher miles, I did like the fact that it is still stock. A blank canvas.
I'm hoping to hear about my final approval tomorrow morning from the bank. Then take a drive over to take a look at the 03.
Anything else, please feel free to chime in.
I'm hoping to hear about my final approval tomorrow morning from the bank. Then take a drive over to take a look at the 03.
Anything else, please feel free to chime in.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 153
Likes: 2
From: Beaverton
Don't totally rule out the 2000, its entirely possible at that mileage that the tensioners have already been dealt with. If they have I doubt theres much else to worry about. AFAIK, the '03 is not entirely free of this issue either so no matter which bike I think you want to be asking questions.
I'm not sure if these bikes are at dealers or private parties. It wouldn't hurt to have whichever one you decide on inspected by a good mechanic. At those miles there are a few things that could need tending, or not. Seems to me like I've been told a motor mount could be worn, maybe a steering head bearing. Its all relatively small stuff but it all costs money to fix.
In general they're pretty tough bikes, just like everything else though, maintenance is a big part of it.
I'm not sure if these bikes are at dealers or private parties. It wouldn't hurt to have whichever one you decide on inspected by a good mechanic. At those miles there are a few things that could need tending, or not. Seems to me like I've been told a motor mount could be worn, maybe a steering head bearing. Its all relatively small stuff but it all costs money to fix.
In general they're pretty tough bikes, just like everything else though, maintenance is a big part of it.
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Both bikes have the tensioner issue. The 00 is a better motor, period. They eliminated the Timkin crank bearings in 03.
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: 805
i have a 2000 fxdx and the plug off the stator is prone for leaking...i believe they fixed it in 2003.. they both have timkin bearings. cam chain problems as well..NOT 100% sure would have to double check in my logs about the cam chain problem in 2003..BUT its really not that big of a deal..a lot of people use it as time to throw gear drive cams in so they never have to mess with it..or some do the 07+ fueling plates and hydraulic chain tensioner ..good luck on your decision..the fxds or a good bike..try to find a fxdx if you can..sits higher and has adjustable suspension...you can find them for a round 7k if you look around.
I'm gonna go over and take a look at the 03 after I hear from the bank. Chaddsford is much closer to Philadelphia than Manheim is. Both bikes are through HD dealers. I wanted to get a bike through a certified HD dealer over a random mom and pop. I'm not saying that it's ANY better, just the bank is looking kindly on writing the check to HD.
I'm also going to keep on keeping on and keep looking around if I don't fall in love with the bike. I didn't think about all the spring and more bikes coming up for sale. I might hold off a few more weeks. Thanks again
I'm also going to keep on keeping on and keep looking around if I don't fall in love with the bike. I didn't think about all the spring and more bikes coming up for sale. I might hold off a few more weeks. Thanks again