2002 vs. 2012 Wide Glide
I have an 01 and it's a no brainer. The new bike has a "6" speed gear box, a bigger motor and looks awesome. You would also have to deal with the cam tensioner problem with the old bike. The 02 even with stage 1 and low miles is a 7-8000 dollar bike tops.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 539
Likes: 5
From: Harleyland, USA
Even though I like my '04's looks better than the looks of the newer bikes, I'd have to go with the '12 just to get the 6 speed and larger motor. I keep looking for 6th gear on the highway but it's not there.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,749
Likes: 16
From: sand mountain Alabama
Only draw back that I see is the rear tires. 02-150, 11-180
Does have the tem. bearings.
Not that high of mileage really.
Wanting it to ride now like it is, I would take the 11 to.
I would want to do a few things to the 02
Does have the tem. bearings.
Not that high of mileage really.
Wanting it to ride now like it is, I would take the 11 to.
I would want to do a few things to the 02
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 315
Likes: 2
I have an '05 Wide Glide and love it! BUT, I do LOVE the slightly more raked out front of the newer ones and the newer styled fender is nice, in my opinion. I bought mine last year with 5,000 miles on it (red flag to some), but I've been very happy. If it's a private sale, maybe take it to a Harley dealer and have them do a pre-purchase inspection (paid by you) just to have a second look, at really, either one to be sure.
Good luck!
Which has MORE CHROME??
Good luck!
Which has MORE CHROME??
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3,145
Likes: 2,883
From: New York
If the money doesn't matter
If you have the spare change for the newer bike then go for it. Fourteen years can wreak havoc to the internals of a motor if it hasn't been ridden regularly, had frequent oil changes or has not been stored winters in a conditioned space. You also have to consider the other items such as seals, tires, etc.
I had a carb'd Road King and loved it. The fuel injection on my new bike is convenient and runs smooth as silk. When it comes to bikes, cars, boats and planes newer is generally more reliable and unless it is a "collectible edition" easier to get more of your money back when time comes to sell.
I had a carb'd Road King and loved it. The fuel injection on my new bike is convenient and runs smooth as silk. When it comes to bikes, cars, boats and planes newer is generally more reliable and unless it is a "collectible edition" easier to get more of your money back when time comes to sell.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 579
Likes: 26
From: Virginia
2006+ has the newer frame, wider tires, better brakes, EFI. Aftermarket is 1000x more supportive of 2006+ dynas. Just look through the catalogs for older bike parts, not as much available anymore.
Go for the 2012.
Go for the 2012.
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Novice
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: us
Wow! Practically unanimous!
Looks like I'm going with the '12
Only reason I was questioning it was that I kinda like look of the '02 better and I
Wouldn't be spending 98% of my savings!
But, even though I don't mind getting my hands dirty, I'm by no means a mechanic...... And the 2012 has the 103 in it!
So I guess I'll just have to ride it stock for a season.....
Thanks again!
Looks like I'm going with the '12
Only reason I was questioning it was that I kinda like look of the '02 better and I
Wouldn't be spending 98% of my savings!
But, even though I don't mind getting my hands dirty, I'm by no means a mechanic...... And the 2012 has the 103 in it!
So I guess I'll just have to ride it stock for a season.....
Thanks again!