Help with buying my first bike...
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3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Alberta, Canada
Help with buying my first bike...
So i've decided to head out and buy my first bike. I've been looking at used and new, but i figure if i can find a good used one and save a bit of cash, why not.
The problem is i don't really know what to look for as far as warning signs that the bike may have problems. I'm mechanical and all, just not entirely familiar with bikes yet.
I'm looking at a 2006 88 c.u. Street Bob, with 32,000 Km (20,000 miles), with stage 1 and screaming eagle pipes. Is there anything i should be on the lookout for with this year and this model???
Any help would be great as i don't have any buddies that are familiar enough to help out.
Thanks!
The problem is i don't really know what to look for as far as warning signs that the bike may have problems. I'm mechanical and all, just not entirely familiar with bikes yet.
I'm looking at a 2006 88 c.u. Street Bob, with 32,000 Km (20,000 miles), with stage 1 and screaming eagle pipes. Is there anything i should be on the lookout for with this year and this model???
Any help would be great as i don't have any buddies that are familiar enough to help out.
Thanks!
Last edited by Klondiker; Apr 5, 2014 at 09:24 PM. Reason: wrong engine size
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 637
Likes: 3
From: Iowa
06 had inner primary bearing problems, stator problems and injector problem. It was Harley's guinea pig for the 6 speed. If all of those issues have been taken care of then it wouldn't be a bad option. I had a 06 wide glide.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,081
Likes: 2
From: Cali
2006 has possible stator issues and is the 1st year of the 6 speed. i'd skip that year and pick up a different one. nothing wrong with streetbobs in general.
look for rust especially on the fork tubes. if they have detailed maintenance records thats always a good sign. and before you drop a ton on a bike you can always get a shop to give it a once over.
look for rust especially on the fork tubes. if they have detailed maintenance records thats always a good sign. and before you drop a ton on a bike you can always get a shop to give it a once over.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,514
Likes: 88
From: USA
The 2006 dyna's had an issue with the inner primary bearing possibly failing. I'm not sure if this affected all the dyna's in that year's line but it may be worth looking into.
The stage 1 and the screaming eagle exhaust is cool, but don't pay for it or let the price get jacked up because of it. That's the seller's loss. Just how it goes.
If it were me and i was looking at this bike, I would want to first and foremost know who serviced the bike? Since it has 20k miles I'd want records and proof.
If the dealership serviced the bike, you can call the service dept and they can print you out the service records (just tell them you are possibly purchasing the bike from the owner. I've done this myself when helping my father in law purchase a fat boy).
If the dealership did the work (or any other shop) find out about any possible work done to the bike as well. Mods and warranty work, etc.
If he did the services himself ask the kind of oil he used, kind of filter, etc. Nothing wrong with doing it yourself (and I can do my own work better).
And just start it up and ride.. but don't crash it, or drop it. That wouldn't be cool. In fact, it would be very awkward and embarrassing. Not that I wouldn't like you mind you, you seem like a cool dude. Hell we can even be friends.. but don't touch my bike.. not until i know you better.
The stage 1 and the screaming eagle exhaust is cool, but don't pay for it or let the price get jacked up because of it. That's the seller's loss. Just how it goes.
If it were me and i was looking at this bike, I would want to first and foremost know who serviced the bike? Since it has 20k miles I'd want records and proof.
If the dealership serviced the bike, you can call the service dept and they can print you out the service records (just tell them you are possibly purchasing the bike from the owner. I've done this myself when helping my father in law purchase a fat boy).
If the dealership did the work (or any other shop) find out about any possible work done to the bike as well. Mods and warranty work, etc.
If he did the services himself ask the kind of oil he used, kind of filter, etc. Nothing wrong with doing it yourself (and I can do my own work better).
And just start it up and ride.. but don't crash it, or drop it. That wouldn't be cool. In fact, it would be very awkward and embarrassing. Not that I wouldn't like you mind you, you seem like a cool dude. Hell we can even be friends.. but don't touch my bike.. not until i know you better.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 583
Likes: 4
From: australia
here in Australia we must learn on a restritced h/p bike like a 250cc. if its your first bike and your learning too ride common scense would be too buy a crap first bike. For two reasons really your going too drop it a few times while learning and being a Harley big $$ to repair,, then what if you **** yourself on the bike you just wasted money.. don't you have training centres there so you at least know how too ride safely
,,, SORRY too say BUT it really is another silly question.. learn on a dirt bike first before you kill yourself or some poor kid
,,, SORRY too say BUT it really is another silly question.. learn on a dirt bike first before you kill yourself or some poor kid
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,081
Likes: 2
From: Cali
here in Australia we must learn on a restritced h/p bike like a 250cc. if its your first bike and your learning too ride common scense would be too buy a crap first bike. For two reasons really your going too drop it a few times while learning and being a Harley big $$ to repair,, then what if you **** yourself on the bike you just wasted money.. don't you have training centres there so you at least know how too ride safely
,,, SORRY too say BUT it really is another silly question.. learn on a dirt bike first before you kill yourself or some poor kid
,,, SORRY too say BUT it really is another silly question.. learn on a dirt bike first before you kill yourself or some poor kid
not so much a fan of the dirt bike route. seen too many folks not learn the difference between dirt and street until the road rash appeared.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 637
Likes: 3
From: Iowa
here in Australia we must learn on a restritced h/p bike like a 250cc. if its your first bike and your learning too ride common scense would be too buy a crap first bike. For two reasons really your going too drop it a few times while learning and being a Harley big $$ to repair,, then what if you **** yourself on the bike you just wasted money.. don't you have training centres there so you at least know how too ride safely
,,, SORRY too say BUT it really is another silly question.. learn on a dirt bike first before you kill yourself or some poor kid
,,, SORRY too say BUT it really is another silly question.. learn on a dirt bike first before you kill yourself or some poor kid
I say do the opposite why waste money on a small bike you are going to get rid of in 6 months to a year. I would put the money towards the bike you want and the bike you are going to keep. As for riding an expensive bike for your first bike it's good incentive to not dumb the bike. I started on an 06 wide glide.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,384
Likes: 12
From: Out on Deranged
First of all it is a (sort of) free country where you can choose the stuff you want and all we can do is offer our experience.
It is true the '06 had a problem with the inner primary bearing so like any other used vehicle you must ask about it's history, in this case that your first question. If it wasn't done it's just a few hudred to fix, not a deal breaker but it should be done.
then has it ever been in a serious or semi serious accident.
Check the engine and tranny oils look for dirt or signs of corrosion.- look under the seat at the wiring for corrosion there and weather or not the bike has good tires. Have a look at the battery.
You know what man the best thing is to buy it on condition you be allowed to have it inspected by a proffesional.
Just remember everything on a harley is expensive!
Good luck and i hope to see you here on the forums in the future!
It is true the '06 had a problem with the inner primary bearing so like any other used vehicle you must ask about it's history, in this case that your first question. If it wasn't done it's just a few hudred to fix, not a deal breaker but it should be done.
then has it ever been in a serious or semi serious accident.
Check the engine and tranny oils look for dirt or signs of corrosion.- look under the seat at the wiring for corrosion there and weather or not the bike has good tires. Have a look at the battery.
You know what man the best thing is to buy it on condition you be allowed to have it inspected by a proffesional.
Just remember everything on a harley is expensive!
Good luck and i hope to see you here on the forums in the future!
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,081
Likes: 2
From: Cali
around my parts you can buy a ninja 250. ride it for a year. sell it. and your only out the cost of oil changes, tires, and a chain/sprockets if nessesary. assuming you dont wreck it that is.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,384
Likes: 12
From: Out on Deranged
This is also very true or even a 400! lot's of fun to whip around on one of those and who knows you may want to keep that smaller bike for city errands or as a beater at the cottage!