Why should I not buy this bike?

It's a carbed twinkie with 4.5K miles, 2000 Heritage Springer, it's an odd color but look at my current ride and you will see I like different colors.

Problem is, I like my softail Custom and can't see selling it but I don't have the room for two, don't ride enough to warrat two. I've been looking for this exact bike for 2 seasons and now that it's here I'm getting cold feet.

I'm going to close the deal Saturday or not, and I'm looking for advice. Does the Heritage handle well, is it all that different from a Softail Custom. Just how bad can an early twinkie be? I know it's odd to ask about a twinkie in the EVO forum but you are the people I know and trust on here.

Thanks
Ds

 

Well I'm probably the only person you will get an unbiased opinion from about TC's on the Evo forum ;-)

Handling, I don't think the Springers handle nearly as well as the standard Softie but we have crap roads down here, we need all the handling we can get!

It might not be such an issue in the US.

Early TC problems are mainly down to the cam bearings, '99 and '00 bikes use a ball bearing on the outer bearing for the rear cam and this ***** itself within 15-20K miles so you need to upgrade to the roller bearing ASAP....like straight away if it hasn't already been done.

If you pull the cover and the outer chain you will be able to see the outer rear cam bearing easily.

If it needs doing then upgrade the inners to the full complement type at the same time and you shouldn't get any problems.

The cam position sensor (1999-2000 only) gives trouble but the engine check light will tell you when that has occured.

Other than that they are fine until 40K when you need to check the cam tensioner pads....you'll likely need to replace them then and Cyco do a kit to replace just the pads but with an upgraded material.

Then all you have to deal with is the other guys on the forum....but to be fair I don't any grief for riding a TC and this forum should be changed to "H-D models over 10 years old (the broke-*** forum)" anyway :-)

It ain't what ya ride, its where yer head is at!!

 

It's a balanced motor, so you'll have to get used to no vibration at idle. It's kind of un-nerving at first. I thought I was on a Honda when I rode it.

 

I owned a TC88 for several years, but a Dyna. Following Spanner's comments on roads, I have ridden my Glide in the USA and Canada and that was gruelling enough! Won't be doing that again in a hurry. I can't imagine riding a Springer on concrete roads, with their interminable tar strips, they're bl00dy awful. If you enjoy plenty of ashphalt roads that might be a different matter.

 

If you like it, and the price is right for ya, get it, ride it awhile, then you'll know which bike to keep.

As far as the known issues with the early TC, I don't see a problem, I'm sure your going in there anyway for some cams and stuff, very few of us can leave them alone, that's half the fun.

Doesn't the early twin cams have the better crank setup?

"H-D models over 10 years old (the broke-*** forum)" anyway :-)

Good one Spanners

 

Funny, I was just offered a 2003 Anniversary Road King with 22K miles for 6K. Even though I don't have 6K to spend, it got me thinking for sure...........

 

IMHO, there isn't much point in owning a TC softail, mostly because of the balanced motor: id does feel like Honda!
If one really wants a twinkie, I'd say go RK or one of those slick looking Street Glides or such
my 2 cents

 

You'll be hard pressed to find a finer machine than the Heritage Springer. I have the Evo version that I bought new in 1997. In the past 16 years I've rode it hard through many canyons and twisted roads and they handle great for a big cruiser. On the open road they're as comfortable & smooth as can be. They can be a great classic looking bar hopper, or full on touring bike. They're comfortable enough to spend all day in the saddle, and do the same the following day. They're truly a magnificent machine.

Unfortunately I can't offer any first hand opinions of a TC being that I don't have one.

There is a forum exclusive to the Heritage Springer where you can get a wealth of information from many devotees with first hand experience of this machine. Just about everything you would want to know. They're a real friendly and helpful group as well. I'm sure it can help you make your decision. Check it out at: http://www.heritagespringer.com/

Good luck with your decision

 

I had a heritage springer. Was a nice bike, but never rode it because I had the FLHX too.

Can't get the pic to load, I'll do it when I get home

 

Install a gear drive and you'll be issue-less. But I'd venture to guess that one that age has already had the upgrade.
I'd buy it............ for my wife. Kidding of course.