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Thinking of picking up this 1997 Super Glide...thoughts?

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Old May 9, 2018 | 09:39 AM
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Default Thinking of picking up this 1997 Super Glide...thoughts?

Hey, so I'm in the market for another Harley. I had one a little over 2 years ago, but sold it so I could get a dual sport bike (I love riding dirt bikes, so getting a street legal dirt bike just needed to happen!).

Anyway, while I do love being able to legally ride from trail to trail, I also like cruising around on the roads and taking long trips...and for that purpose, I really miss having that Harley!

I have $5000 on hand right now, and a buddy of mines' dad is selling a '97 superglide for $4000. It has 26,000 miles on it. He said that he just replaced the primary drive chain. Both my friend and his dad are big Harley guys...they are constantly buying and selling them, as well as doing all the wrenching themselves. Therefore, I know I'm getting it from a trusted source rather then just some random guy on Craigslist.

I've read that older Harley's usually require a lot of wrenching abilities. I know how to clean a carb, change oil, and simple stuff like that, but when it comes to engine work...well, I can't say that I know what I'm doing. So that's a concern of mine.

So for the price and trusted source, I feel it's a good buy. I'm still on the fence about it though since it's a 20 year old bike. What do you all think?
 
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Old May 9, 2018 | 09:42 AM
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Sounds like a good deal to me make sure you replace ina cam bearing asap evos are tough
 
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Old May 9, 2018 | 09:53 AM
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I'd buy it... Like you say, you know where it came from.
evos will last forever.
My old 93 is still going strong.
Ride it and enjoy it.
 
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Old May 9, 2018 | 10:15 AM
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Sounds like a winner. $4k is a good price.
 
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Old May 9, 2018 | 10:36 AM
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Originally Posted by Mikew90
Sounds like a good deal to me make sure you replace ina cam bearing asap evos are tough
Yup, inner cam bearing, and I'd get a set of OEM or better quality lifters. DO NOT buy them cheap-*** ones on ebay from China, trust me. Pony up the dough for at least OEM or Hylift Johnson.

That's a good price if the bike is sound and not mickey-moused together.
 
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Old May 9, 2018 | 10:39 AM
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Good deal there.
 
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Old May 9, 2018 | 10:42 AM
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I'd jump all over that. Great looking bike.
 
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Old May 9, 2018 | 10:46 AM
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Go for it!
 
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Old May 9, 2018 | 11:04 AM
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Go for it. I have a 1996 and love it. Make sure you check out the suspension as the rear shocks tend to seize and make sure the front has fresh fluid. New springs dont hurt either, cheap too. Like another person said replace the cam bearing with a better one and new lifters as its around that time and you dont know what the previous owner has done.
 
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Old May 9, 2018 | 12:01 PM
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Ya I think I am going to pick it up. Thanks for the tips!

I can't say that I have ever changed an inner cam bearing. Is that something that an inexperienced wrencher could do fairly easily? Is this something that absolutely would need to be done ASAP?

Thanks again!
 
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