Newbie!
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Reading, MA
Newbie!
Hi Folks,
After a long wait, my wife and I are finally entering the Biker world! I don't even have a license yet; I just received my learner's permit and will be taking the Safe Rider's course this weekend. I plan to cut my teeth on a rental over the next few weeks.
We have looked around at some used bikes and we both love the look of the Heritage Classic Soft Tail. We like the Road King, but because I have short legs, I stand 5' 6", I feel more comfortable controlling the Heritage. I am wondering what you all think about touring on a Heritage with the soft tail versus using a true touring bike.
I have shopped a few Harley dealerships and been looking on line at some private party sales. I have found there to be no real difference between private party asking prices and dealer asking prices.
BTW, what are some of the key pitfalls to look for when shopping for a used bike.
Any advise will be appreciated.
Steve
After a long wait, my wife and I are finally entering the Biker world! I don't even have a license yet; I just received my learner's permit and will be taking the Safe Rider's course this weekend. I plan to cut my teeth on a rental over the next few weeks.
We have looked around at some used bikes and we both love the look of the Heritage Classic Soft Tail. We like the Road King, but because I have short legs, I stand 5' 6", I feel more comfortable controlling the Heritage. I am wondering what you all think about touring on a Heritage with the soft tail versus using a true touring bike.
I have shopped a few Harley dealerships and been looking on line at some private party sales. I have found there to be no real difference between private party asking prices and dealer asking prices.
BTW, what are some of the key pitfalls to look for when shopping for a used bike.
Any advise will be appreciated.
Steve
Last edited by Steve & Deb; Sep 9, 2008 at 01:07 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 640
Likes: 13
From: Hickory, NC area
Most of the people I ride with have the Heritage and don't complain about trips. I suppose it depends on how far you are planning on going and how much extra stuff you want.
When buyng used I would look for records of service, make sure everything lines up right so you don't buy anything that was hit or wrecked, and if there are lots of engine mods it might suggest a more aggressive riding style from the previous owner.
Good luck, take your time and enjoy the ride.
dg
When buyng used I would look for records of service, make sure everything lines up right so you don't buy anything that was hit or wrecked, and if there are lots of engine mods it might suggest a more aggressive riding style from the previous owner.
Good luck, take your time and enjoy the ride.
dg
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,015
Likes: 5
From: Alaska
I have an 03 Heritage with over 36000 miles on it. Made two round trips on the Alaska Highway to Sturgis. After the first trip I got a detachable tourpack and rider backrest.
She will run all day in the 65 to 75 mph range through all kinds of weather. Heavy rain does tend to make the carb cough a bit though so you have to rev it to clear the water out once in a while.
She will run all day in the 65 to 75 mph range through all kinds of weather. Heavy rain does tend to make the carb cough a bit though so you have to rev it to clear the water out once in a while.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,476
Likes: 5
From: Republic of Texas
Study the different factory issues of each model and its years of manufacture. There are some weaknesses in most models that either become a maintenance item or a fix it problem. Bearings, timing chains and shoes, pre Delphi injection problems, heat, etc,etc,etc. Hd builds great bikes but they are not perfect or bullet proof in design and material. Read magazines on bikes. Ironworks, American Iron, Easyrider, etc,etc. These people make money reporting problems and fixes along with what you can add to your bike. I have a softtail Heritage and a four hundred mile ride is just a lunch ride.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,047
Likes: 3
From: Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
Welcome from Vancouver Island in Beautiful British Columbia.
Touring is personal. How many "extras" you want. Otherwise no issues with the Heritage. Buying used look for service records, accident free and find a bike with as many upgrades as you can find. They'll cost you pennies on the dollar as you don't get your money out of mods. Good values to be had buying used.
Neil
Touring is personal. How many "extras" you want. Otherwise no issues with the Heritage. Buying used look for service records, accident free and find a bike with as many upgrades as you can find. They'll cost you pennies on the dollar as you don't get your money out of mods. Good values to be had buying used.
Neil
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,989
Likes: 11
From: Right Coast
Road King Custom (FLHRSI), made thru 2007. It sits 1.5 inches lower and rides like a charm.
If you still want the softail then look no further than the Deluxe. It has the lowest seat height of any Harley and has that nostalgia look.
You can always change to lower shocks or air shock systems that can lower the bike as well. Arnott is the best value out there.
You probably want to steer clear of fairing bikes until you get some miles under you.
If you don't know Harley's that well yet, buy from a reputable dealer BUT haggle and haggle hard. You just might be surprised. Know the differences between the years and models cause it makes a difference as to motor size, etc.
Most importantly buy the Ride Like A Pro video's. It will make a world of difference in rider safety.
Welcome aboard.
If you still want the softail then look no further than the Deluxe. It has the lowest seat height of any Harley and has that nostalgia look.
You can always change to lower shocks or air shock systems that can lower the bike as well. Arnott is the best value out there.
You probably want to steer clear of fairing bikes until you get some miles under you.
If you don't know Harley's that well yet, buy from a reputable dealer BUT haggle and haggle hard. You just might be surprised. Know the differences between the years and models cause it makes a difference as to motor size, etc.
Most importantly buy the Ride Like A Pro video's. It will make a world of difference in rider safety.
Welcome aboard.
Trending Topics
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,227
Likes: 5
Do you know the difference between the -A and -B motors? This may help make your decision easier.
Last edited by RoadKingRon1; Sep 9, 2008 at 01:27 PM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,009
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
A friend had a Heritage that he took to what seem to be the ends of the earth! A nice used one would be 02-06 with FI with less than 25K. Toolguys is nice. One like that with like 1/2 the mods (Most are dressed with seats and bags) will be out there come January, cheep. Good advise has been posted. Shop wisely and a sweet ride will appear at the right price.
Shopping for Used