Bought my first HD (2004 FLHT) one week ago. Any advice...
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From: Port Orchard, Washington
Bought my first HD (2004 FLHT) one week ago. Any advice...
I have been riding for about 8 years now. First bike was a Sport bike, 1988 Honda Hawk 650cc. Traded in on a Cruizer, 2004 Suzuki Volusia 805cc. Now I have decided to keep the Volusia for an around town scoot and I bought a HD 2004 FLHT 88ci. Wasn't seriously looking but I test drove it and it feels like the bike is made for me. 
Had to buy it. $10,250. Seems to be pretty standard except for a stage one kit (pipes and intake), bagger chaps, bat wing side wind deflectors, Sissy bar, Light bar, Upgraded Sony stereo.
After putting about 200 miles on it this last week there seems to be a few things bothering me. It sits alittle taller than my Suzuki. So I dont feel like I have the stability I would like when I come to a stop. I'm 5'11" so I can put my feet flat on the ground still.
I am thinking of getting a lower profile seat or even a 1.5" shock lowering kit.
It was recommended to me to get a bagger brace for better stability, I dont feel like it really needs it though.
-The bike has 25k miles and someone told me I should check out the cam tensioners.
Are these common issues with this bike? Any advice on these items or others would be greatly appreciated.
Had to buy it. $10,250. Seems to be pretty standard except for a stage one kit (pipes and intake), bagger chaps, bat wing side wind deflectors, Sissy bar, Light bar, Upgraded Sony stereo.
After putting about 200 miles on it this last week there seems to be a few things bothering me. It sits alittle taller than my Suzuki. So I dont feel like I have the stability I would like when I come to a stop. I'm 5'11" so I can put my feet flat on the ground still. I am thinking of getting a lower profile seat or even a 1.5" shock lowering kit.It was recommended to me to get a bagger brace for better stability, I dont feel like it really needs it though.-The bike has 25k miles and someone told me I should check out the cam tensioners.
Are these common issues with this bike? Any advice on these items or others would be greatly appreciated.
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 30,914
Likes: 16
From: Springfield, Ohio
good deal you found there, and welcome to the family.
A different seat would be the easiest way to make you feel more stable on the bike. Lowering baggers makes them like to drag parts thru corners.
Cam chain tensioners are an issue with yours and my version of the TC88. They're made of a soft plastic, will wear, then enventually come apart. They can fail anywhere from 20K-50K miles, and there are some guys in here with over 50K and they still have the original tensioners in there.
But, you will need to have them checked by at least 35K I would say. That's when I"m gonna have mine looked at.
A different seat would be the easiest way to make you feel more stable on the bike. Lowering baggers makes them like to drag parts thru corners.
Cam chain tensioners are an issue with yours and my version of the TC88. They're made of a soft plastic, will wear, then enventually come apart. They can fail anywhere from 20K-50K miles, and there are some guys in here with over 50K and they still have the original tensioners in there.
But, you will need to have them checked by at least 35K I would say. That's when I"m gonna have mine looked at.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 13
From: 501
Welcome, and great lookin scoot! More thrills per mile than the Suzuki for shur. I've had mine for five months now, and have enjoyed every mile and minute. I've been without for the last seven, so I have some make up time to do, eh! 
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Jerome,MI
Welcome ! I have a 2004 FLHTCUI and love it, just replaced tensioners just under 25,000 miles and the rear one was shot. Try a seat before lowering, or you will for sure start dragging hard parts. I installed a Tru-track on mine a couple years ago it really stiffens it up in the corners.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 5,361
Likes: 117
From: auckland,new zealand
congrats! and enjoy
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 261
Likes: 7
From: central ND
Welcome to the dark side!! I'm about the same size 5'10", had a 05 ultra, replaced the stock seat with a "Reach Seat" lower me 1 1/2" and move me forward 1 1/2". Upgraded to a 06 ultra in Dec. and kept the seat. Might be worth looking into.
Safe travels!!
Safe travels!!
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
You'll get used to the bike. You do sort of ride on top of it, versus sitting down in it like your Zuki or a Dyna would be.
But you can rest assured, those bikes are stable as hell. Just watch the stunt riding done by cops on those Electra Glides. They'll do things you'd never think of doing.
But you can rest assured, those bikes are stable as hell. Just watch the stunt riding done by cops on those Electra Glides. They'll do things you'd never think of doing.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Here, click the photo and video links to the left on this site. The only differences between your bike and their's is the batwing fairing versus the regular windshield.
http://www.drillsquad.com/
http://www.drillsquad.com/