im looking at a 2005 softail standard. $7995.00 asking price. 33,000 miles on the softail standard ...its basically the same frame...build as the fatboys,springers,and customs exept for the painted oil tank right? it has the 1450 counterbalanced motor etc. am i right in assuming these are the "entry level softails" as far as options. any help would be great. thanks.

 

What is your question. I don't believe in entry level Harley's. Buy what you want to ride for how you intend to use it.

 

It also has the gray engine.The standard's are great bikes,they are a blank canvas ready for you to customize which ever way you like.To me I always thought the Electra Glide standard was one of the better bikes.Harley realized this,cut them out of the lineup,and charged people $4,000 more for a glorified EG standard (FLHX)

 

I bought mine because it was the bike i liked, not because i couldn't afford a different model.

 

Softail Standard is/was the entry level softail, minimum chrome (for a harley at least), simple paint and graphics, etc. Same motors, gearboxes, as the other Softails (excluding CVO models) Great bikes IMO.

 

I sure like mine.

 

That is a nice bike if it is in good condition and you can see maintenance records. Not an "entry level" bike. There are a few TSB's on the 05's I believe for valve seals and the compensator nut coming loose but no big issues.

At 33k on the clock I would want them to start the bike in the dark with the engine dead cold and see if you get blue-grey smoke in the exhaust (shine a flashlight on it at startup) which would indicate the engine needs the valve guide seals replaced. ( you can also look for oily residue inside the exhaust baffles) I would also want the cam cover pulled off and the cam chain tensioner shoes inspected and replaced if they have not yet been done. If the comp nut is loose it will rattle or screech at the front of the primary case on the left side when the bike is warmed up.

None of these repairs if needed would deter me from buying the bike if everything else is good. I would just want them done or the cost subtracted from the sale price.

 

....... I Like-Um

 

Great price if there is nothing major wrong with it. I have an standing offer of 16k for my 06 but I wont take it. It doesn't look like a std now.....

 

love my 04 std have 50 thou on it and only problem is one i created
only harley I looked at or rode ..