When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Since he's thinking about the OPTION of a new(er) bike I think that's what he really wants. The money thing may convince him to maintain what he has for now but he's got that itch. I say if that's the case, then ride what he has and look for a smokin' deal that he can't pass up. He'll still have a nice reliable bike to sell to offset the cost of the new(er)one. Moneywise it doesn't make much sense but that's why Harley sells so many bikes. It's that itch..
Spring loaded tensioners in the older model were the problem. Not an issue on his bike. Wonder where he heard that? Thinks he needs a new pair of plastic $10 shoes, can't decide whether to change the engine or the whole bike. Is this sh*t for real?
ALL of this ^
A 2008 and he has roughly 40K miles on it? He needs more time to ride, not spend money on something that isn't broken or in need of repair.
On U Tube you can see how to replace the tensioner and it looks pretty easy to do. Your friend could save himself much of his estimate.
This is just one of the videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FA1hvxRiSN8
Since he's thinking about the OPTION of a new(er) bike I think that's what he really wants. The money thing may convince him to maintain what he has for now but he's got that itch. I say if that's the case, then ride what he has and look for a smokin' deal that he can't pass up. He'll still have a nice reliable bike to sell to offset the cost of the new(er)one. Moneywise it doesn't make much sense but that's why Harley sells so many bikes. It's that itch..
That may just be the case- I know I suffer from it!
Oops what I meant to say was because your friend isn't the only one with the same thoughts.
Ha- I thought at first you meant my thoughts were diff from his! lol Learned a lot from this thread and passed it all along. Not sure what his plan is, though.
If I started to have any issues with my 08, Id just replace or repair whatever was the problem. Its been such a good bike, and Ive done so much to it, I just couldnt bring myself to get rid of it. If you take care of something, theres no reason it shouldnt last you a long long time.
This is why you changed the shoes on the older ones. This is off my 2001 with 54k on it. Ticking time bomb. I went gear drive. 2008 with 40k is nothing, maybe think about opening it up around 75k. If it aint broke don't fix it.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.
