Hello all, I am looking at a 2004 FLSTCI with 10946 miles on it. The dealership did the 10000 mile service and they say the cam chain tensioner looks great, they put new tires on it at the time. They were asking $8200 and I countered with 7900 and they add an engine guard and they have agreed. The bike is bone stock.
Now the question, anything besides the tensioner to worry about? is this a good year Heritage?
As you can see in my sig, I currently ride a 07 FXD, love the super glide but want something a little heavier and lower to the ground. Now, I know the motor in my current bike is a bigger motor, I know the transmission on the Heritage is a 5 speed, etc. Some will say I am crazy and should look for something post 07, Got that.

Anyway, good bike?, comfortable ride on longer rides?
Here she is.

 

Cam tensioner is the biggest deal breaker, I would personally look for newer and a private seller. Lots of bikes on the private market in the Fall in that price range.

 

Love my Heritage and can't go wrong with any of them. Cam tensioners will be a few grand to replace. Do love having the 6 speed over a 5. Low miles but is on the top end of the value for most part. Good luck on your decision.

 

Next year the Milwaukee 8 will go into the Softails. At that time, the prices on late model twin cams will drop or you can give the new engine a try if it is within your budget.

Alternatively, you can buy a Evo powered Heritage for around $5,000 and have a bike that is extremely DIY friendly and to me is a real bargain.

 

Thanks guys, my mechanic says he would replace the cams with a gear driven system for around a grand when the time comes. Currently the tensioner looks good. Advise from those that have them is what I am looking for, I know the newer models might be a little better overall but I will never buy a brand new bike, just can't justify it in my mind because I only ride about 6000 miles a year. The color of this bike and the fact that it is bone stock is an attraction for me, that means I can make it mine and not accept what someone else liked. I will continue searching and checking back, Thanks again.

 

That's a beauty. Check the blue books and if you're not overpriced and like it - go for it. I understand second hand that the 2003 and later bikes had a different crank shaft which results in possibly not being within tolerance (cold forged v. hot forged?) for installation of cam gears. There are experts on that who can weigh in.

From what I can tell you have a peach there if the price is right.

 

Dale, It's beautiful! It's very low miles! Fresh service and tires...WOW!
It's priced fair, especially if they add a mustache bar. Buy it without a doubt for 7900! Mine is a 2005 w/hard bags, best m/c I've had and I've had two late EG's and '12 Heritage.
Good luck and enjoy that new ride.

 

Whaaaaat?? How do you figure?

 

I have an '04 and have had no troubles. If your mechanic and you decide on gear drive cams, just make sure to check crank run-out. If you're only riding about 6000/year though, gear drives are a little overkill, IMHO. Cyco tensioners would be fine for that.

 

The dealer said they would put the chrome bar and shield engine guard on the bike, I think they figured I wanted the traditional round, nope, they were wrong, I would put the bar and shield on it, has built in footrests and IMO, it looks better. The dealership is closed until Tuesday so I have time to change my mind about 12 more times by then. Any other insight would be appreciated.
Breakdown, what part of that post are you disputing? I know rensioners are not a few grand.