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Hey everyone. My names John, I just signed up to the forum today. About to purchase my first HD this weekend, a 04 Night Train, and was hoping I could get some input on the bike as a first bike for me of this style and I know very little in the HD world. I have been riding for almost 20 years now, but have always been on a sportbike. The bike I'm looking at is 100% bone stock, has new tires, was just serviced, and has just under 8k miles on it. He is asking $7800. From what I've seen the bike is priced decent, I'm just wondering if there is anything you all might know of, issues with that model things like that, that I might want to be made aware of. As of now the only plans are to put a V&H exhaust on it to make it a little more noticeable in traffic, swap out the stock seats to a solo w/ a detachable more comfortable rear seat for the wife, then ride it for awhile and get used to the different style. Thanks in advance for taking the time to educate me a little.
It's the same year and all similar to mine. With 8K on it, it's hardly broke in if treated correctly. Watching out is how you protect yourself, not making more noise. Save your old exhaust if you want a nice cruiser for later if you change your mind.
You have one problem that may come up. Your cam shafts are driven with a link chain. It's fine and as long as rpm is kept within reason is fine. However, along about 2007-2008, Harley changed it to a roller chain which grooves in, then starts rolling and wear ceases. Your's never stops. I have almost 50K and mine are original. My thought is yours probably should be replaced just like mine simply due to age and more so for me from heat with all my miles. All you need to do is replace shoes and inspect oilpump and inner cam bearings while in there. You do not need to fall for any upgrade.
My general rule is inspect at 20K and govern from there when to inspect..but with your bike's age, not sure.
PS welcome from Hampton Roads Virginia...
Be sure to introduce yourself over in the new member area.
Also add a signature line for year model and letters including the last like mine since your's can be carb or FI.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Feb 21, 2017 at 02:16 PM.
Thanks for the info. I do plan on upgrading at some point to something newer, but if there are no major issues the the NT I will most likely be keeping it for a long time and doing a lot of work to it. I've always liked the look of the NT especially customized ones. And always figured if I bought a HD a NT would be my first one.
Originally Posted by RIPSAW
It's the same year and all similar to mine. With 8K on it, it's hardly broke in if treated correctly. Watching out is how you protect yourself, not making more noise. Save your old exhaust if you want a nice cruiser for later if you change your mind.
You have one problem that may come up. Your cam shafts are driven with a link chain. It's fine and as long as rpm is kept within reason is fine. However, along about 2007-2008, Harley changed it to a roller chain which grooves in, then starts rolling and wear ceases. Your's never stops. I have almost 50K and mine are original. My thought is yours probably should be replaced just like mine simply due to age and more so for me from heat with all my miles. All you need to do is replace shoes and inspect oilpump and inner cam bearings while in there. You do not need to fall for any upgrade.
My general rule is inspect at 20K and govern from there when to inspect..but with your bike's age, not sure.
Welcome to the forum JFK3rd! I cant answer any of your questions but wanted to say congrats on the NT. I love mine and it receives positive comments wherever I ride. Enjoy your new to you Night Train! Here is a pic of mine...
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First HD 04 Night Train
