Hola- going to be looking at an '04 Heritage with just over 17K miles on the clock. As I'm a self-admitted noob at HD bikes is there anything specific to Softails I should be aware of and look at- anything that would be a full-stop deal breaker for you? If I can weasel a test ride, are there any handling issues with these models that I should look for?

The dealer is asking $6970- assuming everything is in order, is this too high?

 

Seems like a steal....but your dealing with a Stealership. Proceed with caution.

 

It should be basically vibration free, so check that. Mine has a buzz under heavy load, but the dealer says its normal.

 

I would insist on a test ride. If you like it, I see nothing wrong with buying if it is what you want. The fact is there are 100's even 1000's of used bikes on the market(depending on where you live I guess) to be had at that price. If the bike you are looking at is bone stock. You are going to spend more money upgrading things like the, Exhaust, intake, cams. when you can easily find a newer used bike with most things already done by the previous owner. IF I were to do it over again, I would of spent my money on a 08 or newer used bike. I love my 04 heritage don't get me wrong, but I could of got an 08 or newer for maybe a few hundred bucks more and gotten the 96ci.


This is my 04

 

What seat is that? The bike I'm looking at appears to have the OEM studded seat and saddlebags- I'm not into the studded thing, so the seat is one item I'd be looking at replacing.

 

That is the original seat recovered by an shop in my town. I have since replaced that one with a mustang daytripper. There are plenty of aftermarket seats available from every seat company. That is the best and worst thing about Harleys there are more options than money to change the look of your bike.

 

Heh, used bikes are dime a dozen and the private sellers garage queen a much better buy than anything you'll ever find at HD used. My two cents. Worried about the seller? Demand receipts, run a check see if it was ever wrecked, and pay the indy that $100 fee to go over it. You'll still come out much less than the dealer.