Looking to buy a Heritage
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,614
Likes: 27
From: Toms River, NJ
Looking to buy a Heritage
I have been on touring bikes, Ultra's for the last 20 years. Very much enjoy them but would like to have a second bike. I have always liked the look of the Heritages... For my upcoming 60th birthday, my wife told me to get one... I don't want to spend the money on a new one since I have a 2017 Limited now, so I will be looking for a used one.
I would like to know what years I should avoid and what years I should be looking for. Any help also on what I should pay.... I would like to do a private deal to avoid dealership marks up if possible.
I thank you in advance for any help or advice.
Be Safe JIM
I would like to know what years I should avoid and what years I should be looking for. Any help also on what I should pay.... I would like to do a private deal to avoid dealership marks up if possible.
I thank you in advance for any help or advice.
Be Safe JIM
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 101
Likes: 9
From: Massachusetts
I have an '05 Deluxe. Same bike really.
Twin-cam 88.
I think you could land an '05-'07/08 in the $5-6K price range.
You might check out a reputable new motorcycle dealer (non-Harley) who happens to have a good selection of used cruisers, showing off in an indoor showroom. Don't rule it out. They could wheel and deal and provide a warranty.
You might avoid the first years with a new, larger engine as well as the first year of a new 6-speed transmission. I think '07 had the first introduction of 96 cui and 6-speed tranny.
As you'll read everywhere, check the cam-chain tensioners' wear, and think about having them replaced or planning for it.
Other than that, stupid things can wear and go wrong, but nothing earth-shattering.
You should find some good deals out there. Try a 5-speed, Twin-88, '04-06.
I like carburetted.
Twin-cam 88.
I think you could land an '05-'07/08 in the $5-6K price range.
You might check out a reputable new motorcycle dealer (non-Harley) who happens to have a good selection of used cruisers, showing off in an indoor showroom. Don't rule it out. They could wheel and deal and provide a warranty.
You might avoid the first years with a new, larger engine as well as the first year of a new 6-speed transmission. I think '07 had the first introduction of 96 cui and 6-speed tranny.
As you'll read everywhere, check the cam-chain tensioners' wear, and think about having them replaced or planning for it.
Other than that, stupid things can wear and go wrong, but nothing earth-shattering.
You should find some good deals out there. Try a 5-speed, Twin-88, '04-06.
I like carburetted.
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 22,868
Likes: 17,946
From: Lafayette, Louisiana
I think it is easier to decide how much money you want to spend first, then afterwards look at what that money will buy you.
But, if you are looking for an opinion, a carbureted Heritage from the mid 90’s is the most DIY friendly and simplest around. These days they can be had for cheap in very good condition.
But, if you are looking for an opinion, a carbureted Heritage from the mid 90’s is the most DIY friendly and simplest around. These days they can be had for cheap in very good condition.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 178
Likes: 11
From: Billings, MT
looking at your sig, i see youve ran almost every engine harley has made since 1991. if nothing glaring stood out there, and you were satisfied with the performance, id say buy what ever one you fall in love with. ride a few, see what feels right, and youll know it when you find it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,166
Likes: 11,263
From: San Diego, CA
You've ridden a bunch of MoCo bikes, so you should know what to expect from the various engine/trans groupings...
There are no Heritage model specific issues that I am aware of. I had an '89 carbed, EVO Heritage and still have an '03 FI, Twin Cam Heritage... love them both and they have given me many miles of trouble free fun...
In 2012, I decided to make the jump to a bagger. After I took a cross country trip on my new Limited, I figured I should sell my '04 Heritage. I took it for a last ride, before listing it for sale........ Ooops... that did it.... I could NOT sell it....
The Limited and Heritage are both great bikes, both can do anything the other one can (in my opinion), but they do not feel the same when you ride them.... In many ways they feel like two very different bikes... not necessarily better or worse, just different.. and both good..
The Heritage would be a great 2nd bike to have around with your bagger... I drive them both regularly.... The limited is the multi-day trip bike, and the Heritage is my zip around town, day ride bike....
Your wife is awesome, I know what it's like to have a wife who likes Harleys......
I always wanted a Springer... just for the hell of it.... my wife told me to buy one for my 60th several months ago...
So now I'm lucky enough to have three HDs. I ride all three regularly, and even have ridden all three bikes in one day.....!
Life is too short, get the Heritage....!!!!
Good luck and enjoy the hunt for the Heritage you want... be patient and wait for the bike/deal you want, it's a buyers market!
There are no Heritage model specific issues that I am aware of. I had an '89 carbed, EVO Heritage and still have an '03 FI, Twin Cam Heritage... love them both and they have given me many miles of trouble free fun...
In 2012, I decided to make the jump to a bagger. After I took a cross country trip on my new Limited, I figured I should sell my '04 Heritage. I took it for a last ride, before listing it for sale........ Ooops... that did it.... I could NOT sell it....
The Limited and Heritage are both great bikes, both can do anything the other one can (in my opinion), but they do not feel the same when you ride them.... In many ways they feel like two very different bikes... not necessarily better or worse, just different.. and both good..
The Heritage would be a great 2nd bike to have around with your bagger... I drive them both regularly.... The limited is the multi-day trip bike, and the Heritage is my zip around town, day ride bike....
Your wife is awesome, I know what it's like to have a wife who likes Harleys......
I always wanted a Springer... just for the hell of it.... my wife told me to buy one for my 60th several months ago...
So now I'm lucky enough to have three HDs. I ride all three regularly, and even have ridden all three bikes in one day.....!
Life is too short, get the Heritage....!!!!
Good luck and enjoy the hunt for the Heritage you want... be patient and wait for the bike/deal you want, it's a buyers market!
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,614
Likes: 27
From: Toms River, NJ
Thanks for all the ideas..... I am glad there are really "no problem child" out there.. The Soft tail will be my cruising around town and a second bike to lend out to very good friends when they fly down and don't have a bike. I really love the look of the leather bags but know they must be a PIA to keep looking good, so this bike will not be out in bad weather if I can help it.
Be Safe JIM
Be Safe JIM
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 55
From: Ft. Myers
I had an 02 Heritage traded it for an 07 road glide then went to a 14 limited.traded limited for a Triglide .Was having issues with arthritis. Just pick up an Anniversary 03 Heritage for a 2 nd bike . I forgot how nice the Heritage is. (It only had 6500 miles on it. Paid 4 k for it .
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Joe Kucinski
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,973
Likes: 912
From: Omaha
I've got 31K on my 09 Heritage and other than the regulator I've had no problems with it.
The nice thing about a Heritage is other than a 2018, all years are very similar and if you like the looks and feel of a 1996 you will like the looks and feel of a 2017.
I'd set you're budget and then just start shopping for a Heritage without any real restrictions to the year.
I will say I do like the 96ci and the 6 speed transmission, which I believe started with the 2007 models however I've never ridden others some my opinion is biased.
The nice thing about a Heritage is other than a 2018, all years are very similar and if you like the looks and feel of a 1996 you will like the looks and feel of a 2017.
I'd set you're budget and then just start shopping for a Heritage without any real restrictions to the year.
I will say I do like the 96ci and the 6 speed transmission, which I believe started with the 2007 models however I've never ridden others some my opinion is biased.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 792
Likes: 258
From: N.E.Ohio
There are some good deals around including leftover '17s. I would seriously look at a 16 or 17 because of standard cruise and ABS and the HO 103 that has a better cam. You can buy a 17 Black FLSTC at Hales in Northern Ohio for $15000 plus Tax. They have 2 left.