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Long time modern Triumph rider contemplating a used 2005 Harley Heritage Softail custom for a replacement bike. The Triumph was and still is the bike love of my life, as we’ve been 78,000 miles and 11 years of adventure, women, and rally’s. The bike fits me like a glove, and is easy for my old feeble knees to maneuver. However, I have found out that a crucial starter idle pin boss is cracked, and will require an engine replacement. The 790cc engine was okay as far as power, but would have been nice to have a little more.
I’ve been looking at Harley’s, and think the HSTC is what I want. I met a gentleman yesterday that has a 2005 HSTC with 15,000 miles on it, and says it’s been babied. Has a $1000 custom seat on it, and mild aftermarket exhaust. He’s saying all the right things, but I’m getting very different feedback on this bike. My Triumph friend is saying to stay away from the 88’s, as 2 of his buddies HSTC’s have suffered engine damage because of cam chain tensioner failure on these engines. Another says the ignition system suppliers for those years (up to 2007) stopped supplying the components, and are now hard to replace.
I’m about 80% decided the HSTC will be my new bike, but want to be made aware from you guys as far as the 2005 88ci HSTC’s known issues, and perhaps a more favorable year model to look for. Thanks in advance!
I believe I'm familiar with both bikes of the era, and seen some of the issues on both bikes. The triumph does tip the scales on the repair bill with that issue. The 05 Heritage with the 88 will be down on power a bit by comparison, it is also can feel heavy when pushing it around the garage, (it does have good dna and centre of gravity is low though) and it is made well with both issues you mentioned easily checked and serviced at low cost. My o3 with the same 88 had neither issue develop after 6 years of ownership. The 2000 were some of the first 88 and some had some cam chain tensioner wear. HD did address this with the material used. There's plenty on here about it. EZ fix overall. I'm sure others will chime in. Personally, if I could find a slighty newer model with a 96 engine, and a 6 speed, I would. I owned and still own Harleys in this configuration and enjoyed them more than my 88 in terms of overall ease of use and performance. But my 03 was a STUNNER. no regrets at all buying that bike.
46,000 KM. Would retail for 14k-15k in NZD. Was a great bike. The paint was pretty special.
Nope..88=1442....Plenty of power...Maybe kb..jag is thinking hp to weight ratio..find a good indy shop, change out the cam chain tensioner..15k miles is low for an 2005...
I am both a long time HD and Trump owner and rider. A few years back and a few bikes back I had an 04 HSTC and a 15 T100. I sold the T and it was a major mistake. I wish I still had it. These days I have a 17 HSTC (the heritage is my favorite bike) and a Trophy.
New by contemplating HDSTC
