I am currently serving in Iraq with the US Marines. We get the opportunity to purchase a HD at a much lower price while here (savings around $1500-$2000). I already own 2 Sporties back home. One is a 1999 stock 883, for my wife and the other is a 1997 883 that has been rebuilt to the 1200 (runs like a scolded dog!!) I plan on keeping both bikes, with the 97being a continuous project, maybe a custom frame or something. Anyway, I am going to purchase my 3rd while here in Iraq. I ambetween the Softail Heritage Classic (70%) and the Road King Classic (30%). Both are beauties. No questions there. I have been reading a lot about the new engines running hot on the 2007 and 5th gear making lots of noise on it also. My question is should I wait on the 2008. Has there been a fix that anyone has heard about on the 2008. I will not buy any other brand of bike. I have been riding some type of motorcycle for about 22 years and love the Harleys. Would like any info on what is to come on the 2008 models, I have not been able to find much of anything on any websites and/or posting. Thanks and can't wait to get back on the road again in the fall!!!

Gunny B
USMC

 

Don't have any technical info for you, but personally I would wait for an 08 b/c I think the second year of a new motor/tranny combo will have more bugs worked out. I would go with the RK Classic. Just my opinion.

 

2007 Softails do run a little hot, but once you go stage 1 and synthetic, they're fine. I just finished a trip from VA to Daytona and back. The oil temp stayed right around 230 even in the heat and in some traffic.

Before the stage 1 and oil change, it would get up to around 280 occasionally. Only once did I have to shut her down, and that was after an hour in a traffic jam.

The 5th gear noise is noticable (a slight belty whine) but normal due to the type of gear. It's not a problem and you get used to it.

I doubt there will be much mechanical differences when the 08's come out. There will be cosmetic differences, though. I would wait until they reveal the 08s and look for the style you like best from the groups of both 2007s and 2008s. Then you have 2 sets of models to choose from.

Stay safe.

 

We have 2 07's, and the gear noise is not near the problem that some claim. Anyone who thinks the HD 6 speed is noisy should go ride an older Yamaha police special, those have gear noise.

The new bikes do run a little hotter, but not so much as to be a real problem. If you get the stage 1 intake kit and the matching firmware download (or, even better, a tunable electronic module) it will run cooler. Synthetic oil will help and, if you want it to run even cooler, an oil cooler will do the trick. If you do get an oil cooler, unless you live in the land of perpetual summer, get the kind that has a thermostat. Without the thermostat, the engine will warm up very slowly or not at all in winter.

As for which bike, try to arrange a test ride on both candidates and pick the one that feels best to you. My OL loves her Roadking Custom as much as I do my Night Train, but if I had to trade with her, both bikes would end up garage queens. We oth love the look of both bikes, but when it comes to the ride, they are as different as we are.

 

Gunny- welcome to the Forum. Hope all is well in your neck of the woods.

Have an 07 Heritage Classic. I love the bike - NOW. If I had the same opportunity that you have now I would order a 2008. HD is supposedly addressing the 5th gear "chatter." Some do not have the problem but MOST do. Some riders also don't know what they're listening to so they don't think it's a problem. Technically, it isn't a problem according to HD - but it's a PITA to listen to. Since I ride mostly with the windshield on, the noise is louder; the shield accentuates the noise. As long as you keep a load on the transmission in 5th gear you can overcome the noise. 6th gear on the freeway on the 2007's is awesome.

Like one of the other posts, you can buy a Stage 1 and run synthetics after your first 1000 miles to address the heat issue. Basically, on top of the cost of your new bike (2007) you have to spend close to $1K (if you do the work yourself) or upwards of$1.4K to have a dealer do it - and it will fix the heat issue and bring the temps down to a more reasonable temp. Most dealers don't mention a word about either the heat or the 5th gear chatter to buyers - until after you've bought the bike and you return to ask WTF. "Oh yeah...didn't I tell you about that?"

I can't speak for the Road King but the Heritage is a great bike...for me. I've heard nothing but good things about the Road King as well. If all I was going to use the bike for was freeways I wouldn't hesitate to get a bagger over a Softail. Good luck whatever your choice.