'03 Heritage Softtail - Carb or FI?
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From:
'03 Heritage Softtail - Carb or FI?
I'm looking at an '03 Heritage Softtail -- it has a carburetor. I'd appreciate both opionions and experience as to which is best, carb or FI? Would the carb model be worth less than FI for this year ('03)model? Many thanks!
Mac @ NC
Mac @ NC
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From:
RE: '03 Heritage Softtail - Carb or FI?
I have an '03 Heritage that I bought new. I was adamant that it be FI and I love it. I've never had an issue and I didn't want a choke (enrichener). Now that you can't get one, I would like to have a carbureted bike. I'm getting a little tired of all the SERT and PCIII issues and talk. I did the stage 1 download and have never had a problem. My Dad has an '05 Electra Glide with a Carb and it runs great
If you don't have a strong preference, I don't think you'd go wrong with either one.
I doubt the carb is worth less even though the EFI was an extra cost when new.
If you don't have a strong preference, I don't think you'd go wrong with either one.
I doubt the carb is worth less even though the EFI was an extra cost when new.
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From:
RE: '03 Heritage Softtail - Carb or FI?
Thanks -- I appreciate the insight. I presently have a '05 XL 1200C and, of course, have grown to dislike the enrichner, cold starting hesitation, etc. The mileage on the '03 Heritage that I'm looking at is just over 8,000 -- it has custom grips, custom floor boards, custom shifter, windshield bag, headlamp & passing lamp visor, screaming eagle pipes and stage 1 K & N air filter -- priced at $14,700. It looks good.
From what I'm "hearing" you say, there are some issues with the FI, so it may be worth it to get one with carb to just keep it simple. Again, I sure do appreciate the advice.
Mac
From what I'm "hearing" you say, there are some issues with the FI, so it may be worth it to get one with carb to just keep it simple. Again, I sure do appreciate the advice.
Mac
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,728
Likes: 0
From:
RE: '03 Heritage Softtail - Carb or FI?
My brother has a Heritage w/ carb. He likes it just fine. Mine is EFI, I like it just fine too. When I found the right deal it would not have mattered to me. Either way I sure you will enjoy the bike.
Thread Starter
|
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From:
RE: '03 Heritage Softtail - Carb or FI?
Thanks. Good info, well said. With that, I'm putting the FI vs Carb out of the thinking and just consider what shape the overall bike is in and whether or not the price is right. Again, much appreciated!
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,728
Likes: 0
From:
RE: '03 Heritage Softtail - Carb or FI?
I got mine on E-bay for 13875. It's an 02 and had 3470 miles. Chromed to the max,and a lot good stuff I would have had to buy for the passanger. The prices right, let the fun begin.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,737
Likes: 0
From:
RE: '03 Heritage Softtail - Carb or FI?
I went carb, when i bought my spinger classic new in 05. I didnt want to have to deal w/ the fuel pak & such when i did upgrades, plus carbs are easy & cheap to fix. I also love having reserve there for the piece of mind, that '2 gallons may come in handy someday
Trending Topics
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 851
Likes: 1
RE: '03 Heritage Softtail - Carb or FI?
03 Heritage here as well, FI
Love it, no problems at 24,000 miles so far
Love it, no problems at 24,000 miles so far
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From:
RE: '03 Heritage Softtail - Carb or FI?
Have an 03 Heritage that I bought new. I ordered mine with the carb. Didn't want FI. Not because of any problems, but the "traditional" (old) Harley's were carburated. FI do have some advantages and my carb bike is a little cold blooded in winter, but I just tell my FI friends that at least I'm smart enough to know how to work a choke 
Really, you will hear all kinds of reasons for one or the other, my 2 cents... matter of personal preference!
Really, you will hear all kinds of reasons for one or the other, my 2 cents... matter of personal preference!
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 123
Likes: 1
From:
RE: '03 Heritage Softtail - Carb or FI?
After riding my '03 Softail Springer with the Mikuni HSR42 carb, I can't even imagine a FI alternative. I like FI for the most part, but Harleys and carbs just go together in my book. That said, the HD carb is not nearly the carb the Mikuni is. I've never had one before I bought this bike, but now that I've had I'd be hard pressed to go back!
http://mohotcars.com/harley.html
Mike
http://mohotcars.com/harley.html
Mike