Looking for opinion
Thread Starter
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Club Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 69
From: Granite Falls, NC
Looking for opinion
I had a 1998 FXSTC that I bought in 1997. I put a Revtech 6 speed, polished and ported heads, V&H exhaust, K&N air filter, Dyna ignition, and forward controls, plus a lot of other improvements. I rode that bike for 90K before I sold it to make room for my Electra Glide Ultra with a 96 motor, and Anniversary Trike Glide Ultra with a 103, which I still have. I miss having a smaller bike to do short 100 or so mile rides on. Now my question is, I've found a really nice 1997 FXSTC with only 13k miles on the clock for 5K, and I've found a really nice 2012 Softail with 15K on the clock for $7,500. This has the 103 motor and the 6 speed tranny.
My question is, do I want to go back to a 80 motor and 5 speed tranny, or for a couple thousand more go for the newer bike with more power. I love the sound of the Evo, but knowing there's not a lot you can do to get more power without spending a pile of money.
I'd just like to get other peoples opinions and maybe some advice.
Let's hear what you've got to say.
My question is, do I want to go back to a 80 motor and 5 speed tranny, or for a couple thousand more go for the newer bike with more power. I love the sound of the Evo, but knowing there's not a lot you can do to get more power without spending a pile of money.
I'd just like to get other peoples opinions and maybe some advice.
Let's hear what you've got to say.
Between those bikes you're asking about I'd consider the 2012 Softail a better option. The milage means it sat a lot, might need tires. Changes fluids and keep going. 2012 had some modern amenities that make it nice and easy to upgrade and customize.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,158
Likes: 11,249
From: San Diego, CA
I owned an 89 Heritage EVO, and I have owned 4 twin cams (still have 3)....
There is no doubt the 2012 will be a "better" bike in several ways... But the 1997 is a sweet bike too....
There are two main deciding factors in my mind....
1) condition- if one is in obviously better condition, and can demonstrate better care & maintenance (receipts/records) that would tip the scale towards that bike....
2) Goals- If you are just looking for an around town bike, the newer bigger engine and 6 speed really means little, and the dependable EVO should be a strong contender..... If you are looking for a project bike to play with to boost engine power... the 2012 will get the nod
You can't do much better than a well cared for EVO, for a buy it and ride it bike.... The 2012 will be a newer, "better" bike...
All things equal, look them over and if one really jumps at you and makes that intangible connection with you... get it...!
Good luck with your decision..
There is no doubt the 2012 will be a "better" bike in several ways... But the 1997 is a sweet bike too....
There are two main deciding factors in my mind....
1) condition- if one is in obviously better condition, and can demonstrate better care & maintenance (receipts/records) that would tip the scale towards that bike....
2) Goals- If you are just looking for an around town bike, the newer bigger engine and 6 speed really means little, and the dependable EVO should be a strong contender..... If you are looking for a project bike to play with to boost engine power... the 2012 will get the nod
You can't do much better than a well cared for EVO, for a buy it and ride it bike.... The 2012 will be a newer, "better" bike...
All things equal, look them over and if one really jumps at you and makes that intangible connection with you... get it...!
Good luck with your decision..
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 13,456
Likes: 10,452
From: Sunshine State
2012 Softail with 15K on the clock for $7,500. This has the 103 motor and the 6 speed tranny.?
Interesting.
Interesting.
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Thread Starter
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Club Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 69
From: Granite Falls, NC
Am I mistaken? I know they came out with the six speed transmission in '07, but not sure when they went into the Softail, but when I googled it it did say 6 speed. The add did not say a 103, so I will have to check on it. I know my 2008 has a 96 and my 2013 has a 103. I could be wrong.
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Thread Starter
|
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 69
From: Granite Falls, NC
I owned an 89 Heritage EVO, and I have owned 4 twin cams (still have 3)....
There is no doubt the 2012 will be a "better" bike in several ways... But the 1997 is a sweet bike too....
There are two main deciding factors in my mind....
1) condition- if one is in obviously better condition, and can demonstrate better care & maintenance (receipts/records) that would tip the scale towards that bike....
2) Goals- If you are just looking for an around town bike, the newer bigger engine and 6 speed really means little, and the dependable EVO should be a strong contender..... If you are looking for a project bike to play with to boost engine power... the 2012 will get the nod
You can't do much better than a well cared for EVO, for a buy it and ride it bike.... The 2012 will be a newer, "better" bike...
All things equal, look them over and if one really jumps at you and makes that intangible connection with you... get it...!
Good luck with your decision..
There is no doubt the 2012 will be a "better" bike in several ways... But the 1997 is a sweet bike too....
There are two main deciding factors in my mind....
1) condition- if one is in obviously better condition, and can demonstrate better care & maintenance (receipts/records) that would tip the scale towards that bike....
2) Goals- If you are just looking for an around town bike, the newer bigger engine and 6 speed really means little, and the dependable EVO should be a strong contender..... If you are looking for a project bike to play with to boost engine power... the 2012 will get the nod
You can't do much better than a well cared for EVO, for a buy it and ride it bike.... The 2012 will be a newer, "better" bike...
All things equal, look them over and if one really jumps at you and makes that intangible connection with you... get it...!
Good luck with your decision..
