Which 05 Softail deluxe?

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Nov 14, 2022 | 10:12 AM

#21

Bone Doc

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 13,104

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From: Texas, USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamstr

Well I bought the one with 8k miles. Was able to get it for $7k. Which I think is still a good price based off others for sale online. Thanks to everyone for the input. She’s a beaut!

That's a fine looking machine you have there. You got a great deal on it. I'll give you $7500 for it. What do you say?
.
.
.
.Just kidding.

Black and white bikes are the only way to go.

Nov 14, 2022 | 02:25 PM

#22

jamstr

Thread Starter

3rd Gear

Joined: Nov 2022

Posts: 7

Likes: 12

From: wisconsin

Quote:

Originally Posted by golfblues

Blue is ok on headers without heat shields but
blue heat shields need to be addressed

do you think the solution would be to clean/tune the carb then if it may be a fuel issue? Thanks for the response

Nov 14, 2022 | 03:14 PM

#23

golfblues

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 9,741

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From: Danbury CT

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamstr

do you think the solution would be to clean/tune the carb then if it may be a fuel issue? Thanks for the response

That's a good idea but also check for any type of exhaust leak. I would try blue away first and see if it comes back. Maybe there was a previous fix

Last edited by golfblues; Nov 14, 2022 at 03:15 PM.

Nov 15, 2022 | 08:13 AM

#24

Wolfmiester

Tourer

Joined: Jun 2019

Posts: 385

Likes: 37

From: Two Rivers, WI

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamstr

Yea I did notice that. The bike is kind of cold on the start and has to be on full choke for a while in order to idle. Seems like the carb could use a tune. From my reading it seems the bluing means the bike is running lean?

I also bought a 05 Deluxe with 18K for $6500. I do wish it had EFI, but I think if I could get my starting procedures down....she is finicky.
Which do you think is better? Carb or EFI?

Nov 15, 2022 | 08:42 AM

#25

hattitude

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Joined: Sep 2008

Posts: 14,159

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From: San Diego, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfmiester

I also bought a 05 Deluxe with 18K for $6500. I do wish it had EFI, but I think if I could get my starting procedures down....she is finicky.
Which do you think is better? Carb or EFI?

IMHO....

EFI is better than a carb in many ways. It is also more efficient, and better technology, albeit not as simple. EPA requirements (efficiency) aren't the only reason carbs became obsolete on Harleys and cages......

But having said that, a well maintained and tuned carb will run really well. The carb just takes more maintenance and some time to dial it in.

Back in the day, bikes had to be kick started. I knew of several that would start rather quickly, when the carb was in good tune. If you let the carb get out of tune, your leg would know it... And you'd immediately spend some time dialing in the carb when you got it started...

This is what a carb in need of tuning circa 1980, looked like....

I currently have a 2001 Softail with a carb. I have that CV40 dialed in for my current mods. It starts right up using the choke when cold. After warmed up, it seems to start before the engine does a full revolution with the starter. I would guess if I still had a kick starter on it, it would be a one-kick bike when warmed up... Maybe two or three kicks when cold...

While all my carbed bikes had a "procedure" I would follow that avoided flooding and allowed for the quickest starts.....I suggest spending time dialing in your carb and you most likely will find your bike will be less finicky...

Nov 16, 2022 | 10:30 AM

#26

jamstr

Thread Starter

3rd Gear

Joined: Nov 2022

Posts: 7

Likes: 12

From: wisconsin

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfmiester

I also bought a 05 Deluxe with 18K for $6500. I do wish it had EFI, but I think if I could get my starting procedures down....she is finicky.
Which do you think is better? Carb or EFI?

I used to have a like new 2012 sportster that was fuel injected. Was nice just being able to fire it right up and take off knowing it was going to be reliable. I got this as my first bike and sought out the fuel injection for simplicity but now I have had a couple bikes and have learned a little wrenching, I’m more open to getting a carb’d bike as they are rather simple to work on yourself. There’s plus and minus to each option, I’m sure you can find a lot of threads with better discussion. The EFI won’t give you Harley potato potato tho!

Nov 16, 2022 | 11:25 AM

#27

04FXDI

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2015

Posts: 3,415

Likes: 1,124

From: USA

Baby steps, little projects at a time unless of course you have the money to drop it off at an Indy shop and go right through it. At 8K on the dial I wouldn't be so concerned with the tensioners as a first project, others that know more (like Hat) can help you with that bluing issues on the pipes, I'd most certainly say she's lean.

1st things I did to my 05 Heritage, (only difference was my miles and price were opposite of yours, you got a great deal considering the market) was the obvious, plugs, wires, air cleaner, change the oil in all 3 holes and definitely, most definitely change those tires. The may appear to have tread life left but they're most likely original. Get new rubber. And most of all, enjoy, she's a beauty. Congrats.

Nov 16, 2022 | 11:44 AM

#28

jamstr

Thread Starter

3rd Gear

Joined: Nov 2022

Posts: 7

Likes: 12

From: wisconsin

Quote:

Originally Posted by 04FXDI

Thanks for the advice. hoping to work on the basic maintenance stuff over the winter as I’ve been enjoying learning the basic stuff (don’t have a lot of mechanical background). Going to take a look into a possible exhaust leak as has been suggested and hopefully figure out that bluing. And it’s been a good bonding experience with my dad who’s a car guy. Now to sit and stare at it all winter til I can ride again