When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I came across an 05 Softail deluxe at a dealership with the two tone black and white paint and basically found my dream bike in terms of looks. The one at the dealership has 64k miles and they are asking $5800. There’s also one posted by a private seller nearby with only 8k miles and they are asking $7500. I know the big issue with these bikes is the plastic cam tensioner cushions and potential wearing out/engine damage. My question is do you think the extra $1700 is worth getting the bike with only 8k miles? And is it even smart to get an 05 Softail with the known cam chain issue?
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!
Get the 8k bike. Asking 7500? Offer 6700 and meet them at 7....win win. I have an 06 standard softy and it's been great. Only 16,000 miles as it's my second rider. Bought in in 06. I just checked the tensioners and they were fine.
Get the 8k bike. Asking 7500? Offer 6700 and meet them at 7....win win. I have an 06 standard softy and it's been great. Only 16,000 miles as it's my second rider. Bought in in 06. I just checked the tensioners and they were fine.
I came across an 05 Softail deluxe at a dealership with the two tone black and white paint and basically found my dream bike in terms of looks. The one at the dealership has 64k miles and they are asking $5800. There’s also one posted by a private seller nearby with only 8k miles and they are asking $7500. I know the big issue with these bikes is the plastic cam tensioner cushions and potential wearing out/engine damage.
My question is do you think the extra $1700 is worth getting the bike with only 8k miles?
And is it even smart to get an 05 Softail with the known cam chain issue?
Yes..... the average retail for a 2005 Deluxe per Black Book Powersports is $8385.00. So at $7500, that is a reasonable price... However IMHO, condition and maintenance history are more important than miles when buying a used bike..... but at 64K on the other bike, things will start to wear out and that can get expensive if you don't do your own work.....
Yes.... the 88" engine is a solid performer. Upgrade those cam tensioners and you will have a solid engine that will give many miles of good service. That year also suffers from a poor compensator design. But if it should fail, there is a newer, better designed unit to replace it with that gives good service.
All years and models had/have some issues that may need to be addressed... including the new M8 bikes.
Good luck with your decision and enjoy the new bike....!!!
Last edited by hattitude; Nov 2, 2022 at 09:03 AM.
I would go for the lwr mileage one as well. Even if the guy would only wiggle to 7K-7200.
Still better.
Age will get those cam tensioner shoes too. They will pit with age (& heat)
Even if they're not worn much, once those pits start, they disintegrate quick.
I changed em in my 03 @ 20K mi. The outer shoe was about 1/3 worn. The inr was
about half, but it was pitting, So, I did the 203 cams, new lifters, cam bearings
AND new tens shoes.
Last edited by byersmtrco; Nov 3, 2022 at 03:52 PM.
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!
Which 05 Softail deluxe?
