Was looking to add another bike to the stable. I have a 06 Fatboy and 09 Sportster already. I came across a 1997 heritage springer and 2009 Heritage Softail in my area. The 1997 Heritage Springer has 12k miles looks mint in pics but have not seen it yet asking price $12500 but I can get it for less than that. The 09 Heritage Softail looks excellent to in pics but have not seen it yet. 12k miles Asking $9000 but I think I can get it for less also. I always wanted a Springer for its looks and collectability. I have been told that they could be a lot of maintenance and susceptible to oil leaks and other things. 09 I know could have Comp issues. I would like to ride these bikes and not worry about reliability. If anyone has any experience with these models comments would be apricated

 

Both are excellent bikes...

I have owned an '89 EVO Heritage, and the EVO is an excellent engine.

I currently own an '01 FX Springer, and an '03 Heritage, and love them both also...

I believe the Springer EVO would be a good purchase for two reasons:

1) The reports of oil leaks on the EVO bikes, IIRC, were mostly on bikes with big cams or higher mods. They used to get oil leaks at the cylinder bases. My '89 was a Stage I, and I put 45K miles on it in 4 years. It always ran like a top, with only maintenance. It never needed a repair of any kind. Solid engine!

2) The Springer front end is "different" than the regular forks in both feel and maintenance needs... but I don't find it daunting or difficult. Get a Factory Service manual for that year softails, and you'll have all the info you need.

The only downside to a Springer, of any kind, is that the owners feel like they own a holy grail. They tend to be really proud of their Springers, and IMHO, almost always price them at more than they are worth. In many cases, much more... I looked for 2 years before finding an unmolested (meaning not overly customized) Springer at a fair price.


The Heritage would be a good purchase because, well, it's a Heritage. I have loved both mine. I will never sell my 2003. The Heritage you are looking at is newer than the EVO, with years of updates to the softail line included.

The only downside to the Heritage is that I suspect it will feel very similar, if not exactly the same to ride as your '06 Fatboy.

I have four HDs in my garage: '01 FXSTS Springer w/carb @Stage I / '03 Heritage w/EFI @ Stage III, big bore kit/ headwork that I did myself / '16 Low Rider @ Stage I / '16 Ultra Classic w/ 124" crate engine (135HP/151TQ ).

IMHO, the fun of owning these four bikes is that each one feels, and rides much different from the others. Going from one to another, is like getting on a totally different bike. I ride all four regularly and enjoy all four. I'm not sure I would add a bike that is very similar to one I already own.

Good luck with your decision...

 

Thanks for the info on that. I know the fatboy and the heritage may ride alike but I have my Fatboy setup just for me. I would like to take the wife with me once and while that why I'm looking at the heritage line. I like the way they ride..

 

That Springer sure does look pretty though..

 

I would say go for the Springer. That being said, my opinion may be somewhat biased.....

 

I like EVO`s but keep in mind that the Springer will vibrate more ( no counter balancer ) and make less power than the `09

 

You said “ Always wanted a Springer” so I think that sums it up, and I think he should accept 9500 to 10. I would be comfortable offering at the level, cash talks
The springer like @hattitude mentioned is just different maintenance and may require replacement of the bushing in the rocker arms, at the 25k mark I think the first check is due. Consult FSM

 

I have a '97 Springer Softail so my opinion will be a little biased. Of the three Harleys I own, it is the most fun to ride! I have no oil leaks and the evo motor runs strong.

 

The Springer, honestly was no biggie regarding extra maint work. Both bikes look nice and are fairly priced. Its just a matter of what you want to do. As far as the Springer being an appreciate-able asset, I would not sink my money there for that reason. Theyre stable... The photo is my 09 with about 3000 miles. I bought it with less than 2000 18 months ago.. It was bone stock when I bought it

 

I am biased.....I own an 05' Springer Classic. I do like the way it rides but that Heritage looks really good with that color combo and it has the TC96. I always wanted a Springer Classic after I saw a new one in 05'......it's probably my last bike (maybe).