Originally Posted by hattitude

The short and easy answer to that question is that either of those bikes are a very reliable and solid platform, if in in good condition, with a good maintenance history.

2014-2017 was the end of the "True Softail" frame and Twin Cam engine. All the Twin Cam Issues, except for a small few, have been dealt with. They still have the substandard "C" lifters, and INA brand caged inner cam bearings, but so did the first M8 engines. Those two issues are not something that needs immediate attention, but are usually upgraded any time someone goes into a Twin Cam cam chest for any reason.

All the other issues the Twin Cams had; problematic spring cam tensioners ('99-'07), weak compensators ('07-'14), and poor designed auto primary tensioners ('07- '11), to name the big ones, had been addressed by 2014.

There's nothing on that platform that can't be easily fixed. They should give many years & many miles of good service with a proper maintenance schedule.

The only question would be price....

FWIW, my go to value sites, JD Power and Black Book Powersports, say the average retail value for that '16 bike is $9,410 to $10,350. And the average retail value for that '14 is $7,945 to $9,885. If the dealer is asking more, you just have to decide for yourself it is "above average" as much as their price reflects...

Good luck with your decisions, and enjoy whatever new bike you get.....

One caveat... you mentioned the small dealer network for your Indian. If you are relying on a dealer for all your repairs and maintenance, keep in mind that many HD dealers these days will NOT work on a bike over 10 years old... So technically, in another year, a good percentage of dealers, with no rhyme or reason as to which ones, will no longer work on that 2016 bike, and as of now some won't work on the 2014 bike.. Just something to consider.. You may want to buy a newer model if you are dealer dependent.


Good luck with your shopping, your decisions, and enjoy your new bike...

Originally Posted by OneEyedWilly

The 2014 has 29000. It has vance and hines long shot pipes and they say it was tuned at one time. Its color is called mysterious red. I like the color better than the 2016 but the 2016 has way less miles and cruise control.

Originally Posted by 702

If you're going to lay down miles you may regret getting a bike without cruise control.

Originally Posted by OneEyedWilly

I checked the ones closest to me and their selling bikes older than that. Havent called them yet .

Originally Posted by Roberto88

The 2016 Softail Heritage Classic is a solid bike with a reliable Twin Cam 103 engine, known for its durability if properly maintained. The Softail frame gives a smooth ride, and the Heritage Classic comes well-equipped with bags, a windshield, and floorboards. Watch for common Twin Cam issues like oil leaks, especially around the cam chest and primary, but overall it’s a dependable platform. The 2014 with 29K miles isn’t necessarily a red flag if maintenance records are good—just check for wear on the cam chain tensioners (if not already upgraded). Test ride both and see which feels better. Either could be a great choice if well cared for.

Originally Posted by hattitude

Don't assume because they are selling an older used bike, that they will work on it.... Service is one thing (oil, filters, plugs, tires), and a repair is another..

There are bikes as new as 2016 that have critical parts no longer available from the MoCo.... Luckily, there are many unavailable parts from HD that are available from the aftermarket..

However, many of the early Twin Cams that use a TSM or TSSM, if it goes bad, owners find out that replacements are not offered in the aftermarket, and unavailable from the MoCo...

Check to be sure how they would address service and repairs on that bike before buying it... I doubt they will, but if I depended on a dealer for service & repairs, I'd try to get it in writing if they say they would work on the bike, both service & repairs.....

Yours wouldn't be the first thread I've read that said something like, "I bought my xxxx bike from a dealer recently, and now they won't work on it..."

Good luck with your search and your purchase decisions..

Originally Posted by OneEyedWilly

I agree. The dealership told me they would work on it. I'll make sure they explain what "work" means.