What is the best year for buying a used Night Train ? What years should I avoid ? Problems,etc etc...Thanks For All Help..

 

Its hard to answer that question without knowing your budget. There weren't any problem years and I guess your main choice would be FI or Carb; but please read the earlier thread before starting that debate again.

 

06 went to a 200 rear tire, 07 went to a 6 speed trans.

 

IMO its an 02'. 02' is the last year they had the Heavy duty Timken crankshaft drive bearing installed stock in the engine case and the Delphi FI(the older MM FI sucked) system was in its first year.

The older 5 speed transmissions are also much more durable than the cheap 6 speeds they install now. The older transmissions used stronger straightcut gears(which some claim are noisier, but were talk a HARLEY here! Most people's pipes are too loud to hear the tranny anyway!)which were also more efficient at transferring power to the rear wheel. The helical gears in the new transmissions which are quieter, dont transfer as much power to the rear wheel due to side loads the gears naturally employ. In 07' HD made ALOT of COST CUTTING mfg. decisions on the bikes. Sure the new bikes have some features that appeal to the younger crowd(aka: wide rear tires etc), but the core of the bike has been cheapened a bit in the process.

 

i have to agree. if i had the choice, i'd go with an '02.

 

i have to disagree. while helical gears are quieter they are not weeker or cheeper, they're just as strong and more expensive to make then straight cut gears. helical gears arent less efficient at transfering power, they more evenly distribute the load on the gear and have less play. and on the 07 bikes, 1st and 5th gear are still straight cut, cause those are the gears most people will "jam" most often, and on hard shifting, they will engage quicker then helical.

 

My bad ..not looking for older post... Anyways... I know for sure im going used harley now...Had new bike on order..thru military sales...Backed out on that scam!!!! I really didnot see how I was coming out ahead... So im looking at a night train, fat boy, v-rod's ..

 

First step You need to assk yourself what u want out of a bike and Where are you going to do most of your riding. IMO The softtails are softer than a rigid and wont make your back teeth rattle like the older sportys but, they are not soft. My 96 is rigid mounted motor, and the twin cams i hear are smoother plus i think the newer STs are rubber mounted motors but im not positive. Good luck and do your home work you'll be happy and wont waste time and coins. EZD

 

I say 06. 200mm tire is a nice plus. I think that was the last year you could get a carbed one.

 

Quit giving away all the secrets!!!!!!!!!!