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 have a question for you guys...I joined up here while I'm looking around so I'll know what I'm getting into. I currently have a Honda VTX1300C that is up for sale. I'm going to look at a 2006 Night Train tomorrow morning that I found online. The Harley dealer is asking $14,000 but says they would negotiate.(of course they would to get me in there, lol) It has 7500 miles, blacked out aftermarket pipes, blacked out passenger backrest, and a windshield already.
If I can get them them down to around $13,000 or so would I be paying too much? Also, for those of you that have Night Trains, how comfortable are they for rider and passenger on a long ride? We make about a 300-400 mile trip to the beach occasionally.
Last edited by wsktider; May 12, 2009 at 10:38 PM.
I wouldn't pay more than $12K for an 06. Just me... I'd rather spend the little bit extra money to have the bigger motor and 6 speed.
I was in the same position just a few weeks ago. Shopping for at least an 06 (I wanted the 200mm rear tire)... Now I'm on an 09 Night Train.
I don't ride with a passenger so I can't comment on that.
As far as comfort... My NT is comfortable for hours at less than 60 mph, stop and go, twisties, etc... On the highway running 65-70, comfortable for an hour... tolerable for an hour and half. After that I need to stretch, get the feeling back in my butt, and repeat.
Thanks for the feedback. I really appreciate. I'm excited to finally get the chance to get a Harley. I've been curious about the difference in the 88ci, the 96ci, and the extra gear in the newer models. I've heard folks around here(where I live) tell me they like the 5 speed better and had others that like the 6. I guess there is no big consensus on which is better...??
Not real sure on the difference with the motor size or gear issue as this is my first Harley. I did ride my cousins 883 once or twice but big difference there anyway. I had two V-Star 650's, a custom, and a classic that I traded for my Train, and both were 5 speeds, I was ALWAYS looking for that 6th gear that wasn't there and wishing I had it. Comfort wise, the right seat, for you and for passenger, will be the factor there. I have a solo seat I keep on for when I am riding alone, and a BIG couch and sissy bar I put on when me and the wife go on rides. Both are fine to me and I can ride all day. Like said above me, when riding above say 65 for extended periods, it does get annoying fast. I don't really do much freeway riding though, I love the back roads and scenic ways. Good luck on your decision and get what feels good for YOU and what YOU can afford.
If price is a serious issue to you, I recommend looking at used bikes. There are a ton out there for really low prices nowadays with the economy in such bad shape. However, if you are financing that may not be possible. If you have a credit union try to get a loan through them. It is my opinion that you will always pay more for the same bike from a dealer even if it is used. I don't trust dealers. I know their main function is to sell bikes, but I have never bought one brand new. Take your time and find exactly what you think you want at a price you can afford.
What are the upgrades? I'm researching and have looked at specs but it appears the 96ci adds only a couple ft lbs of torque. Didn't see anything about horsepower or anything else.
As someone stated already, I wouldn't pay more than 11-12k for an '06 with low miles and in good condition. I paid 14.2k for an '07 Train with 740 miles back in Febuary. Shop around and get an '07 or newer for the 96" and 6 speed.
you will feel the differce between the 88 and 96 ci motors. The syock seat is comfy for an hour or so, the bars are hard on the back after riding for a couple hours. I too ride mostly back roads only use the interstate when I have to be somewhere on time. You should look for '07 or newer you can find them for the same price the dealer wants for the '06
Don't pay anywhere near that much for an '06 NT. There is a world of difference between the 06 and the 07. On the 07 it has the fat back tire, 6 speed, 96 ci engine, fuel injected, and a few other small things.
I just paid $12.5k for a 2007 Night Train with 8k miles. That dealer, quite honestly, is trying to screw you over. One thing to keep in mind as you shop around, is that cosmetic upgrades add very little, if anything, to resale value. Performance upgrades add some to the resale value, but fractions of the original selling price of those upgrades.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.