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Old Jul 20, 2009 | 10:13 PM
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Default Need tech help on softails

I'm doing research to buy my first HD and I'm looking for some technical info on the Heritage, Fatboy & Deluxe models. If someone knows of a book I can buy would be great. I've searched the web and found some info on Wiki but not sure how accurate it is. Since I'll probably go with a used bike I'd like to know which year models have what. Such as:

Electronic ignition
Fuel Injection
EVO engines
6 speed tran
counterbalaned engine

I know the latest models have all this stuff but I see a lot of really good looking older models for sale but not sure which ones have what.



Any help will be greatly appreciated.


Endever to Percevere
 
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Old Jul 20, 2009 | 10:26 PM
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Originally Posted by endever
I'm doing research to buy my first HD and I'm looking for some technical info on the Heritage, Fatboy & Deluxe models. If someone knows of a book I can buy would be great. I've searched the web and found some info on Wiki but not sure how accurate it is. Since I'll probably go with a used bike I'd like to know which year models have what. Such as:

Electronic ignition
Fuel Injection
EVO engines
6 speed tran
counterbalaned engine

I know the latest models have all this stuff but I see a lot of really good looking older models for sale but not sure which ones have what.



Any help will be greatly appreciated.


Endever to Percevere
A. Fuel injection is available on many softails from about 96' up
B. EVO engines with fuel injection range from about 96'-98' but from 99' up you can get into a twin cam engine which is a superior platform
C. 5 speed transmissions are stock from 96'-2006' but you can upgrade to a 6 speed OD without issue, 2007 and up come with cruisedrive 6 speed transmissions
D. All twin cam engines in softail models are "counterbalanced". Again your better off buying a twin cam model than an older EVO softail. And you can find very nice twin cam softails, with fuel injection for under $10k with low miles.

Best year to look for is the 2002 model twin cam softails. They come with the Delphi fuel injection ECM, the twin cam case uses a heavy duty timken crank bearing as well as a forged crank(cheaper cast cranks and weaker roller crank bearings are used after 02'). They come stock with a very well built 5 speed transmission, but can be easily upgraded to a 6 speed overdrive unit. Hope this helps to start you off on the right foot.
 
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Old Jul 20, 2009 | 11:01 PM
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I'm doing research to buy my first HD and I'm looking for some technical info on the Heritage, Fatboy & Deluxe models. If someone knows of a book I can buy would be great.
Most of what you wanna know can be found right here. No books required.

Read through these threads. Spend a few days weeks or whatever reading and looking at the specific model photo threads.

Before you know it suddenly you will be edumacated on all things Harley.

If you arent real mechanically inclined you would be best served going with the later model Twin Cam....My Twin Cam is like a new Toyota Camry compared to my old leaky fuel reeking carbed Evo Heritage.

I guess that means its low maintenance and always starts right up. Its still loud and its way faster but it has that almost "Homogenized" feel to it comparitively.

I loved my old Evo bike....I just love this one even more. Even in its perfected, no leaks, dosent reek of fuel and oil, dosent rattle, shake or do anything weird never falter homogenized state!
 
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 05:22 PM
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Originally Posted by endever
I'm doing research to buy my first HD and I'm looking for some technical info on the Heritage, Fatboy & Deluxe models. If someone knows of a book I can buy would be great. I've searched the web and found some info on Wiki but not sure how accurate it is. Since I'll probably go with a used bike I'd like to know which year models have what. Such as:

Electronic ignition
Fuel Injection
EVO engines
6 speed tran
counterbalaned engine

I know the latest models have all this stuff but I see a lot of really good looking older models for sale but not sure which ones have what.



Any help will be greatly appreciated.


Endever to Percevere
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photo...eyDavidson.htm
this link has the info
 
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 10:21 PM
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Thanks a bunch Gun, Chaz & tk, this is golden info that will be great help. I'm a fair home mechanic but have no experience with Harleys. Main problem is I'm getting old & freakin lazy which leans me toward anything that will require less maintenance. Looks like I have some fun in my future.

Endever
 
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 10:24 PM
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Originally Posted by endever
Thanks a bunch Gun, Chaz & tk, this is golden info that will be great help. I'm a fair home mechanic but have no experience with Harleys. Main problem is I'm getting old & freakin lazy which leans me toward anything that will require less maintenance. Looks like I have some fun in my future.

Endever
If you want the least issues, try and grab a low miliage 02' injected Harley. They can be had for relatively cheap money and will give you a bullitproof bottom end and a good fuel delivery system.
 
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Old Jul 21, 2009 | 10:25 PM
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Whatever you decide, WELCOME to the forums!! There is plenty of knowledge to be had on these forums.
 
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Old Jul 22, 2009 | 07:44 PM
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Gun, An 02 is on my search screen. I'm giddy as a kid to find me a rumblin scoot. Reading other post and advice from others tells me that Harleys are not in the high milaege bracket until they get to 50K or better, am I correct?

refuz, Thnx for the howdy and welcome. BTY your sign off message sounds like a blues tune that I can't put my finger on cause i can't remeber sht nomore. If it ain't it should be.
 
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Old Jul 22, 2009 | 07:50 PM
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Originally Posted by endever
Gun, An 02 is on my search screen. I'm giddy as a kid to find me a rumblin scoot. Reading other post and advice from others tells me that Harleys are not in the high milaege bracket until they get to 50K or better, am I correct?

refuz, Thnx for the howdy and welcome. BTY your sign off message sounds like a blues tune that I can't put my finger on cause i can't remeber sht nomore. If it ain't it should be.
Stock TC engines are known to last 100k plus when maintained correctly. Honestly you should have no problems finding an 02' with well under 25k miles. I still see a boatload of em with miliage under 10k............just gotta be patient, keep scouring the boards, craigs and Ebay.
 
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Old Jul 22, 2009 | 08:23 PM
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my friend just bought an 02 with 4000 miles and the dealer also put a 3 year warranty on it
 
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