What would you do?
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 64
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From: maryland
What would you do?
Ok guys, getting a new(to me at least) Fatboy. The biggest problem I am trying to decide is what year. Do I save some mula and get an older one or spend more and get a newer one? So what would you do
2003-2006 for 10-13.5k with no more than 20k miles
2008-2010 for 13.5-17k
I left out 2007 cuz I read about some that have issues with them.
thanks for the input
2003-2006 for 10-13.5k with no more than 20k miles
2008-2010 for 13.5-17k
I left out 2007 cuz I read about some that have issues with them.
thanks for the input
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 96
Likes: 1
From: Delaware, OH
There's a notable difference between the two ranges of years. Obviously, anything post 07 will have the 6 speed, 96" and the 200mm rear tire. If those are what you're searching for, then you can just ignore the first bunch.
The 88" is a solid motor, and the 5 speed is actually (in many's opinions) better than the 6 speed.
If you're not so much hung up on the 200 rear tire and all the new fiddly bits, try and find yourself a carb'd 88. Nothing sounds like a carb at idle. FI's just idle too friggin fast to sound decent.
Lastly, if you're speakin about used bikes you're bound to get extras thrown in. If you come across a low mileage model with tons of goodies, bags, windshield, pipes, etc. That may greatly influence your decision.
Shop around, see what you can find. When you finally do get one, ride the hell out of it.
The 88" is a solid motor, and the 5 speed is actually (in many's opinions) better than the 6 speed.
If you're not so much hung up on the 200 rear tire and all the new fiddly bits, try and find yourself a carb'd 88. Nothing sounds like a carb at idle. FI's just idle too friggin fast to sound decent.
Lastly, if you're speakin about used bikes you're bound to get extras thrown in. If you come across a low mileage model with tons of goodies, bags, windshield, pipes, etc. That may greatly influence your decision.
Shop around, see what you can find. When you finally do get one, ride the hell out of it.
R.I.P. BROTHER
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 6
From: Colorado Springs
No brainer for me...I has this same scenario last year. I had 15 grand cash money in hand and I was ready to ride another Harley.
New Train 17 grand OTD....
Older 2003-2005 Train 10 Grand.
Hmmmm.....
What ended up swaying me was simply asked myself would I rather have a new one and ride it stock or have a $10,000 Harley with 5-7 Grand worth of sweet mods?
Well....Heres my bike! If I could do it all over again? Wouldnt change a thing....
I actually enjoy shopping for parts, installing parts, selling other parts, I like bits and pieces!!
I'm right close at my preset dollar amount, owe nary a dime to any bank and my bike had 10,900 miles when I bought it last year...Has 18,000 now.
Bought the fvcker outta the classifieds section right here and had it shipped to my house in Colorado from Georgia!
New Train 17 grand OTD....
Older 2003-2005 Train 10 Grand.
Hmmmm.....
What ended up swaying me was simply asked myself would I rather have a new one and ride it stock or have a $10,000 Harley with 5-7 Grand worth of sweet mods?
Well....Heres my bike! If I could do it all over again? Wouldnt change a thing....
I actually enjoy shopping for parts, installing parts, selling other parts, I like bits and pieces!!
I'm right close at my preset dollar amount, owe nary a dime to any bank and my bike had 10,900 miles when I bought it last year...Has 18,000 now.
Bought the fvcker outta the classifieds section right here and had it shipped to my house in Colorado from Georgia!
Last edited by Chazmanian; Sep 14, 2009 at 05:57 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
Here's the thing....
I bought my bike new in May of 2005. 2-1/2 months later, the 2006 bikes had a 200mm rear tire.
"F*ck", I said.
A year later, the 2007 bikes had a 96 inch motor and a 6-speed.
"Motherf*cker", I said.
Now here's the thing. It's 2009. My bike is paid for. I think the 200mm rear tire and 9" fender looks out of place on a Softail. The 6-speed Cruise Drive is a power-sapping, noisy P.O.S. The 96 inch engines run super hot and are more prone to crank slippage.
There are all sorts of deals out there on older bikes. Watch out for the '05s, as the valve seals suck, but other than that, I'd go old again.
I bought my bike new in May of 2005. 2-1/2 months later, the 2006 bikes had a 200mm rear tire.
"F*ck", I said.
A year later, the 2007 bikes had a 96 inch motor and a 6-speed.
"Motherf*cker", I said.
Now here's the thing. It's 2009. My bike is paid for. I think the 200mm rear tire and 9" fender looks out of place on a Softail. The 6-speed Cruise Drive is a power-sapping, noisy P.O.S. The 96 inch engines run super hot and are more prone to crank slippage.
There are all sorts of deals out there on older bikes. Watch out for the '05s, as the valve seals suck, but other than that, I'd go old again.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,624
Likes: 189
From: Newcastle, Ca.
If youre on a budget, which you must be given the question, you can not beat the price of an 03-06 with LOTS of goodies already installed. You will find one with under 5k miles, no problem. A friend just bought an 06 Deluxe with 1k miles and lots of goodies, shield, AC, SS cables, 1 1/4" bars... for $13k.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,186
Likes: 6
From: Gray's Creek NC
I bought an '03 Fatboy, I like it. I like the carb, I like the 5 speed, I like the 88. On top of all that the original owner did about 12K in upgrades that I didn't pay for. I hardly ever buy new stuff, don't like eating the depreciation.