I am thinking on trading my Dyna for a 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, or 2010 Heritage Softail Classic. I have heard that some model years are better than others. Any years to avoid?

 

Well, they went to the new cam tensioners and oil pumps in 08, thats a plus. If you're going to go performance on it, and go with geared cams and such, I'd say they were just about equal. To me the big item would be how well it was cared for before you got to it. Service frequency, etc.

 

Different handlebars and change in the design of the teeth on 5th gear in 2010. Supposed to eliminate the noise issue that bothered some people.

Don't know if there's any major changes in 11 or not. Other than the ABS option.

 

I'd get a 2010 now that the 2011's are out. You'll be able to deal.

 

Try to make sure it didn't belong to the guy on another thread that used a combination of oil makes, weights, and types that was laying around his garage when he serviced his bike!!!!!!

KISS

.

 

I have a 2010. No gear whine in 5th. The helical gears took care of that problem!

 

A few things to consider:

2006 - 88 CI engine, five speed transmission.

2007 -2011 - 96 CU engine, six speed transmission

2009 - Model "refreshed" - different headlight arrangement, floorboards, brake pedal and other cosmetic changes.

2011 - ABS option, new for that model year.

Gear "whine" hasn't been a problem for me with my 2009 Heritage. It was more noticeable, at least to me, on the touring bikes.

If any/all of these are important to you, pick the year that matches what you want in the bike. Anything can be changed, just a matter of time and money.'

There are no bad choices, just a matter of getting what you want. In this market you may find a newer bike for not much difference is price versus an older model - just depends on how anxious the seller is.

Good luck - The Heritage is my third Harley, and my favorite. Right size, detachable windshield and bags, and balanced engine.

 

I know you didn't include it in the list, but my pick would be a 2002. My 2008 Crossbones has a bit more power, but the engine is nowhere near as smooth as my 2002 Heritage Springer. I think the '02s were exceptionally good engines.

 

2003 88B heritage softail.

 

Did the '08 have the 5th gear whine as well as the '09??