ok - I am looking at buying a used Heritage Softtail Classic...2007-2011.

What do I need to know about these years - any potential issues for a given model year?
Do all these model years have catalytic converters? TBW? All FI or are some carbed? all 96B motors?

I currently have a 2006 Streetglide, and know all the ins and outs of the touring line, but not familiar with the softails.

 

All are 96B and FI, the only reason to go with an 09 is that they changed to a helical 5th gear in 09 (I think) to correct for some (much complained about) whining. Not sure when the cats showed up in the Heritage, someone else will have to chime in here, but I believe that was 09, but who keeps the stock pipes anyway?

in 2011, Softails were the first to receive the new wiring system which is essentially a low voltage network called HDLAN based on similar CAN systems on cars, its more reliable, less expensive, and generally safer, but like cars it further locks these bikes into being serviced by the dealers who can afford the expensive diagnostic gear.

 

35k on our 07. and no problems all with it.

Had a miss due to battery bolts loose, and last month at (33k) after filling up the gas tank she started running rough after 100 miles... turned out to be the Hole in the gas line inside the tank...

other than that she's been perfect..

 

No cats on my '09, and Harley was still supplying the 5th gear whine as factory standard. Great bike, no issues.

 

Thanks - keep them coming. When did the softails do away with throttle cables or are they still using them??

 

My '09 still uses cables. Can't help with later models.

 

I think the only softail that uses electronic throttle/cruise is the CVO Convertable. Also think the Cats came into play in 2010. Not a big issue though, you'll change pipes anyway. My '09' has the straight cut fifth gear. I've heard that gear is stonger for passing than the newer helicle cuts. I did have a whine but pipes took care of that problem. Bike has been flawless for 20,000 miles now.

 

I have a 2010 and I came off a Street Glide. I like the power and the smoothness of the engine. It does not have the fifth gear whine and it's been running flawless. I currently have over 5,000 miles. My wife has the 2009 and she has the fifth gear whine and her bike is running flawless also. I did change my exhaust to true duals with a high flo air cleaner kit and noticed that my wife's bike runs better off the line since her's is still stock. I am considering getting a set of cams and using the super tune this winter. You won't be disappointed in a softail....

 

We have an 08 which has the "whiney" 5th gear. It's noticeable, but I don't find it obtrusive at all on mine. Makes it easy to tell you are in 5th. No other major issues. you will read a lot about heat but you should expect some heat from that engine between your legs at stoplights so I consider that a non issue also.

 

2010 was the gear change. I have an 09 & it has a whine. it doesn't bother me at all. I use it to let me know what when I'm in 5th My 09 runs great with a PCV, True Duals & lots of other goodies.