Expected engine life/mileage on a Heritage?
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 294
Likes: 2
From: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Expected engine life/mileage on a Heritage?
Guys,
I have owned and happily ridden a 96 Sporty for the last six years. But I am now looking to purchase a heritage softtail classic.. but with a daughter about to start college, I am not able to buy a nearly new one like most of you would. I am limited to about $9k or less... hopefully less.
I have been seeing significant price declines on the bikes with 60k or more miles on them... What is the expected life-expectancy of an 1338 or larger engine on a 15 year old Heritage? If the bike has been well cared for, is it a huge risk? One I am looking at has had to average 7k miles a year to have the numbers work out. I am targeting models that are model year 2000 or older primarily.
Thanks guys for any info or stories you can share.
I have owned and happily ridden a 96 Sporty for the last six years. But I am now looking to purchase a heritage softtail classic.. but with a daughter about to start college, I am not able to buy a nearly new one like most of you would. I am limited to about $9k or less... hopefully less.
I have been seeing significant price declines on the bikes with 60k or more miles on them... What is the expected life-expectancy of an 1338 or larger engine on a 15 year old Heritage? If the bike has been well cared for, is it a huge risk? One I am looking at has had to average 7k miles a year to have the numbers work out. I am targeting models that are model year 2000 or older primarily.
Thanks guys for any info or stories you can share.
Last edited by Pilotguy1050; Apr 28, 2013 at 10:08 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
From: Louisiana
100K is not a problem if it's well taken care of, even if it get's worn out a little earlier a rebuild is not that expensive. If you like the bike and it's a comfortable ride then buy it. Your happiness on the road is well worth it.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,453
Likes: 249
If your looking at Evo's primarily as others have said a well cared for bike is good for 100k and beyond they're said to be almost bullet proof, I should post again in the Evo forum there are some real knowledgable guys over there, as for TC bikes the earlier 88 engine bikes are said to be better, just make sure you check the Camm tennioners for excess wear, hopefully the guy you buy from if you get a TC bike will have upgraded to gear driven or at least the Hydraulic upgrade kit.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,453
Likes: 249
Forgot to say most or all Harley dealerships don't seem to want to touch older bikes like Evo's so unless your mechanically minded you'll have to find a good independent guy to work on it for you, also keep in mind the older the bike the longer you may have to wait for spares should you need them.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 149
From: High in the Colorado Rockies
FYI, I purchased an 05 Heritage in 2010 for far less than 9k. The bike had stage 1, V&H BSL, LePera seat, Chubby apes, and all chromed out with only 15k miles. Be patient and check EBay, Craigslist (where I purchased my Heritage), Cycle Trader, etc. I always purchased in mid-winter which is the period to get the best deals. The bike now has close to 30k and runs like a charm. SJ Ron
Supporter
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,242
Likes: 1
From: Farmingdale, New York
FYI, I purchased an 05 Heritage in 2010 for far less than 9k. The bike had stage 1, V&H BSL, LePera seat, Chubby apes, and all chromed out with only 15k miles. Be patient and check EBay, Craigslist (where I purchased my Heritage), Cycle Trader, etc. I always purchased in mid-winter which is the period to get the best deals. The bike now has close to 30k and runs like a charm. SJ Ron
Good advice right here. I bought my 2000 Heritage with 11,000 miles for around $8,000..................... be patient and keep looking for a deal. they are out there. good luck man........
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 209
Likes: 0
From: west Michigan
I bought my 05 fatboy (basically same as heritage) for less than 10 last year. I bought in Feb. From now till Sep the prices are usually higher. My bike had only 11K on when I bought.
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Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 294
Likes: 2
From: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Forgot to say most or all Harley dealerships don't seem to want to touch older bikes like Evo's so unless your mechanically minded you'll have to find a good independent guy to work on it for you, also keep in mind the older the bike the longer you may have to wait for spares should you need them.
Oh... another related question: Does it matter if I lean towards older models with CARBs, or should I lean towards newer ones with FI?
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 9
From: North Carolina
So... an EVO is considered an "older bike"? Seriously? So what do they call the current engine line? I thought the only thing 'newer' than the Evolution was the "Revolution", ala their watercooled line? I am a lot dumber than I thought I guess. Thanks for the info and opinions so far....
Oh... another related question: Does it matter if I lean towards older models with CARBs, or should I lean towards newer ones with FI?
Oh... another related question: Does it matter if I lean towards older models with CARBs, or should I lean towards newer ones with FI?
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