Softail Purchase
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
From: Denver
You will be able to find some real good deals on a Dyna in that price range. Good luck!
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
Awesome. You don't see any issues in performance moving from a 1700 down?
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 270
Likes: 0
From: Denver
Well probably. I assume your bike is liquid cooled and shaft driven. So stepping down to an air cooled 1440cc bike, there will be some performance step down. However, the Dyna will be much lighter and much better handling, so I doubt you notice anything really. There are a ton of performance mods you can make to the bike to get it where you want it to be.
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
Well probably. I assume your bike is liquid cooled and shaft driven. So stepping down to an air cooled 1440cc bike, there will be some performance step down. However, the Dyna will be much lighter and much better handling, so I doubt you notice anything really. There are a ton of performance mods you can make to the bike to get it where you want it to be.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 125
Likes: 24
From: Alberta
The softail standard was very similar to the softail custom, but it didn't have all the engine chrome that the custom did, came with a different seat and handlebars. It was a cheaper bike for anyone wanting to get onto a softail on a budget, or as a cheaper starting point for those who intended extensive modification/customization from the get go (more $$ left for the mods/custom work). It had the same tins, engine, trans as the softail custom but just a little less of the extras (chrome, bars, more subtle paint). I'm not sure of the exact dates, but I think it was available in most of the years the softail custom was not as there were a few years in there (late 90's early 2000's???) where the softail custom was not offered.
Something I'm surprised nobody has mentioned is the issue with the cam chain tensioners on the 88" bikes (2000-06 softails, 1999-06 dynas). The TC88" had its cam chain tensioned by a spring loaded shoe that was prone to wear, and if allowed to wear through could potentially cause expensive damage in the cam chest. Both HD's screaming eagle as well as the aftermarket have well proven solutions for this potential problem, and this repair work also offers the perfect opportunity to upgrade cams for anyone looking for some more go. Personally, I wouldn't let this deter me from buying an 88" bike, but just something I would keep in mind if doing so. If one can be found thats affordable, a 96" ('07 and up bike) not only has the new style hydraulic cam chain tensioner, but also obviously a slightly larger engine (1450cc to 1584cc), efi (was optional before '07), and I think the custom was available again sometime later in the 2000's but not sure of exactly when it was or wasn't.
One more FYI: these things are money pits, not to keep them running, just mean that there's always something else you'll want to do to it, and that particular something else is not usually cheap. One upside to a used bike is that very few have been left bone stock so you might find one with some upgrades/accessories that you'd want anyways. Good luck with your decision and enjoy your new ride.
Something I'm surprised nobody has mentioned is the issue with the cam chain tensioners on the 88" bikes (2000-06 softails, 1999-06 dynas). The TC88" had its cam chain tensioned by a spring loaded shoe that was prone to wear, and if allowed to wear through could potentially cause expensive damage in the cam chest. Both HD's screaming eagle as well as the aftermarket have well proven solutions for this potential problem, and this repair work also offers the perfect opportunity to upgrade cams for anyone looking for some more go. Personally, I wouldn't let this deter me from buying an 88" bike, but just something I would keep in mind if doing so. If one can be found thats affordable, a 96" ('07 and up bike) not only has the new style hydraulic cam chain tensioner, but also obviously a slightly larger engine (1450cc to 1584cc), efi (was optional before '07), and I think the custom was available again sometime later in the 2000's but not sure of exactly when it was or wasn't.
One more FYI: these things are money pits, not to keep them running, just mean that there's always something else you'll want to do to it, and that particular something else is not usually cheap. One upside to a used bike is that very few have been left bone stock so you might find one with some upgrades/accessories that you'd want anyways. Good luck with your decision and enjoy your new ride.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 127
Likes: 1
From: Texas
Hey everyone, I would really enjoy your input about rejoining the Harley family.
I owned a Sportster a couple of years ago and realized it was too small and sold it quick. I stepped out of the HD family and bought a Yamaha Warrior 1700PC. It's fast, quite large, and is amazingly comfortable on long trips.
I've been looking at Dynas and Softails for awhile and decided on a Softail Custom. However, theres not much info out there about the difference over the years of each Softail...what I mean is, I'm not too worried about owning a 1990 compared to an 02'....or the question is, should I be? Or even, is a Softail Standard that much different as well?
I love the Warrior, but finding parts to upgrade or customize is like pulling teeth, and people want way high prices because these parts or so hard to come by. I've noticed the Softail is a very customizable bike with tons of options.
Also, do you think I would miss the torque of my Warrior, or can that be corrected with a few upgrades to the Softail motor?
As it stands today, I'm still trying to sell my warrior and make enough to buy a Softail. Thanks for reading through this everyone and I appreciate all your feedback.
Thank you!
I owned a Sportster a couple of years ago and realized it was too small and sold it quick. I stepped out of the HD family and bought a Yamaha Warrior 1700PC. It's fast, quite large, and is amazingly comfortable on long trips.
I've been looking at Dynas and Softails for awhile and decided on a Softail Custom. However, theres not much info out there about the difference over the years of each Softail...what I mean is, I'm not too worried about owning a 1990 compared to an 02'....or the question is, should I be? Or even, is a Softail Standard that much different as well?
I love the Warrior, but finding parts to upgrade or customize is like pulling teeth, and people want way high prices because these parts or so hard to come by. I've noticed the Softail is a very customizable bike with tons of options.
Also, do you think I would miss the torque of my Warrior, or can that be corrected with a few upgrades to the Softail motor?
As it stands today, I'm still trying to sell my warrior and make enough to buy a Softail. Thanks for reading through this everyone and I appreciate all your feedback.
Thank you!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 3,747
Likes: 5
From: Central Cali
Hey everyone, I would really enjoy your input about rejoining the Harley family.
I owned a Sportster a couple of years ago and realized it was too small and sold it quick. I stepped out of the HD family and bought a Yamaha Warrior 1700PC. It's fast, quite large, and is amazingly comfortable on long trips.
I've been looking at Dynas and Softails for awhile and decided on a Softail Custom. However, theres not much info out there about the difference over the years of each Softail...what I mean is, I'm not too worried about owning a 1990 compared to an 02'....or the question is, should I be? Or even, is a Softail Standard that much different as well?
I love the Warrior, but finding parts to upgrade or customize is like pulling teeth, and people want way high prices because these parts or so hard to come by. I've noticed the Softail is a very customizable bike with tons of options.
Also, do you think I would miss the torque of my Warrior, or can that be corrected with a few upgrades to the Softail motor?
As it stands today, I'm still trying to sell my warrior and make enough to buy a Softail. Thanks for reading through this everyone and I appreciate all your feedback.
Thank you!
I owned a Sportster a couple of years ago and realized it was too small and sold it quick. I stepped out of the HD family and bought a Yamaha Warrior 1700PC. It's fast, quite large, and is amazingly comfortable on long trips.
I've been looking at Dynas and Softails for awhile and decided on a Softail Custom. However, theres not much info out there about the difference over the years of each Softail...what I mean is, I'm not too worried about owning a 1990 compared to an 02'....or the question is, should I be? Or even, is a Softail Standard that much different as well?
I love the Warrior, but finding parts to upgrade or customize is like pulling teeth, and people want way high prices because these parts or so hard to come by. I've noticed the Softail is a very customizable bike with tons of options.
Also, do you think I would miss the torque of my Warrior, or can that be corrected with a few upgrades to the Softail motor?
As it stands today, I'm still trying to sell my warrior and make enough to buy a Softail. Thanks for reading through this everyone and I appreciate all your feedback.
Thank you!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,922
Likes: 589
From: Running with the gators
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,272
Likes: 20
From: Shamokin, PA
I would seriously consider whether or not you want to have another Harley.
I bought mine two years or so ago, and I really thought I had bought my ultimate dream bike, after a long lay off from motorcycling.
I have had numerous warranty claims. I have had my 2 year warranty cut in half because I bought an ex demo bike, and 'Thats what they only ever get, 12 months', after negotiating 24 months at time of sale.
The suspension is crap, even worse trying to do any serious two up stuff.
And the last problem was the brake reservoirs leaking for the second time having already had them both replaced under warranty.
So I bought a Kawasaki, which has sat in my garden under a cover whilst I build it a home next to my house, in the pouring rain, and the brake discs, which have been wet for the last week, are still shiny, not rusty, like my Harley that sits in the dry in my shed.
I still enjoy riding the Harley, it's just that for the premium price I paid for it, I expected A LOT more.
I bought mine two years or so ago, and I really thought I had bought my ultimate dream bike, after a long lay off from motorcycling.
I have had numerous warranty claims. I have had my 2 year warranty cut in half because I bought an ex demo bike, and 'Thats what they only ever get, 12 months', after negotiating 24 months at time of sale.
The suspension is crap, even worse trying to do any serious two up stuff.
And the last problem was the brake reservoirs leaking for the second time having already had them both replaced under warranty.
So I bought a Kawasaki, which has sat in my garden under a cover whilst I build it a home next to my house, in the pouring rain, and the brake discs, which have been wet for the last week, are still shiny, not rusty, like my Harley that sits in the dry in my shed.
I still enjoy riding the Harley, it's just that for the premium price I paid for it, I expected A LOT more.