Trying to figure out what to look for regarding FXSTs
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 613
Likes: 75
From: Marietta, GA
Trying to figure out what to look for regarding FXSTs
Thinking about getting an FXST. Always liked the design. I currently have an XL1200V (the seventy-two) and love it. Wouldn't dream about being that cliché guy that trades in a Sportster for a "bigger bike" just for the hell of it. My girlfriend has a Softail Slim and, to be honest, I like the way my bike rides better
I'm just thinking lately that some added fuel capacity would really come in handy with peace of mind and practicality when going on long rides. Last long ride I did with the 72 was 1300 miles and I probably hit the gas station 16 or 17 times, always crossing my fingers that the next one was just ahead
OK, all that said, I'm having a hard time finding a decent timeline of Softail firsts....locally, there's a nice 06 and 07 for sale. I realized the engine size is the main difference there. I'm not a fan so much of the 200mm tire, but whatever, I can deal with that. Are there any particular problem years to look out for?
Also, bike model aside, is it just plain dumb to go from a new(ish) 2012 bike to one with 7 years on the clock for roughly the same amount of money? All logic says yes, but if this engine goes on down the road with no issues, and more comfortable to slap 700 miles on in a day, then who cares, right?
I'm just thinking lately that some added fuel capacity would really come in handy with peace of mind and practicality when going on long rides. Last long ride I did with the 72 was 1300 miles and I probably hit the gas station 16 or 17 times, always crossing my fingers that the next one was just ahead
OK, all that said, I'm having a hard time finding a decent timeline of Softail firsts....locally, there's a nice 06 and 07 for sale. I realized the engine size is the main difference there. I'm not a fan so much of the 200mm tire, but whatever, I can deal with that. Are there any particular problem years to look out for?
Also, bike model aside, is it just plain dumb to go from a new(ish) 2012 bike to one with 7 years on the clock for roughly the same amount of money? All logic says yes, but if this engine goes on down the road with no issues, and more comfortable to slap 700 miles on in a day, then who cares, right?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,374
Likes: 5
From: redbank new Jersey
I love the fxst and had a 2007 fxst and a 2003 fxst and I must say I like the 2003 way better! The 2007 with the 200mm just does not handle like the 2003 and the older 88 moter gets 43 mpg and runs way cooler power wize with cams in my 88 my 88 has a little more power then my 2007...I sold my 2007 and kept my carbed 2003 fxst
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 784
Likes: 12
From: Texas
My suggestion is use your local dealerships.
Go in when you got some time to kill and ride a bunch of different bikes.
Tell them you think it's time for an upgrade Ride everything you think you might be interested in. Around here if they think theirs a chance of you buying anything i think they will let you ride everything they have.
I like the fxst especially the older springers but don't rule out trying some dynas if you prefer your sporster ride over the slim especially.
Go in when you got some time to kill and ride a bunch of different bikes.
Tell them you think it's time for an upgrade Ride everything you think you might be interested in. Around here if they think theirs a chance of you buying anything i think they will let you ride everything they have.
I like the fxst especially the older springers but don't rule out trying some dynas if you prefer your sporster ride over the slim especially.
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
From: Newfoundland
I got an 07 and haven't had any issues. The 06s and 07s a pretty unique, some parts aren't interchangeable with earlier or later models.
As mentioned, the main difference in the 2 are the 88ci w/ 5sp and the 96ci w/ 6sp. The 88s run a bit cooler but you'll need to change out the cam chain tensioners after 30k or so.
Power differences isn't noticeable.
As mentioned, the main difference in the 2 are the 88ci w/ 5sp and the 96ci w/ 6sp. The 88s run a bit cooler but you'll need to change out the cam chain tensioners after 30k or so.
Power differences isn't noticeable.
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 613
Likes: 75
From: Marietta, GA
thanks for all the comments
I checked out an 07 yesterday, but they were packed in like sardines so I didn't bother asking for a test ride
I'm not sure that 200mm tire really does it for me as far as looks go....and the one they had seems to be way off in price. 13.5K for a bike with 25K miles on it. Though the FXST prices seem to be all over the place on cycletrader
might go check out a 2000 tomorrow. Helluva lot cheaper and 16K miles on it
magnum, your 03 looks great....10" bars?
I checked out an 07 yesterday, but they were packed in like sardines so I didn't bother asking for a test ride
I'm not sure that 200mm tire really does it for me as far as looks go....and the one they had seems to be way off in price. 13.5K for a bike with 25K miles on it. Though the FXST prices seem to be all over the place on cycletrader
might go check out a 2000 tomorrow. Helluva lot cheaper and 16K miles on it
magnum, your 03 looks great....10" bars?