Buying a Heritage
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From:
How Much and Where are you going to ride? How much do you want to spend?
If it were for a new Harley rider, I'd say buy an early to mid 2000's bargain and ride it for a while because your idea of what you want and perfect bike WILL change.
I have a 2003 purchased new and still LOVE the bike. If I were buying one right now, it would be a question of how much I wanted to spend versus upgrades.
You can get some great bargains on an older twin cam, but I'd sure like to have a 6speed for the highway. If you start with the wants, then ABS is a terrific safety feature, and wouldn't a bigger engine be nice. Then again, sometimes, I wish I had an even simpler setup with a carb.
If it were for a new Harley rider, I'd say buy an early to mid 2000's bargain and ride it for a while because your idea of what you want and perfect bike WILL change.
I have a 2003 purchased new and still LOVE the bike. If I were buying one right now, it would be a question of how much I wanted to spend versus upgrades.
You can get some great bargains on an older twin cam, but I'd sure like to have a 6speed for the highway. If you start with the wants, then ABS is a terrific safety feature, and wouldn't a bigger engine be nice. Then again, sometimes, I wish I had an even simpler setup with a carb.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 789
Likes: 3
From: Utah
He's got 8+ years riding experience on a vstar. Ridden some Heritages and Road Kings and likes the feel of the Heritage better. I think with his specific color choice it will come down to what's available. 07-13 (at least get EFI and 6 speed Trans), I would guess $12-17k depending on the year.
Thanks for all the input.
Thanks for all the input.
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
Almost every yr of bike has a few flaws.
Don't over think it.. just get the one like at the price you like. everything else can be fixed..
Basically
the 88's has the tensioners (Cam) issue.
07 & 08 have the 5th gear whine,, IMO its way overstated,, Mine was barley noticeably on my new 07 and after 10K or so you had to really listen for it to even hear it..
09 and up are having wheel bearing issues.
Performance wise again IMO there is not all the much diff between the 88's - 96''er and the 103's.. do a Stg1 and cams in either an 88'' or 96'' and you'll stay even with a stg 1 - 103'' or maybe out in front of them. I know mine does..
Don't over think it.. just get the one like at the price you like. everything else can be fixed..
Basically
the 88's has the tensioners (Cam) issue.
07 & 08 have the 5th gear whine,, IMO its way overstated,, Mine was barley noticeably on my new 07 and after 10K or so you had to really listen for it to even hear it..
09 and up are having wheel bearing issues.
Performance wise again IMO there is not all the much diff between the 88's - 96''er and the 103's.. do a Stg1 and cams in either an 88'' or 96'' and you'll stay even with a stg 1 - 103'' or maybe out in front of them. I know mine does..
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: King George, Va.
I love my 08 Anniversary Edition. Bought it literally new last year. Only 3k on the clock. Tuned with the SEPST and stage 1 A/C. Made aworld of difference in performance. Best handling bike I ever had. Six speed is a MUST. Would never consider less than that. The new 103 are nice, but not necessarely a must have. I would like to have ABS, though.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 789
Likes: 3
From: Utah
Almost every yr of bike has a few flaws.
Don't over think it.. just get the one like at the price you like. everything else can be fixed..
Basically
the 88's has the tensioners (Cam) issue.
07 & 08 have the 5th gear whine,, IMO its way overstated,, Mine was barley noticeably on my new 07 and after 10K or so you had to really listen for it to even hear it..
09 and up are having wheel bearing issues.
Performance wise again IMO there is not all the much diff between the 88's - 96''er and the 103's.. do a Stg1 and cams in either an 88'' or 96'' and you'll stay even with a stg 1 - 103'' or maybe out in front of them. I know mine does..
Don't over think it.. just get the one like at the price you like. everything else can be fixed..
Basically
the 88's has the tensioners (Cam) issue.
07 & 08 have the 5th gear whine,, IMO its way overstated,, Mine was barley noticeably on my new 07 and after 10K or so you had to really listen for it to even hear it..
09 and up are having wheel bearing issues.
Performance wise again IMO there is not all the much diff between the 88's - 96''er and the 103's.. do a Stg1 and cams in either an 88'' or 96'' and you'll stay even with a stg 1 - 103'' or maybe out in front of them. I know mine does..
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,656
Likes: 9,114
From: Snow Hill, NC
Basically every year has some issues so just buy what you feel is the best for you as far as feel, looks and money...Deal with the small issues as they come up...IE: Cam chain tensioner (easy fix),Wheel Bearings (Easy fix) The pre 08 have better bearings. Inner primary bearings...Might eventually go out...Fix it...Compensator...replace with SE...(easy fix).
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 567
Likes: 33
From: NW Arkansas
I traded a 2011 Ultra Limited for a 2003 Anniversary Heritage plus cash because I've always wanted the silver/black combo. No issues for me. Buy what you are comfortable with and ride. Like others have said, most of the easy things can be fixed cheaply.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,041
Likes: 12,962
From: Texas, USA
Your brother has to first determine how important ABS is to him. If it is a must have, he has no choice but to go with a 2012 or later. ABS is only a factory installed option. It cannot be added afterwards as all other changes can.
Personally, I would go with the latest model year he can afford.
Personally, I would go with the latest model year he can afford.