Contemplating future upgrade
Novice
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Pleasant Prairie, WI
I agree that you shouldn't worry about the year. Every bike, year has issues of some sort. I would determine what your price range is and then see what is out there. I personally determined what price range we could afford and then starting test riding in the mid 2000's. Unfortunately me and my wife just didn't feel comfortable. Then we starting riding early 90's bikes and liked the way they rode and then finally determined that a 96 felt right. I've dealt with a lot of issues and I've used that to learn how to work on it and improve it. Making it mine in the process.
Ultimately, just start riding till you find which one you like. I personally like the seating position of the 90s bikes and the evo shake. I personally like the fuel injection, but it takes a lot of fiddling to get it right. However, once you get it right it runs better than any bike I've had so far.
Ultimately, just start riding till you find which one you like. I personally like the seating position of the 90s bikes and the evo shake. I personally like the fuel injection, but it takes a lot of fiddling to get it right. However, once you get it right it runs better than any bike I've had so far.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 6,040
Likes: 1,816
From: Kalifornia
I like the FI on my sporty, and the flexibility it gives for altitude. I realize tuning it is trickier, but so are carbs, for me anyway.
So no major issues from year to year,it seems. Good to know.
When did the big twins get FI?
I appreciate all the feedback, truely.
So no major issues from year to year,it seems. Good to know.
When did the big twins get FI?
I appreciate all the feedback, truely.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 280
From: North Cental Iowa
The best rule of thumb is get the newest that you can afford, the 09 & newer frame is a big improvement, especially for 2up riding. Before all the early year promoters get all offended they are good bikes, but not as good as the later models. You can find "garage queens" with only 5-6K miles, but they are still 15 or so years old & things wear out from age as well as miles, & consider that at 4-500 miles per year they sat around more than they were ridden, or maybe they sat for several years without being ridden at all, not good either. Get at least a 07 & newer as they have the less troublesome hydraulic cam chain tensioners, if the earlier tensioners haven't been dealt with they can be a timebomb waiting to explode, taking out the complete engine to the tune of thousands of $$$. It doesn't sound as though you have the expertise to do major mechanical work yourself, another reason to buy as new as possible. The 09-12 have a pretty good record for reliability & can be found for a good price if you shop around, I'd suggest trying to sell the Sporty outright as dealers don't like to give much for trade on them, that also allows you to buy from a private party which usually is also a better price point. Try to have someone you know who is more experienced help you look them over or tell the seller you want to have it checked over before you purchase it at your expense, this is on a bike that you're ready to buy if the it checks out. As I said before the best advice I can give is to buy as new as you can afford, but that doesn't mean to buy a junker 2012 before a really well taken care of 2008. Good luck & I hope you enjoy your new ride, for 2up riding there's nothing like a touring model.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,385
Likes: 1,442
From: Brentwood
Really whatever you get will be modified to fit you sooner or later. Bars, Seats, and Shocks make the rides so much more comfortable. Different stages to the engine make the bike more rideable to whatever your style is. Then there’s all the cosmetic stuff that make it look just the way you like it.
Very rarely do you see someone buy a Harley and leave it as is.
Very rarely do you see someone buy a Harley and leave it as is.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 6,040
Likes: 1,816
From: Kalifornia
Yea I have been doing that to the sporty so will prob do it to a big twin, but wondered where to start. I have a lot of mechanical experience, but not on Harleys. I can still learn hough.
Thanks, and when the day comes, I will heed the great advice I have gotten here. Thanks again guys.
Thanks, and when the day comes, I will heed the great advice I have gotten here. Thanks again guys.
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