Question on big twin power
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,086
Likes: 19,248
From: The Wasteland
There are literally thousands of low mileage garage queens out there just waiting to be bought and ridden. Take your time, be selective. If the deal isn't everything you want just wait. It will come along and you'll be happy with your purchase.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 2,896
From: Oklahoma
A word of caution, the 07 through 10 years, both 96 and 103 came with inadequate compensators. '11 and newer came with the original design SE compensator. Those also had weak spots. I believe the '14s came with the current design which is fairly trouble free. If the pre-11 bike already had the SE comp installed, you are in better shape. Even if that comp gives trouble, at least you won't have to replace the rotor, saving you around $300 on the job.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 69
Likes: 44
From: Long Island, NY
Completely agree, I bought mine a couple of months ago and was surprised at how many low mileage bike were out there. Mine was a 2011 with only 867 miles! Older gentleman bought it when he retired, had it all decked out with dealer installed goodies when he picked it up and never really rode it. Just after I got mine home I met a guy selling the same exact bike with only 4K but bone stock. Worked in the restaurant industry and had no time for it. Patience, they are out there.
Last edited by motorbtr; Jul 16, 2019 at 04:33 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 131
Likes: 23
From: Boston
Im 5-8 and I had a sporty. Only problem I have is back it up if its a small hill. Other than that absolutely no problems! Plus get a narrow seat and youll good to go
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 6,065
Likes: 1,824
From: Kalifornia
A word of caution, the 07 through 10 years, both 96 and 103 came with inadequate compensators. '11 and newer came with the original design SE compensator. Those also had weak spots. I believe the '14s came with the current design which is fairly trouble free. If the pre-11 bike already had the SE comp installed, you are in better shape. Even if that comp gives trouble, at least you won't have to replace the rotor, saving you around $300 on the job.
Ok will look newer than 07 for sure. I know with momma on the back she won't like to see me doin 80 just to keep in in the power band. Me neither really.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,086
Likes: 19,248
From: The Wasteland
Thats the kinda stuff I like to hear. I just learned a few days ago what the heck a compensator is. Can the older ones be upgraded? How expensive is that job, and also how do you know when one is bad?
Ok will look newer than 07 for sure. I know with momma on the back she won't like to see me doin 80 just to keep in in the power band. Me neither really.
Ok will look newer than 07 for sure. I know with momma on the back she won't like to see me doin 80 just to keep in in the power band. Me neither really.
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 6,065
Likes: 1,824
From: Kalifornia
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 35,239
Likes: 19,070
From: 40.2444° N, 75.6419° W
I went from an 883 to a Dyna. The big twin is like a tank, heavier, faster, tougher. not to say the sportster isnt tough, but youll like a big twin. I dont suspect a 1200 has anything over a big twin, not anything that I feel I may have missed out on. I pulled out hard on my Dyna once and pulled the front wheel up from first to second, so yeah the power is there. The bike is heavier though, abd I suspect an FLH is heavier also. But the overall ride is better, its worth it.
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 6,065
Likes: 1,824
From: Kalifornia
The guy I bought my 1200 from bought a Dyna. He was not that impressed with power difference. I have no idea what year the Dyna was, so it might have been an older one. I mean he could have gone from a 1200 cc 560# bike to a 1340 cc 650# bike, so of course not a lot of difference there. Not discounting engine characteristics. We didn't talk about the ride difference.