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I am looking at purchasing a touring bike to take on longer rides. Specifically, I’m looking for something a little more comfortable than my Sportster. There is what seems like a good deal local to me on a 1999 Electra Glide with 23k miles for 5500. What are the “downsides” to buying a 20+ year old bike? I don’t mind that it’s carbureted. Would you all steer me towards something newer even at double the price?
I`m good with `99
I`m good with a carb
Probably $4500 around here IF it`s really NICE and the cam tensioners have been serviced , doesn`t need tires etc
I haven't seen it in person yet, but it looks to be in pretty good shape based on the photos. The seller has told me it just had the rear tire replaced. I will make sure to ask about the cam tensioners.
Thank you all! Here's the best photo from the ad, btw. I know it doesn't show much, but just for reference. I dig the green!
I just missed a PRISTINE unmolested 2003 bagger with 22K on it for 6500, showroom perfect, just needed the cam chest issues addressed (Cyclo shoes for a quick fix)
IMHO the bike you are looking at is a 4500 dollar bike, I might go 5K tops if it is in great shape make sure you have a local Indy to work on it, or wrench it yourself.
There is no factory or dealer support for a bike that old so you are at the mercy of the aftermarket.
I would inquire about the cam bearings, tensioner shoes and the cam bolt. I believe there was a recall on some of the cam chest parts. Everything else is pretty good.
1999 should be a twin cam 88ci engine. I would definitely ask about the cam tension shoes and if they have been replaced. You will want to figure that info your price to purchase the bike because they will need changed. Some as early as 20K miles some as late as 50k miles I have a 2002 FLHTC and my cam tension shoes went out right around 25K miles. I wound up upgrading to SS510 gear drive cams and upgraded my oil pump. 1999 thru 2002 had the better cranks than the later 88ci twin cams so runout should be acceptable on the crank to allow gear drive upgrade.
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1999 Electra Glide
