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Thanks for the update on how long people have ridden. Per the dealer it needs swing arm bushings, rear tire, cam tensioners(because it's got 50K??), exhaust pipe is cracked at Y, front disc and pads, and rear caliper conditioned. Some things I was looking to do myself, BUT limited as to total expertise and patients.
YES the newer features make for a much better ride with even more years of riding?? Yes the sofa looks like the best option...even considered the big D.....LOL
I ran my '00 Road Glide to 170,000 miles. Good bike. I like the early Twin Cams after the tensioner pads are upgraded.
Tell us more about your '99. Injected? And what needs $4,000 worth of your money?
Thanks for the update on how long people have ridden. Per the dealer it needs swing arm bushings, rear tire, cam tensioners(because it's got 50K??), exhaust pipe is cracked at Y, front disc and pads, and rear caliper conditioned. Some things I was looking to do myself, BUT limited as to total expertise and patients.
those tensioners are a thing. Theyll take out your bottom end if let go too long. Everything else to me is just maintenance. 4k would put you a long way towards a 14+ with abs plus your trade value if they dont hit you too hard. Id say thats 7-8k towards a rushmore bike possibly. At your age, id really consider that route on a trike. Youd never have to worry about holding it up. Either way id see what theyd give you and what youd have to give them to get into a 14+.
I would also factor in the miles you ride per year into the equation. Looks like you put around 2,500 miles per year.
Would it be worth the cost above and beyond the money you need to put into your current bike into a newer one? Your financial situation will be the deciding factor.
A couple yrs ago, I bought a new to me 2015 Electra Glide Classic Low with 1,200 miles on it, with plans to sell my 2004 Electra that has 56,000 miles on it.
I've still not sold the '04 and truth be told, the '04 is more comfortable to me, it's kinda like an old pair of shoes, they just fit perfect.
I take the '15 on the longer trips, and I like some of the newer options on it, and it seems to be smoother, ride wise. But if we ride locally, I'm taking the '04.
I'm in the process of building a new shed, so I'll probably end up selling the 'ole girl, so I don't have to borrow $$$$ for the shed.
Good Luck to you, and keep us updated.
Thanks for the update on how long people have ridden. Per the dealer it needs swing arm bushings, rear tire, cam tensioners(because it's got 50K??), exhaust pipe is cracked at Y, front disc and pads, and rear caliper conditioned. Some things I was looking to do myself, BUT limited as to total expertise and patients.
Keep your current bike
Repair /replace what you can do yourself
Find an Independent shop to do what you can not
I just went through this. I had a 2003 FLHTCUI100. It had some oil leaks, and a cracked tour pack. I wanted a newer bike, so I could tour when I retire this year. I was going to buy a 2020 FLHTK last Spring with 800 miles on it for $27k. My wife asked me to hold off until the summer (budget director). By the summer, prices had gone up about $4k. I didnt think they were worth it.
I sold my 03 for $4,500. It still ran great. I bought a 2012 FLHTK. It was $13k with only 12k miles on it. I bought it from a mechanic/used bike dealer, that claimed he couldnt let me test ride it for insurance reasons.
Turned out he was dishonest. As soon as I got on the bike I knew it needed front rotors, they were warped. He had a cheap Korean tire on the front. Three days after I bought it the quick connect failed and all the gas leaked out. Long story short, $3k later it was all fixed up with new tires. I love the bike but miss some things about my old one.
The 88 is better for 2 lane riding at 64 mph. Its right in the sweet spot of power/noise. With the 103/6speed it lugs at 64. In the interstate at 80 the new bike is much smoother and quieter and will make touring long distances much easier. The new bike has much better headlights. I dont feel handling improved. If anything it takes bumps more harshly.
I have a millionaire friend who could afford any bike he wants and his 99 carbed FLHT is his favorite bike.
So if you plan on doing local riding, 1up, under 3k a year, fix your bike, or get a new FLHT. If you want a full bagger, and are going to tour on interstates look for a 09 or newer garage queen. Id recommend test riding it, or paying a mechanic to check it out.
Good luck. Im 65 by the way. 03 versus 12 lights.
Last edited by Ron750; Dec 30, 2021 at 04:37 AM.
Reason: In
When I had the Road Glide I was riding 20,000 miles per year (commuting,) so I installed gear drives. $600 worth of parts and I needed my indy to press on my bearings.
That said, on my new to me '02 Dyna, I'll go with the Twin Power 'Cyco' pad kit which for about $75 gets me the pads, the tool to help install them and the top end gasket kit so that I can remove and reinstall the original pushrods. (An afternoon's worth of work at best.)
I've heard nothing but good things about Cyco tensioner pads after all these years.
(Harley will want to sell you the hydraulics tensioners, cam plate and oil pump kit and I don't believe that's necessary.)
Keep your current bike
Repair /replace what you can do yourself
Find an Independent shop to do what you can not
Yeah this is kinda my thought process right now as I can do some things.... It would be great if I could find a good INDY in the Milwaukee area?? Tried one that was "recommended" with a garage shop,, but BIG mistake as he was really sloppy!!!
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