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Hello All,
I am an HD rookie and know next to nothing about them. I have in the past owned several Goldwings. I drive past the park and ride every Sunday and see all the old farts my age, 40 something gather for the weekly ride and think to myself what a way to spend the afternoon.
I don’t really have the cash for a new ride because all the HD dealers here in SoCal ask way more than MSRP+ all the other prep fees, but can afford a used one. I have found a couple FLHT Standards that I can afford. The owners say they are in good shape and the both have less than 20k miles on them. They are the carb models and both are priced between $10,500 and 12,000 in Southern California
I have a pretty strong mechanical aptitude but I don’t want to spend allot of time wrenching on the bike. My question is should I go down this road or should i be looking in another direction?
I have been lurking on this board for a few weeks now and I respect the opinions of its members. Thanks in advance and I look forward to joining the community soon
Ray
I have a 2000 FLHT as you can see by my pic. I only have about 28000 miles on it, but it has never been back to the dealer. Just last month I dumped the chain drive cams in favor of S&S, but I have never had any trouble. Just my .02
Ray,
As for which bike, you can only answer that yourself, by which type of riding, how often, how far and if solo or 2 up. I personally don't have a problem with a used bike, the year and mileage are both good concerns. You can check Kelly blue book for used values per the application, to see if you feel comfortable with the price. You should also be able to have the bike checked out at a local dealer. They will probably charge you, but it would be a small cost, if you get to the point you have all but made your decision. At that point it is a decision left all to you. It would be great to add you to the HD family. Someone always buys the used bikes, if not you someone else. Hope this helps. Gene
im 32 and have a ultra classic, never had a problem, and ride the hell outta of it..the only thing Id personally want is a radio. which you can add on. I use mine almosty all the time..good luck, and ride safe
I bought a 2000 Standard and really like it. But I discovered that bikes built before Dec of 1999 have have had a cam bearing problem. Mine was built in july of 1999, so I had a gear drive cam and bearings put in($900). It is now at the third dealers trying to get rid of backfiring problems. You can check with Harley to see when a bike was built. You need the VIN number and the engine number located on the side of the engine. I wouldn't buy one that was built before 2000.
I bought my 02 FLHR with 19,600 miles on it. IMO they aren't even breathing right by then. If the bike has been maintained and you like it- buy it and don't look back. If you aren't sure what your looking at it might pay to have a wrench look at it. It's possible that the local HOG chapter has someone and may even know something about the current owner and the bike. Hope it works out for you.
My 2000 Classic now has 105,000 miles on it with 65,000 on the 95'kit and cam chain tensioners and cam plate/bearings and I still love it.
Currently being upgraded to higher compression,gear drive cams and Baisley heads even though it was still running like new
Oh and it's a carb model,upgraded to a Mikuni 42 with the 95" kit.
I think that if you like the bike.....buy it. Get a mechanic to look the bike over....the 2000 was the last year for the air system in the front forks....if they hold air .....don't mess with them. Good luck and ride on!
I think that if you like the bike.....buy it. Get a mechanic to look the bike over....the 2000 was the last year for the air system in the front forks....if they hold air .....don't mess with them. Good luck and ride on!
Wrong....2002 bikes switched over to the cartridge front forks. 2001 models also have air front and rear suspension. Before buying the 2000, I would want to know FOR SURE whether the inner cam bearings had been serviced (if it is one of the pre-Dec99 bikes) and for peace of mind, I'd have them replaced if they were the originals. That will also give you or a mechanic the chance to look at the condition of the cam chain tensioner pads.
I have an 01 FLHT. They are great bikes. I've got 40,000 miles on so far; and I know I definately chose the right bike for me.
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