Help with buying a FL
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 673
Likes: 1
From: Brentwood TN
Help with buying a FL
I have been planning and saving for this day. I am ready to buy my Big Twin!!
I am looking for a early Road King or Electra Glide twin cam, 99-02. That is how much money I have. I'm looking for hints and heads up from you guys that know what to look out for. I have heard very early TC 88 motors has some issues like came bearings and fuel injection.
I have been riding my 97 Sportster for the last three years and now I am ready to move up.
Ric
I am looking for a early Road King or Electra Glide twin cam, 99-02. That is how much money I have. I'm looking for hints and heads up from you guys that know what to look out for. I have heard very early TC 88 motors has some issues like came bearings and fuel injection.
I have been riding my 97 Sportster for the last three years and now I am ready to move up.
Ric
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 527
Likes: 0
From: Eugene, Oregon
Hey, Ric...
I have a '99 Road King Classic with near to 50,000 miles on it. I bought it used four years ago with less than 8,000 on the odometer. Running a Screamin' Eagle air cleaner, Power Commander (II), and Samson fishtails. That's the extent of the mods at this point. I do all my own maintenance, so I know what's happening. I've NEVER had a cam problem. I think about swapping them out now and then, but "if it ain't broke..."
The issue with the fuel injection is this: up until 2001 or 2002, HD used F.I. from Magnetti-Marelli. Mine works just fine. The "problem" is that there are virtually zero after-market things you can do to your intake system. The cool air cleaner covers and such work on carb'd harleys and any made after 2002.
Again, I've never had any problems.
I have a '99 Road King Classic with near to 50,000 miles on it. I bought it used four years ago with less than 8,000 on the odometer. Running a Screamin' Eagle air cleaner, Power Commander (II), and Samson fishtails. That's the extent of the mods at this point. I do all my own maintenance, so I know what's happening. I've NEVER had a cam problem. I think about swapping them out now and then, but "if it ain't broke..."
The issue with the fuel injection is this: up until 2001 or 2002, HD used F.I. from Magnetti-Marelli. Mine works just fine. The "problem" is that there are virtually zero after-market things you can do to your intake system. The cool air cleaner covers and such work on carb'd harleys and any made after 2002.
Again, I've never had any problems.
Here's my take on it...... that's why I bought a 2000 UC instead of a new one...just couldn't stand to spend 20+K on a motorcycle but wanted to ride...picked mine up for 10k and they had already beefed up the engine....103..... just right for me....
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,291
Likes: 0
From: WireGrass, AL
Not sure your top end price limit but my if you're not in a hurry you should be able to find a really good deal. Just have to find one that has been taken care of which should not be hard to do.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,977
Likes: 85
From: Nevada
If your budget will allow I'd definitely try to find an 02. You'll avoid the potential issues of the previous years.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,341
Likes: 714
many consider the 02 as best year last year of forged cranckshaft first year of delphi injection and first year of beefed up swingarm with 1"axles.
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Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
One reason in favor of a 1999 is that Harley has extended warranties on that model because of complaints about cams
Worth doing some research on that
99's were last year for the single piston brakes, the dual pistons starting in 2000 are somewhat better
I waited until Sept to buy my first twin cam 2009 as I felt they finally had the cams, efi, abs etc sorted out.
I just sold my fantastic Evo flhtc for 6500.
If on budget, think about an Evo- or if a twin cam maybe a carbed model would be better
Mk
Worth doing some research on that
99's were last year for the single piston brakes, the dual pistons starting in 2000 are somewhat better
I waited until Sept to buy my first twin cam 2009 as I felt they finally had the cams, efi, abs etc sorted out.
I just sold my fantastic Evo flhtc for 6500.
If on budget, think about an Evo- or if a twin cam maybe a carbed model would be better
Mk