I have someone looking to sell one with 39,XXX miles. Bikes appears to look well maintained and the bike is fuel injected. Looking for honest direct experience on reliability and what to look out for or check. Thanks

 

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Put >100k miles on my '96 RK with no engine trouble, or problems with much of anything else for that matter. Evo engine is almost bullet-proof except for base gaskets, but there are aftermarket fixes for that (Hayden "Oil Fix"). It will need a cam upgrade and ideally a bit more compression to work best. Andrews EV23 is good for a stock engine, EV13 for stock or preferably with a bit more compression. Not sure what's available nowadays to optimize the EFI and ignition. I would call Fuel Moto for advise on that. What's the asking price?

 

iclick, Thanks for response. The asking price is $8450.00. I'm glad to hear of your results. The bike is bone stock so my opinion is with that amount of miles it had to be reliable enough to hit that limit. In doing some research, looking for reviews for this bike, I can't find much. I find quite a few bikes with 40K-66K miles and a few posts on some web sites complaining about the FI being first year. I've read some opinions about the Morelli (SP?) fuel injection system but these are from people who don't own the bike, its "just what they heard". I have a '98 carb'ed EVO stage III with an Andrews cam, SE heads, etc, etc and never had any problems with the bike. I'm looking at this bike to do some weekend distance trips with the wife. I already have what I think is a nice performance bike and would keep the FLHTCUI just the way it is. My concern is whether the FI is really a serious issue. If you hit over 100K "and no engine trouble, or problems with much of anything else for that matter" that's a pretty good endorsement.

 

iclick's advise is probably right on for the engine. I put a SE-203 cam in mine and had a little head work done and that helped the low end torque. Fuel management is a problem and Fuelmoto might be the answer. I went with H-D race tuner mostly on the recommendation of the wrench who did my cam and head work. Probably not the best choice. The 97B ECM is supposed to be programmable but that will require a tuner who knows the MM EFI.
Another aggrevation with mine was the lack of replacement seats available. Not many fit that frame so chances of finding one is slim. I sold mine just over two years ago for $9500 with about the same mileage. Bought an 09 and could not be happier.
Good Luck.

 

Bought this model in July 2007, my first and only (so far) HD, had 22,600 miles on it, had Samson slip ons but otherwise stock.

18,000 miles later it's gone on three 3,000 mile week long road trips without any major problems, did snap a throttle cable in 2009, and just replaced my slip ons after the right one rusted out at the point where it connects to the pipe.

It's my understanding that the stock ECM is not adjustable - I've not felt the need to. Have averaged 45 MPG and run Amsoil in all three holes with no issues. Replaced the stock seat with a Sundowner.

Be glad to answer any questions you might have

Jonathan

 

If it is all stock - you would want to replace the stock ina cam bearing with a torrington b-138 cam bearing. That is really the only beg weakness with that year evo. Also would replace the lifters at the same time while your in there.

I had a 89 for many years and while it needed maintenance it was a very reliable , good running bike.

For the FI - there are limited optioins, good news on those year bikes is it is realtivly easy and well documented on the web, to remove it and run a carb. MPG will be just as good and you'll have more options with compression, cam, intake and exhaust choices.

Your call and your cash, but parts for 96 and older glides are harder to come by ( wiring harness, handlebar controls, etc...) for the 8k they are asking for it, I'd pass on it and find a newer model for that kind of cash.

 

After buying an 09 last year- my 1995 EG Classic ( with many useful options) sold for $6500.
80000 trouble free miles.

Buyer bought with expectation of lifter change sometime in the future, and will probably put in his cam of choice

So I think the price high on that.

96- yes great bike

magnetti marelli-? um I'd much rather have a carb or purchase with the idea of a swap ( and add those costs into my calculation---maybe $500?
carb, crane ignition, block off extra tank bungs, petcock, fuel lines air cleaner etc.

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OR- calculate that $8000 is half way to an 09 style frame, 6 speed, 96" motor, sealed wheels bearing MUCH better brakes and generally increased reliability ( due to age). My 09 is 3 generations advanced on the 1995, and with the better brakes, suspension and ABS I feel safer on the road

mike

 

I want to thank everyone for the input. I stepped up today and bought the bike and I think I did good on the final cost. The plan was to sell my FXD to offset the expense but the more I look at the FXD I can't let this thing go. Went out and rode the glide for an hour and the bike rides and handles like a Rolls Royce. Don't need throttle on this one, I already have that with the FXD so I have the best of both worlds. Both bikes are 15 and 12 years old in the big picture I really don't have a lot of money in this stuff for the fun I get out of it.

 

Here's a pic of theFLHTUC