Which one ? 02 or 06
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,351
Likes: 461
From: Illinois
I'll have to think about that. The dealer's want on an average $3,000 per year to trade up comparing apples to apples..................... Wait a minute, I don't need to think about that. The 06 is a much better deal.
Not to knock the older bikes in great condition. My bud just bought his first HD this year. It's a 1998 electra glide. Great condition with next to no miles on it. Got it cheap, he couldn't afford much more than he paid for this one, and loves it as much as a brand new one and has put some serious miles on it the last few months, but he didn't have the option to go four years newer for almost the same price.
Dennis
Not to knock the older bikes in great condition. My bud just bought his first HD this year. It's a 1998 electra glide. Great condition with next to no miles on it. Got it cheap, he couldn't afford much more than he paid for this one, and loves it as much as a brand new one and has put some serious miles on it the last few months, but he didn't have the option to go four years newer for almost the same price.
Dennis
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,197
From: Oxford, Nc
Respectfully DISAGREE with everyone above!
The 02 has the all important Timken Lefty bearing = Bulletproof Crank. So much so that when the time for tensioners comes, feel confident in a gear drive cam upgrade from S&S. The '06? Only after you check crankshaft run out, because some cranks have 'tweaked.' after '02. ( They're better off with the hydraulic upgrade IMO.)
Harley started getting cheap in 03 when the pulled out the Lefty bearing.
Not too important? Check the 2011 P&A book for it, under Screaming Eagle Performance, for those " desiring increased durability in models '03 to present " A Timken Lefty Bearing.
Your crankshaft is the heart of your motor Brother!
The rest of the '06 motorcycle, ( aside from Carbon Fiber Drive Belt new in '04 and the so-so Harmon Kardon radio,) is virtually the same as the '02.
(I'm sure that I'm not alone when I say that I won't buy a Harley after '02.)
How confident? My 2000 has 94,000 miles on it, It's my daily commuter.
The 02 has the all important Timken Lefty bearing = Bulletproof Crank. So much so that when the time for tensioners comes, feel confident in a gear drive cam upgrade from S&S. The '06? Only after you check crankshaft run out, because some cranks have 'tweaked.' after '02. ( They're better off with the hydraulic upgrade IMO.)
Harley started getting cheap in 03 when the pulled out the Lefty bearing.
Not too important? Check the 2011 P&A book for it, under Screaming Eagle Performance, for those " desiring increased durability in models '03 to present " A Timken Lefty Bearing.
Your crankshaft is the heart of your motor Brother!
The rest of the '06 motorcycle, ( aside from Carbon Fiber Drive Belt new in '04 and the so-so Harmon Kardon radio,) is virtually the same as the '02.
(I'm sure that I'm not alone when I say that I won't buy a Harley after '02.)
How confident? My 2000 has 94,000 miles on it, It's my daily commuter.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,351
Likes: 461
From: Illinois
Respectfully DISAGREE with everyone above!
The 02 has the all important Timken Lefty bearing = Bulletproof Crank. So much so that when the time for tensioners comes, feel confident in a gear drive cam upgrade from S&S. The '06? Only after you check crankshaft run out, because some cranks have 'tweaked.' after '02. ( They're better off with the hydraulic upgrade IMO.)
Harley started getting cheap in 03 when the pulled out the Lefty bearing.
Not too important? Check the 2011 P&A book for it, under Screaming Eagle Performance, for those " desiring increased durability in models '03 to present " A Timken Lefty Bearing.
Your crankshaft is the heart of your motor Brother!
The rest of the '06 motorcycle, ( aside from Carbon Fiber Drive Belt new in '04 and the so-so Harmon Kardon radio,) is virtually the same as the '02.
(I'm sure that I'm not alone when I say that I won't buy a Harley after '02.)
How confident? My 2000 has 94,000 miles on it, It's my daily commuter.
The 02 has the all important Timken Lefty bearing = Bulletproof Crank. So much so that when the time for tensioners comes, feel confident in a gear drive cam upgrade from S&S. The '06? Only after you check crankshaft run out, because some cranks have 'tweaked.' after '02. ( They're better off with the hydraulic upgrade IMO.)
Harley started getting cheap in 03 when the pulled out the Lefty bearing.
Not too important? Check the 2011 P&A book for it, under Screaming Eagle Performance, for those " desiring increased durability in models '03 to present " A Timken Lefty Bearing.
Your crankshaft is the heart of your motor Brother!
The rest of the '06 motorcycle, ( aside from Carbon Fiber Drive Belt new in '04 and the so-so Harmon Kardon radio,) is virtually the same as the '02.
(I'm sure that I'm not alone when I say that I won't buy a Harley after '02.)
How confident? My 2000 has 94,000 miles on it, It's my daily commuter.
All of your points are correct and valid. I see and understand your opinion. I guess I should've prefaced my post with a question. "Are you going to keep the bike forever and put hundreds of thousands of miles on it? or are you going to sell or trade it with less than one hundred thousand miles on the clock in the next decade?"
If you plan to keep it the rest of your life, I recant my postion and advise you to go with the 02, if not, I stand by my previous recommedation.
Dennis
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,334
Likes: 17
From: Rosamond, Cali
All things being equal about the mechanical condition of the bikes, I think I'd opt for the 02 if it's a touring bike. I think I'd try to get a little more shaved off the price, but even 8900 isn't bad. Do a search/read about the 02 touring bikes and you'll see what I mean. Lots of people, me included, think they hit a 'sweet spot' with that year.
Alan
Alan
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,687
Likes: 9
From: SoCal & West TN
I have over 50K on my '09 with no problems.
The only thing I have done to the motor is put a "Stage 1" kit.
Love the sound and got better mileage.
Last edited by Ultra89Rider; Sep 22, 2011 at 08:52 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,197
From: Oxford, Nc
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Wisconsin, USA
Are the maintenance records available for these bikes? If not I would stay away from the 06 which sounds like it might have been neglected. I have seen 2 year old bikes that look 10 years old and vice versa.
If you want an extended warranty, go with the 06.
If you want an extended warranty, go with the 06.
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