Hello everyone I have a 1998 Dyna Glide that I love but my wife who when we bought the bike said she wouldnt ride now loves to ride with me. We are looking for a bigger ride with little cash. I have found a 1999 Electra Glide Classic with 52,000 miles for $7750. New tires and battery 300 miles ago. Current owner bought it in 2003 with 40,000 miles. Said its time to get rid of it doesnt ride it enough.says hes had it serviced at the dealer every year but it sounds like they have only changed fluids since he bought it. He also says it is carburated not fuel injected and hes never had any trouble with it. What do you guys think and if I go look at it what should I be checking for on a bike only ridden 1000 miles a year for the last 10 years. Any help,suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks,
ccnova

 

99 had trouble with pinion bearings, cam bearings, cam drive, cam bolt.

some of these were addressed right away, some not- the cam bolts were shearing on bikes built pre 9/98

so see if he has documentation that any of this was addressed ( he probably had some work done in the cam chest)

1st year twin cam so growing pains


tip over switch bracket was known to break on those, ignition switch and main breaker can also fail- especially if higher watt bulbs were used up front

and that's the last year for those brakes...same ones on your dyna.

if it were me, I'd go for a few year newer twin cam ( 2002 or newer) or an evo bagger


Mike

 

I have a friend who is a millionaire and could afford any bike he wants. He has a 99 FLHT, a 99 FLHTCU, and a 2002 FLHTCUI, and a 2003 FLHTCUI. He has other bikes too. His favorite bike is the 99 FLHT.

Many people prefer carbureted over FI. Especially the '99.

I say get it checked by a dealer and if it checks out buy it.

 

I have the 97 FLHTC...Carb...Love it...the problems you hear of were common and some bikes that year but much of that surfaces due to poor maintence....hard riding and abuse.....I have had a few pf these models spanning 99 down to 93....never had any of mine in the shop.....the price is awesome....have the dealer look it over and if its ok do it in a heartbeat...great bike - great choikce.

 

Thanks for the info everyone. I would prefer a carbed bike over FI. I'm kinda old school that way I guess. The seller is about my age and with the low miles and talking to him I doubt if it was abused while he had it. And I would guess the original owner put hiway miles on it for four years and then traded it in maybe? I'm gonna try to go look at it and if the weather is good hopefully take it for a ride and hope it all works out. If anyone has any other thoughts let me know,
Thanks,
ccnova

 

I got a great deal on my 99 last year. so far no problems. if it has been serviced at the dealer they may have done the tip over switch thing as I believe it was a recall. Carb is preferable to FI in those earlier Twin Cams from everything that I have read. Good luck and enjoy

 

I have a'99 FLHT with carb as well. It's been well maintained and not ridden hard. I now have 58,000 miles on it with no problems. Still runs great. There will always some risk with a used bike (or car). Even if there are some repairs, it's nice to not have a monthly payment.

 

My 99 has never given me a bit of problem. I had a really bad wreck on it but the damage was all cosmetic. No problems with the motor or tranny, runs strong all day long. I bought it used and the first owner took great care of it. Regular oil changes and periodic preventive maintenance keeps it going. I'll be keeping it for a long while.

 

..carbed is good..(no Magnetti-Morelli FI unit)...cam bearing issue was the big "talk of the town" in 99....look...if it hasn't had any big issues by now, it's probably fine...and at that price, you can throw a few bucks at it and still be ahead....go for it!

 

I have 75000 plus miles on my 1999 Ultra Classic. Stator failed last summer but that is the only problem. I did put in geared cams and true duals. I love my bike and plan on riding it many more years.