1999 Electra Glide Classic - buying question
Thread Starter
|
Stage III
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
1999 Electra Glide Classic - buying question
I would appreciate some opinions on the following. I am considering buying an Electra classic 1999 from a friend of a friend. It has around 29,000 miles and is in great shape. It is the fuel injected engine which I know has had some issues based upon other posts. This bike has performed great for the owner. He just doesn't ride it any more. He will sell it to me for 4,000, including 2 seats, tour pack, cover. Bike has new rubber and runs great. This will be a second bike - I have always wanted a bagger. I would like to add pipes, air cover, apes (mid size) and maybe new wheels, stereo.
My questions: 1999 electras seem to get a bad wrap because of the first year for the engine - should I be worried about this? Second question which i know is personal preference. - is it stupid to buy a bike this old and put money into the add ons I outline above? Final question is that based upon some other posts I can get it to perform better with some basic mods - knowing that it will not be a race bike will the performance be acceptable? Thanks for the help and opinions.
My questions: 1999 electras seem to get a bad wrap because of the first year for the engine - should I be worried about this? Second question which i know is personal preference. - is it stupid to buy a bike this old and put money into the add ons I outline above? Final question is that based upon some other posts I can get it to perform better with some basic mods - knowing that it will not be a race bike will the performance be acceptable? Thanks for the help and opinions.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,982
Likes: 5,220
From: Michigan
I had a 2000 Ultra and the original cam chain tensioners were replaced at the time I had the 1550 kit installed (which really brought that engine to life).
Later on, at 77,000 miles I had the S/E Hydraulic Cam chain kit installed and this also takes care of the "cam bearing issue" that plagued H-D and they even extened the warranty on the cam bearings to 50,000 miles.
As for MM EFI, mine did well until just about the same time I had the Cam Chain update.
Missing at constant RPM was traced to a bad Engine Temperature Switch and eventually the ECM.
THe guy who bought my bike tells methat he's converting the EFI to S&S so you may want to keep that in mind if you buy the and start having issues with it.
My indy went to school for the MM EFI and he liked it, but the problems he faced with it was the newer ECM's are not really "compatible" and it takes a lot of "tweaking" to get the bike to run, start, idle, and run like it did when it was new.
At $4,000 K's for the bike that has such low mileage, you can afford to put a few more bucks in it and make it a very reliable bike that will last you for years and many miles
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 576
Likes: 20
From: Eau Claire, WI
for 4k, it doesn't matter if the injection and cam tensioners fall completely off the bike while you're riding it home. buy it. i don't see why there's even a question. you could buy it and simply double your money selling it if it's in good shape. if it's in horrible shape, 4k is still a good price.
Trending Topics
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 581
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 100
Likes: 1
From: Greer, SC
I currently have a 1999 electra glide classid, and I just turned over 95,000 miles. I would jump all over buying another one for $4K.I had mine changed over to the 95ci at 45,000 miles, and replaced the cam chain tensioners. At 94,000, I had to replace the shifter lever from the transmission case, and the 3rd/5th shift dog (showed signs of burning). I also inspected the cam chain tensioners, and found no wear, so I buttened it back up.
The earlier bikes had a problem cracking the swingarm, and what I had found was due to incorrect torquing of the rear axel (ask me how I know).
The MM fuel injection has only had a few problems, after 13 years, the hoses from the tank to the fuel injection started leaking. HD wanted over 350 for the hoses, but found them on J&P for about 150 for both, and they are stainles steel flex hoses that can be rebuilt. I also had to take it to spartanburg harley to have them adjust the idle on the MM Fi unit.
As a precautionary measure, I replaced the throttle postion senosr, engine temp sensor, camp position sensor and cranks positon sensor at 94,000 miles, although I had no real trouble with the unit.
I run Mobile 1 20/50 full synthetic.
I am so happy with mine, that I just upgraded the radio to sony bluetooth, added the hogtunes rear speaker pods, the rockford fosgate 300 way amp, zumo 665 gps, now the stereo rocks. I should have added the rear speaker pods years ago, totally different sound, and the amp definetly rocks.
I ride mine everyday to work, and on the weekends hit the road for relaxation.
Yesterday, I bought the HD oil temperature gage kit, but have not installed it yet.
Where did you say this bike was?
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
That is too good a bargain to pass by! Doesn't matter what it does, you will probably always be quids in. As for the EFI bear in mind that forums like HDF do not represent real life and the MM system only gives problems if misused or abused. There is a direct replacement available from HD and S&S that provides improved accessibility for the owner. The EFI shouldn't put you off. In addition there is nothing we can't help you fix, as the miles roll by! Post pics when you get it home.