Considering a used touring Model
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 287
Likes: 31
Considering a used touring Model
Hey all,
I have done the sportster, the dyna, now I am thinking of a touring model. Something 2004 or newer.
When looking, are there any particular areas of the bikes that I should be focusing on? Given that these are touring machines, how many Kms/Miles is too much?
I am more interested in the street glide or road glide look, but I imagine if I got a ultra or something, stripping it down wouldn't be difficult?
Finally, if I decide to buy something with the older 88 in it, and I want to get a big bore kit to get it up to 95 or whatever, should I even be concerned with the engine state at all, because I imagine much of the wear items are being replaces anyways?
Any advice is appreciated. Thanks guys!
I have done the sportster, the dyna, now I am thinking of a touring model. Something 2004 or newer.
When looking, are there any particular areas of the bikes that I should be focusing on? Given that these are touring machines, how many Kms/Miles is too much?
I am more interested in the street glide or road glide look, but I imagine if I got a ultra or something, stripping it down wouldn't be difficult?
Finally, if I decide to buy something with the older 88 in it, and I want to get a big bore kit to get it up to 95 or whatever, should I even be concerned with the engine state at all, because I imagine much of the wear items are being replaces anyways?
Any advice is appreciated. Thanks guys!
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 692
Likes: 34
From: Texas
Frame change year is 2009 for touring;
2006 is last of the 5 speeds (essentially the same transmission that was being used back in the late shovelhead era, I think);
seems that 2007 they started using o2 sensors to support the EFI and the 6 speed started being used.
Don't know when the started add ABS (but I think I would like that).
There is my very limited offering.
2006 is last of the 5 speeds (essentially the same transmission that was being used back in the late shovelhead era, I think);
seems that 2007 they started using o2 sensors to support the EFI and the 6 speed started being used.
Don't know when the started add ABS (but I think I would like that).
There is my very limited offering.
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 287
Likes: 31
I've heard the new frame is noticeable better ride than the old. Any truth to that?
Given the relative small difference in price (within a few grad here in Canada for the most part), should I stick with an 09 or newer to get the new frame, the 96" and the 6 speed?
Given the relative small difference in price (within a few grad here in Canada for the most part), should I stick with an 09 or newer to get the new frame, the 96" and the 6 speed?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,090
Likes: 7
The trade off in reliability with the newer engines isn't worth getting the newer frame. The older (pre 09) bikes had some handling issues. Some had problems, some didn't. I've owned 4 pre 09 touring bikes and only one had the issue. I put a brace on it and it handles like a dream. It seems that some of the 09 and newer bikes have a similar issue. Don't buy into the new frame cure all hype. I would avoid the abs as well. Seems it has problems too. Newer bikes have tbw. More problems with that. Automatic primary chain tensioners in the newer models, destroying compensators and primary bearings. Catalytic converters that cause too much heat, I can go on and on. I'd recommend a 06 or older. Lots of nice garage queens still out there.
09 & up have the new frame as mentioned in above posts, plus the 96ci Twin Cam with hydraulic cam tenshioners. 07 and up the 6 speed transmission.
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Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 322,622
Likes: 3,077
From: .....
I'll never get a touring bike because they seem too big. BUT...if I was going to get one, I'd get a Street Glide. I really like how they look. The fairing with the small "windshield". Nice!
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Road Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 774
Likes: 2
From: S.E. Montana
I went the Sportster, Dyna route too. I liked both bikes, but kept trading up for the highway handling and riding two up comfort. I bought a 07 used Road King Classic and am very happy I did. The idea of the full dressed bagger and all that fiberglass blocking the view of the road was something that didn't blow up my skirt. Those fairings aren't easy to remove. As far as the frame change in '09, it's my belief that if your an aggressive rider, hitting them twisties up in the 80's, then that might be the way to go. But I sure wouldn't turn down a good deal on a older bike if your like me and don't ever push that envelope of sanity. I will say that the six speed tranny is a good deal. Good luck on your search, there's plenty of great used bikes around if your will to travel a little.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 692
Likes: 34
From: Texas
I have an 06 and enjoy it. I like the 5 speed. I liked it on my 82 FLT as well. Fifth gear still has some punch in it. Fuel economy suffers for not having an OD of sorts found in the sixth gear, I think. I know cruising the Interstate or highway at 75, that extra gear would be nice.
There are some performance aspects of the newer bikes that would be nice, such as the o2 sensors making the modern tuners work better. My reason for liking the 09 or newer is found in a probably having more aftermarket parts availability. Plus in my case, H-D has a nice wiring harness that when combined with the detachable tour pack bracket makes it a lot easier to dump the tour pack when it is not needed.
Six gallons of fuel would be nice as well. My 06 just carries 5 gallons.
There are some performance aspects of the newer bikes that would be nice, such as the o2 sensors making the modern tuners work better. My reason for liking the 09 or newer is found in a probably having more aftermarket parts availability. Plus in my case, H-D has a nice wiring harness that when combined with the detachable tour pack bracket makes it a lot easier to dump the tour pack when it is not needed.
Six gallons of fuel would be nice as well. My 06 just carries 5 gallons.