I was planning on buying a used Ulrta Classic. Due to my price range it would probably be a 90s or early 2000s model. Which is the best year? Are there any years to avoid? Thank you in advance.- Pat

 

welcome

the H-D design philosophy is to improve one component at a time, so there are changes from year to year- usually slight changes.

up to 1998 is the 80" evo motor.
This motor is tried and true, but most dealers won't stock parts or work on them.
There is a healthy aftermarket and plenty Independent service shops.

the 1999 was the first year for the twin cam 88" motor MANY and numerous teething problems- and the 88" does not produce more power than the 80"

the 2000 was better for motor refinement and introduced better brakes

but the early EFI was a mess, a carbed bike would likely be a smarter option.
an Ultra ( FLHTCU/I) model may only come with EFI while the ElectraGlide Classic ( FLHTC) may be carbed...and lacks only some trim badges, cb radio, fairing lowers and rear speakers.
also available was the Electraglide Standard (FLHT), with a plain aluminum motor, carb, no radio or tourpak, these are a great platform for a custom build


take your time

Mike

 

hold out for 02-07.parts for these years are mostly interchangeable and easy to find,and their good reliable years.

 

Mike's summary is pretty good! However there are thousands of bikes of every year that are quietly travelling the World's highways giving good service. It is much more important to find a bike you like the look of that fits your personal needs. We can help you spend your spare cash 'improving' it and sorting out any problems - they are only challenges!

 

For the money, find yourself a 2002. Good motor, good Timken main bearing, just keep an eye on the timing chain tensioners.

 

Okay, so far I got it like this. If I get an older model I should get 98 or older. It not, then a 02 or later. Don't think I will find anything later than an 07 in my price range. Oh yeah I am taking my time. It probably wont be til this winter when I get my truck paid off. That's why I'm researching it now. Thanks guys for all the help.

 

As has been stated by others, I bought a 99 and it's a great bike. I had a budget of $8-9K cash. If I had to do it again I would buy a 2002 with carb. One of the things I found out after buying my 99 is that I can only put a 140 tire max on the rear. With a 2000 model or newer I could run a 150 tire. No big deal. My bike has Magnetti FI and even though I have had no issues so far, parts are getting hard to find and mechanics that can work on them. The whole tensioner issue, there are many options for that. Be patient there are many low mileage bikes for sale. Look for one with maintenance records.

 

Welcome fellow NKY biker. This forum has a lot of great information. I have been reading a lot here over the years but never posted until now.

Not sure what your budget is but I may know of a 2005 Electraglide Classic for sale as well as a 2010 Ultra Limited in your area. I wasn't sure how to send a private message but if you have any interest, let me know.

 

As far as parts? Way off the mark...no problem with the 98 what so ever around here. Easy to work on but the 02 up would be good too. Think the 98s are a good deal now and the MM injection has been no problem if you have a manual. 43-48 mpg aint bad either

 

Have had my 99 Electra Glide for just over a year, is a carb, have put over 22k miles on it and just turned 60k miles on the bike, no problems at all, runs great, have just changed the cam tensioners, 99 to 02 had the best bottom end engines, forged and timkin crank bearings.