advice about HD production years where there have been tech problems

M

mybabysocks

New member
Good morning

New here..........just joined today....been reading your forums/others over the past week with interest....looks like a good group here.

I'm selling my 93 1200 Sportster and looking for a touring/"larger leg room" bike....one that is more suited to long rides....

The more I read about the subject on forums/websites the more questions I have.

I'm trying to avoid a bike that may need bearing changes, etc. due to some past bike "over reving"/weak design etc....certain years with the IVA caged bearings before HD made them larger/stronger...

From what I gather 2001 and 2002 are "good' years to look for...

after 2009 with the changes to the frame, exhaust, tank, etc...

Am I on track here? Can someone help me with this question?

Thanks alot

Steamchicken
 
Every year seems to have some changes that some people like and others don't. I believe 2002 is the preferred year in that range. Also looks like 2009 will be one of the better liked years.
Myself, I'd get the bike you want without worrying about exactly which year it is. On a used bike, problems caused by poor maintenance, riding habits or modifications need to be factored in as well.
 
2006 was a decent year as well. Lots of guys on those without any real problems. Cam tensioners...be wary of them though on all models up to 2007.

From my limited memory the early 1999-2001 (?) Twin Cams had cam plate issues of some type.
2005 - bunch of them with leaky valve seals.
2007 - without IDS, can be noisy. Intro the 5th gear whine. Not a problem just FYI.
2008 - great year.
2009 - Front tire issue and Compensators for some.
2010 - Compensators for some. New 5th gear, no more whining.

lp
 
Ever EVO that I have owned I had to replace the base gaskets, and the 97 RK
eat the inner cam bearing and SO FAR has cost me over $2,000.00.
NOw the 08, I have installed a SE-Comp. and am in the process of replacing the
wheel bearing. Now I learn my 96 may be prone to the dreaded TWISTED CRANK!
I have bout reached the end of MY twisted thinking, HARLEY DAVIDSON!!!!TENN.
 
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