Hey guys, I'm goining with a buddy of mine who is looking at a '99 Wide Glide tonight or tomorrow. Any advise on first year issues that I need to keep an eye out for? Looks to be a fair deal on a nice bike, but I have no experience on the TC. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, time is kinda important though.. Thanks

 

They had a recall on em early on, but the later manufactures were fine, as I understand. I couldn't tell you what the recall was for. Maybe someone else here knows......

 

The problem was with the inner cam bearings. I would investigate if on this particular bike that issue can be resolved.

 

should have read "was resolved".

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/assphalt...31774444687154

 

That inner cam bearing was the only issue that I've run into with my 99... HD should be able to tell you if that VIN number has had the recall done on it for the bearing. I did replace the cam tensioners at 42K miles tho, they were worn out. Fortunately I was in the process of upgrading to 95 at the time, so was relatively inexspensive to replace them. Other than those two items it's been a very reliable machine..

 

I would look for a 2000or newer, not because of the cam bearing issue, but in 2000, harley changedfrom tapered,to sealed bearings in the wheels, and multi-piston brake calipers. The 99 and earlier bearingsrequire maintaince (packing). And while the newer (00 and later)calipers aren't brembo's, they are significantly better than the old style.

 

reh13....
I beg to differ with you about the bearing issue. Have you ever had to pull these newer bearings yourself? I have, and it is a been there done that situation.
The bearings are destroyed when removed. You have to purchase new bearings, These are propriatory items, the bearing houses do not sell them.
Your local dealer has them for $30 per bearing. To me, this is not a favorable point at all.
Give me the old bearings that you can at least wash and repack. I will take those over the new throw away bearings anyday........pg

 

They're suppose to be good for 100,000 miles, but you can't prove it by me. I know there are going to be exceptions, and I haven't ridden any 100,000 miles, but sealed bearings are superior to tapered bearings. I hated packing wheel bearings (cars and bikes), and unless he can do it himself, the cost of having it done by someone else,will more than offset the cost ofsealed bearings. I know harley use to recommend packing them every 10,000 miles, but I did mine every 5.000. And cars changed over so long ago, i don't remember how often I did it.

 

All great info guys, thanks for the input.. It doesnt look like we'll be going tonight, so anything else you can think of will be helpfull..

As for the bearings, I have to agree that sealed are easier and less maintenance, but I dont dislike packing bearings enough to pass on taking a look at a Wide Glide, with 10k mi, for less than $10k.. Any thoughts on the price would be appreciated too.. I think its a pretty good deal assuming its been taken care of..

Thanks again,