Good advice, the key word is PATIENT. I looked for over two years.

 

The key is to be patiant, there are many great deals out there but some real beat up trash too. I went with the EFI and not sorry for it. It also mattered to me what kind of home this bike came from, the rider and main. records. The guy I got mine from was a detail, clean freak, much like myself. I also knew what I wanted so I watched and waited for a bike with much of what I wanted already done and I found it. I agree if you could find one with at least a stage 1 already done to it would be a plus. Good luck and keep us posted so we can see what ya got!!

 

The most important thing to me when buying used is to avoid any that have been built up (high compression pistons, cams, etc). It's almost guaranteed that it's been ridden hard if it's been built. Plus, unless you know for sure it was built properly, you could be in for some major problems.

EFI vs carb is a personal preference thing. I wouldn't pay any attention to comments like 'EFI runs on software carbs run on gas' or 'you are crazy if you don't insist on EFI'. Some people like to present their opinions as if they were absolute undeniable facts.

Personally, I like the simplicity of changing jet sizes vs re-mapping or replacing an electronic controller. EFI will get you better gas mileage, but they are tuned a bit lean from the factory.

 

Mike,
Patience and homework, bud. I agree with everyone on holding out for a 96" and the 6-speed. I toiled over cycletrader and eBay forever with only finding a couple that met my criteria for year and mileage that were anywhere near my price range. Then, one day, the wife actually suggested craigslist. I asked her if she thought I was a dumbass - of course I had checked craigslist. She said, "everywhere?" So I went here: http://www.craigslist.org/about/sites and started looking at every city that was in driving distance. I found the exact bike I wanted for three thousand less than I wanted to spend with one third of the miles I was willing to deal with from some nice old dude who clearly never heard of eBay or NADA. Threw in a complete set of brand new tins and two seats. 6-hour drive, but a ridiculous deal someplace that I never would have thought about searching. Good luck.

 

Thank you all for the advice and encouragement.

Patience is going to be my mantra from this point on. I went to a couple dealers today and had them run numbers on new. They are just too much $ for me to spend. I don't want payments of $200 for 5 years. I have had enough of that!

I would like an 07+ with the 96 & 6 speed, but the bikes I have seen are just out of reach price wise ($13,000+).

I need to realistically consider Heritages from the years with EVO motors too.

It sucks to have "Cadillac tastes on a Chevrolet budget".

Thanks again folks. I will remain patient and post results when they arrive.

Stay safe.

Mike

 

Double post

 

I bought an 02 Heritage this summer, Love the EFI, but wish it had a 6th gear. But I'm not ready to "trade up" anytime soon. Got mine for around 9K, and it's in great condition. You will have probably have to go pre '07 if you want to keep it under 11K.

 

I was able to buy an 05 Deluxe w EFI during the peak season this past year from the HD dealer for $13000. It had less than 5K miles on it and already had the pipes swapped out. I chose to go with the local MOCO since I knew they had gone over the scoot thoroughly and the likelihood of problems 6 months later was less.

BTW - if you find a bike from a private seller that claims all the maintenance has been done by an HD dealer, you can take the VIN into the HD parts counter and they can look up its maintenance/repair history.

 

My first Harley (first street bike) will arrive at my house tomorrow!

Thank you all for your advice. I put on a full court press and looked at as many private party bikes as I could. Honestly, I came up with nothing. I did find a remarkabley clean and attractive 02 FLSTS Heritage Springer, but it had 32,000 miles and was pricey at $13,999.

I was really considering pulling the trigger on that bike because it is immaculate. But, the miles and price were a concern.

Fortune smiled on me when my local dealer (Laidlaw's HD) called and said they had just purchased an 07 Deluxe with 3,900 miles on it. The bike looks as new. It is black. It came with a windshield and Screamin Eagle sissy bar. Their asking price was more than fair. Eagle Mark financing gave me a solid interest rate. And, now, I am counting down to delivery time tomorrow.

No photos yet, but I will post them when I take delivery--woohoo! The adventure begins.

Thanks again all.

Mike

 

Great news, Mike! Congrats and welcome to the Deluxe world of you can never stop modding! LOL Your patience has paid off in what sounds like a great low mileage Deluxe.