I am looking to get my first Harley. The ones in my price range seem to be from the 2000 to 2003 model years. I did search the site and know that these have the 88 engine, 5 speed and smaller rear tire. Is the EFI reliable on these earlier injection systems. Should I be concerned about reliability of a bike over 10 years old?

I want to spend my time riding in the summer, not fixing the bike. The other option is to wait a little longer and save up more money.

 

Mileage and maintenance is the key when buying an older bike, just like a car, only more so. '02 and newer have the Delphi EFI system, so go for those. Honestly, given the late time of year, you may want to wait til mid-winter to buy. Don't know your price range, I bought mine from a dealer I found in ChopperExchange. Lots and lots of bikes in all price ranges on that site. I looked for about a year before I found one that suited me. Welcome to the Forum and good luck!

 

I have been told that prior to 2002 that the Softail had the Delphi system but the touring bikes did not. Certainly agree with the mileage and maintenance statement.

 

I had an 01 that I just sold back in the spring. Had almost 30,000 miles on it and I never had a serious issue with it. Aside from regular maintenance, tires, etc. etc. the only real issue that I had with it was a check-valve that ran between the tanks that went bad. No big deal.

 

I recently picked up an '03 FI Deuce. While not a NT, which is what I originally wanted, it was in my price range and had some goodies. The bike had supposedly been serviced at a dealer its entire life and had just over 23k miles. The previous owner bought it at the dealer and so I checked all the fluids and all looked good. It was super clean which lead me to believe it had regular service. I have put 2k miles on it in the last couple months and have not looked back at the purchase.

Just like a car, check it out and see if you can get service records. It also depends if you want to ride now or next year, I am glad I made my purchase when I did. No issues with anything yet at 25k.

Love the FI too, wouldn't have this bike any other way.

 

Xcrossbow, you may be right. I was only sure of '02 and newer when I was looking and researching.

 

Thanks for the input guys. I have been watching for a low mileage night train. It is surprising that you can find such low mileage bikes that are nearly 10 years old.

I would prefer to have EFI on the bike, so I will keep my eye open for a 2002 and later bike.

 

I hate to see the summer go by but I may end up finding the right on in the winter/fall. I am trying to keep the price to 8k or less.

 

1999 to 2002 had the strongest crankshaft assemblies of any of the Twin Cam motors.

Find one well cared for, address the cam tensioner issue (endemic on 99-06,) and ride!

 

I have an 06 NT. now has 28000 on and yes I did change the tentioners at 25000 did not really need to do so but it made me feel better. Other than that no problems. I also owned a 2004 NT with carb back then smaller tire but still a great bike just see if you can get maintainance records and make sure it was well taken car of 2002-2004 should be in your price range. Good luck.