I was thinking of purchasing a 99 FLHTCI from a dealer with about 18,000 miles for $11,500. It appears to be in awesome condition externally, but I was wondering ifthere's anything other than the cam tensioners to watch out for? Since its an older bike would you worry about its realiability?

 

According to KBB, the price is about right, but with the amount of newer used bikes on the road, I would think of offering less. It is an Evo motor, which isvery reliable. It should also have the MM FI, which some say is great, but I have read of others having issues with it. And some aftermarket fuel tuners may not work. The milage is low, almost to low. If there is such a thing. The axles should be 3/4", the later models are 1", which means you might have an issue with aftermarket wheels... meaning you might have to change to 1", or get an adapter of some type. All of this means little, as they are fine bikes. And, if you like it, go for it. Just remember that with the amount of newer used bikes on the market, you might be able to get a newer bike, with less miles, for about the same cost.

Again, though, if you love the bike, get it. If it is meant to be your bike, you shouldn't even have to question it. I knew from the moment I saw my bike that it was the one for me, and no one could have said anything that would have changed my mind. If you feel this way, then you have your decision... if not, there isn't any harm in looking around. BTW, keep in mind that the Evo will probably only be 80"... not a big deal, butmost are on the eternal quest for more speedllll

 

Actually Papa, in 1999 HD put the Twin Cam in the Touring and Dyna lines., but softails were still Evo's. You are correct it is the Magnetti Marelli system if it's injected. Not a big deal if you are sticking with stock engine parts, or mild 95" parts. HD makes a SERT for M&M bikes now, and Power Commander is the other popular choice.

My previous bike was a 1999 RKC, so I have quite a bit of experience on these. Put over 20,000 miles on that one. It didn't handle as good as the newer bikes do, but still was a great riding bike. Still see it around town, which is pretty weird.

Besides the cam chain tensioners and inner cam bearings, you should have the swing arm checked out. Some were prone to cracking, and the cleve blocks and rubber mounting bushings are a wear item that can be time sensitive as much as mileage sensitive.

 

They're great bikes, a friend of mine has a 99 and it runs flawlessly. I've ridden it and couldn't tell any difference from my 06. It seems a little high to me, but it does have pretty low mileage. My 06 has 20,000. There are so many used bikes on the market that you can buy a much newer bike for just a little bit more probably with lower mileage. I saw an 05 or 06 maybe in the classifieds here for 13 something.

 

I have a 99 Ultra and I love it, nothing wrong with them at all. Zed is right, they are twin cams. I bought mine in August with the same amount of miles (right at 19k) and thats because the previous 2 owners were older guys who didnt ride much. As for the cam bearings and tensioners I wouldnt know, mine had allready been converted to gears and has bigger cams in it. As for the price your dealer is in line, thats not to bad at all althought like any dealId try to talk him down or get some extra bling while your there. Im gonna stick with my 99 for a long long time.

 

Offer less money! I`ll bet ya the dealer willtake it. And probably be really gladto get it! And the 99 year model would be OK.

 

fishercat, it sounds to me like you've got a chance at a great price on a good bike. When you get right down to it, the differences between model years are few and far between. How many MM owners do you see complaining, how many broken axles are on the side of the road, how many puddles of oil do you count at rallies under Twin-Cams? Seriously, make an offer and buy the thing. Magnetti-Marelli is a current contractor for Harley Davidson and manufactures most of the EFI parts to this day. Remember to invest the money you saved on some small-cap stock and buy a new bike in ten years, and post a picture!

 

First of all, I wanted to say thank you to everyone for your help. I know you get tired of us noobs asking if this bike is a good deal or if that bike's a good deal. For me though, who has no Harley enthuist friends, this advice is much appreciated. The market for motorcycles is prettylimited where I'm located and I actually have to drive to a dealership that's 4 hours away (in Fargo, ND).So I wanted to get some advice from you more experienced types before I got there.

I'll definitely try to talk down the price or get a few extras thrown in.From the research I've done I think the price is pretty good. I just wanted to make sure there were no issues to look out for in an older bike. But from what I've read on here, Low mileage + Proper Care = Great bike.

 

I did a lot of research as well when I bought my bike. From almost everything I have read, all twin cams no matter what year are reliable and great bikes (not counting the 07's,.. Im prepared for your flaming posts but my research says 07's are lemons) The only thing I wouldnt mind on my 99, is if it had the twincam B engine, but trust me, vibration is nothing on the A engine either. I came off of a '06 Vulcan 900, and it vibrated more then my Ultra does. The biggest thing about buying a used bike, is who used it before you. With proper care these bikes can run for a lifetime.

 

If you feel like traveling here is link:
http://www.bikerbill.com/Touring.html
Got some pretty good deals.