looking at buying a '99 Classic
#21
07-14-2010 | 04:02 PM
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 10,787
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From: Texas
It has a Ultra tank, but a Classic console in the center of it. The front finder is a Classic fender with Ultra badges. The tour pak is Classic, not Ultra. There is no engine guard or lowers, and the passengers foor boards have been changed to pegs. ...I believed the bike was a Classic, not a Ultra when it was born.
#23
07-14-2010 | 04:13 PM
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 10,787
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From: Texas
I believe you said you were looking at a '99 Clasic. I'm almost sure that is what it is. For some reason someone changed the tank, or at least the paint job on it. I would want a engine guard on it if I bought it. Mine have saved me big $$$ more than once. ..........Also I had a '97 with the old type FI on it. I rode it over 90K before it got whacked with NO problems with the FI.
#24
07-14-2010 | 04:20 PM
Thread Starter
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,415
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From: San Antonio, Republic of TEXAS
it is advertised as a Classic. with the low miles, I believe it'll last me a long time. because of my knee arthritis and back problems I'm not gonna ride long distance, nothing more than a couple of hours at a time.
an engine guard may be something else I'll want to ask for.
thanks again.
an engine guard may be something else I'll want to ask for.
thanks again.
#25
07-14-2010 | 04:21 PM
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,080
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From: Buffalo, NY
UPDATE!
the '99 looks a little rougher than the photos showed, not bad - and I think with some elbow grease, it could be decent looking. certainly never show quality or new looking, a 20 ft bike. I don't care for the color combo, Red & Black.... but it's not bad looking.
the salesman threw a 2 yr warranty, 15k service and sales tax in to sweeten the deal.
the '99 looks a little rougher than the photos showed, not bad - and I think with some elbow grease, it could be decent looking. certainly never show quality or new looking, a 20 ft bike. I don't care for the color combo, Red & Black.... but it's not bad looking.
the salesman threw a 2 yr warranty, 15k service and sales tax in to sweeten the deal.
#26
07-14-2010 | 04:24 PM
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 171
Likes: 5
From: Gifhorn, Germany
Do what do you do is right for but then don't ask for opinions.
#27
07-14-2010 | 04:28 PM
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,687
Likes: 8
From: SoCal & West TN
I would not consider earlier than the 2007 year. It was the year Harley increased the displacement to 96" and the 6 speed transmission.
When I was replacing my 1998 Ultra that was totaled, I would not consider any year earlier than the 2009 because of the new frame. I bought the 2009 Road Glide. I looked at the 2010. I didn't get it because I am a Tourer. Harley made the Road Glide into a "Bar Hopper" I would take too much money to change and add options to make it a Tourer again. (Like I haven't spent enough already to add the Ultra back to mine) lol
Last edited by Ultra89Rider; 07-14-2010 at 04:34 PM.
#28
07-15-2010 | 06:28 AM
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 760
Likes: 5
From: Central Wisconsin
Either FI system is going to be the same, each one has parts that will eventually wear and need replacing, unlike carbs which as we all know last forever and are fool-proof. In fact the MM was Harley's first choice, a simple, proven reliable system that would still be in use today if not for the EPA. When the DOT/EPA announced that throttle-by-wire and closed-loop fuel injection would become mandatory, just as in automobiles, HD began searching for a system that could accomodate these, and the Delphi system could. The MM system will not adapt to throttle-by-wire or closed-loop fuel injection. Of course, it's human nature to suggest that one is of course so much better because it's new, because it is better, yadda yadda, etc. ad nauseum until it becomes a myth unto itself. Yep, you must verify you have the upgraded bearing, gear drive is nice if you don't like $170 tensioner replacement every 20-thousand miles, and you might not want to put a lowering kit on the bike unless you upgrade the swingarm. Otherwise, here's one Stage III+ modified MM Harley that can keep up with any 103 on the road in SoCal, and there are many!
I was just stating that for the same money he could move up a few years.
By the way, I've worked on both systems and the 'newer' systems are a lot easier to get parts and to work on. I just installed a PCIII on a '99. It took about 2 hours to do the install. It only took about 20 minutes to install one on my '05.
#30
07-15-2010 | 11:38 AM
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 6
From: Jax, FL
I have a 99 and an 03 and have logged a couple thousand miles on rented 08s and 10s. The most recent included a 450 mile day on a 2010 Ultra Classic. I read over and over how folks won't even look at the older bikes but in my opinion there isn't really that big a difference in the newer bikes versus the older ones. My 99 has actually given me less problems than my 03 has for the same amount of miles driven. Sixth gear is only good for higher speed highway cruising and the difference in torque/hp/handling is not that significant. The only area that I notice a large difference between the bikes is the 99 brakes are much weaker than the newer brembos, but not worth trading bikes for. For those that question my riding ability and ability to judge the differences, I've ridden expert class in my local track days and most of the Harley riders I've ridden with can't keep up once the roads get twisty.... Your money though and your choice.