Your thoughts..? on buying early 2000-06
#11
08-26-2010 | 03:58 PM
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 77
Likes: 1
From: Azle, TX
I ride an '05 Ultra. I have put plenty of miles on it and never a problem. I'm not the "hot-rodder" type so the 5 speed and 88 gets me and my wife down the road just fine. IMO: finding one in the years you mention with minimum mileage on it and at a fraction of the cost of buying new, makes for a great opportunity (or excuse) to get a touring bike.
#13
08-26-2010 | 04:56 PM
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,331
Likes: 56
From: north of Daytona
Buy the newest Touring bike you can. That being said, I ride a 'lowly' 88 cubic inch
Ultra. A 2004 model (no special badges for God sake!).
My best ride, was with my girlfriend to Maggie Valley, NC. We are not light weights..but the bike performed well in the Blue Ridge...and I have no regrets.
If you are a guy that needs "newer-is-better"...yup, jump on the band wagon.
I do wish I had a six speed...but all else being the same, my '04 is fine and dandy.
Ultra. A 2004 model (no special badges for God sake!).
My best ride, was with my girlfriend to Maggie Valley, NC. We are not light weights..but the bike performed well in the Blue Ridge...and I have no regrets.
If you are a guy that needs "newer-is-better"...yup, jump on the band wagon.
I do wish I had a six speed...but all else being the same, my '04 is fine and dandy.
#14
08-26-2010 | 05:32 PM
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Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Just Outside Chicago
#16
08-26-2010 | 05:45 PM
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: arapahoe N.C.
2002
New swingarm and 1" axle
Still has timken main bearing
Still has forged flywheels
Delphi FI
Can still get them with a carb if that is what you want
Can be had with low mileage for $10-$12k
I have even thought about selling my 01 to get an 02 just for the improvements that were made.
New swingarm and 1" axle
Still has timken main bearing
Still has forged flywheels
Delphi FI
Can still get them with a carb if that is what you want
Can be had with low mileage for $10-$12k
I have even thought about selling my 01 to get an 02 just for the improvements that were made.
#18
08-26-2010 | 08:02 PM
Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte NC
Used Tour Bike
I bought my 06 UC last May, for a great deal. I still have until 2013 with the VIP warranty the guy passed on to me. It has the full stage 1 done and for me it's plenty of power. While I agree with one poster who stated it would be nice to have 1 extra gear, I don't have any issue at 75-80 mph down the highway. How much faster do you really need? As far as get up and go from a dead stop it has plenty, but if your looking for stop light to 1/4 mile runs, get a different style bike like a Fatboy, Night train or other HD.
#20
08-26-2010 | 08:34 PM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,450
Likes: 4
From: El Cajon Ca.
02 is the best year to have as it has all the good parts in one bike. That said the 03s and 04s still had a forged crank but the timkin was replaced by a strait roller bearing. Still very good bikes. In 05 they switched to a cast crank and started having more problems with twisting them. I like the 02-04 bikes for the better crank and prefer the 02. BTW I ride an 03 and my last bike was an 04. never any motor problems with either bike.