Still taking my time & looking at going to a touring bike & noticed the market around here is just soaked in early 2000-06 baggers. Oddly the thing that has me thinking of buying one of these bikes is the fact so many have low miles, some as low as 11k. Most in the range of 15k. If I have done my home work thats not very high for a tour bike.
Just like the title says though.. feel free to share your thoughts on this idea.

 

lot of guys are trading up. bigger rear tire and motor can make a huge difference. everything else pretty much stays the same, but from 06 to 07, motor went from 88 to 96, tranny went from 5 speed to 6 speed, and rear tire got a bit wider. i'm happy with my 5 speed and thinner rear tire, but do need some more power out of it, gonna bump it to a stage 1 maybe 2 this off season.

 

I'm sure you can get a bike with a lot lower miles than that. The changes after '06 weren't just the motor and tranny, there were a ton of changes to the frame and how the bike rides/handles. A lot of people rave about these changes.

 

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.

 

I would not like to buy anything newer than a 05.If it has a carb all the better.

 

Having just made this sort of purchase...

It really depends on your riding style. I live in a valley, which means that I have hills in every direction. Most of my riding is day trips and the 5-speed is just fine. However, I recently made a 1200 mile weekend trip that involved a lot of interstate and occasionally looking for one more gear.

I'm happy with my TC88 / 5 speed for now. When my riding style (and available vacation time) changes, then maybe I'll move up to the 6-speed.

 

I agree! Even though mine is FI.

Next bike is a '60's FLH or '76 EG.

 

All of them are ok, I would lean towards something from 03 and later. Just my .02. Buying from an individual, you have a lot more negotiation power. Dealers seem to price them way too high, cause they won't give you anything for them. Just do your research, then ask the guys here on the forum when you narrow it down. I traded my 03 Ultra and have been kicking myself in the *** every day since.

 

I just traded in my 2006 for a new one. And I'm glad I did! Not that the 06 was bad, it is just that the 09s and later are so much better.

 

I have to be honest its your bike that got me thinking about moving up to a tour bike. My Dyna is a 05 with the 5 speed & 88, (stage one) So I know what Im getting power wise & motor upgrade would be a key issue. But I dont just want a out the box kit. I'd take the time with my Indy guy here and build it up to meet my riding style. I am one of the odd people I like the 5 speed but I think that comes from years of sport bikes.