Looking at a couple of 2005 Electra Glide Classic's, is there anything a person should watch for on these used bikes? What year did they start the automatic primary adjuster, and what year did they go with the smaller wheel bearings? If there is anything else let me know. terry

 

The only thing I have heard about the '05's is there were some that had valve seal problems but I don't know if it was all of them. As far as crappy wheel bearings, I think that started in '09. My '07 still has the beefy wheel bearings. Can't speak to the auto tensioner - my '04 had a manual adjuster and my '07 has an automatic.

Watch the mileage - the cam chain tensioner design is such that they wear out and need to be replaced. I want to say it's around the 40k mark but that probably depends on how it was ridden. All TC-88's have this design - the tensioners are spring loaded. The TC-96's have a newer design and don't wear out as soon.

Other's will chime in I'm sure. The '05's are probably pretty solid bikes. Second to the last year for the TC-88 and it's a good motor.

 

..good all around bike...like already said, the only issue with 05's is that EARLY builds had inferior valve-guide-seals...they allowed oil to get by, and some guys reported using 1 quart every 500-1000 miles...they did a running change during production, and put in "Viton seals"..look on the tag on the neck of the frame, should say month bike was built..then call a dealer and ask when the change was made during production...other than that, good bike

 

........ if they've got > 25k miles & not been checked, i'd check'm
..... anywhere from $500 to $1k to replace, depending on which kit you choose & who does the work

 

if you like the price jump on it before its gone. i like them better than new bikes

 

Manual chain adjuster. I have 75K on mine and it's been a great bike! Never did anything but maintenance. At 70K or so I replaced the cam tensioners and shortly after replace the stator and rotor with a Cycle Electric. I just replaced all the inner primary seals. Did all the work myself and wasn't too bad never doing it before.
Great Bike!

 

I've got an 05 FLHT and it's been a real solid bike. Got a little over 64k on the clock and running strong. Ride it every day pretty much