So I've done some reading up and I see lots of advice as to frequency to check the tensioner shoes on these 99-06 motors.
I am looking at purchasing a 99 model with 1900 original miles (from the original owner, who obviously didn't ride it much).
So if the bike runs well and the chest is quiet, how important is it to open it up and inspect the tensioners? They are 20+ years old, but have hardly been used.
Everything on the bike is original, even the tires. It has been kept inside, climate controlled. Just trying to figure out where to start; I understand the bike will need some attention due to age, but I would also like to ride it some before tearing it all apart and throwing money at it.
Anyone have any experience with age vs. use/mileage on these tensioner shoes?

What other parts/systems should I be concerned with from an age point of view?

 

At 1900 original miles, don't bother with inspecting the tensioners, it's mileage not age. I would be more concerned with the 22 year old tires. Change the tires and all the fluids and ENJOY!!!!!!

 

Hey Raymond welcome to the forum.
IMO
I personally wouldn’t be too concerned with inspecting tensioners at that mileage unless planning to upgrade cams anyway.
Tires have to go regardless of lack of wear.
check wheel bearings.
All fluids incl. engine, primary transmission, brakes, fork oil.
lubricate cables.
Drain fuel tank and refill adding sea foam.
Others may add more to the list.
Enjoy the new toy!

 

All of above and enjoy the ride.And Welcome to the forums

 

Just curious if op should be concerned with the tensioners having dry rot? I know its plastic and not like wood but surely an inspection wouldn't hurt. Sitting with little to no usage for 20 years they might have become brittle and have accelerated fatigue. Just an open ended question. Curious what the gurus have to say

 

Get the VIN number, and check it for open recalls here.

 

I bought my ‘06 in 2015 with 6k on it. Bike had not been ridden much in the last 5 years. Checked the tensioners, they looked good. Opened it up with about 8k on it, and the tensioners had severely degraded in a couple of months. If I were you, I would plan on replacing them soon; you never know when they let loose.

 

I don't disagree with anything previouslyl posted; however, to the point that bad tappets makes, IMHO, worth taking a look if for no other reason than to be able to compare what the tensioners look like now and what they might look like at some point in the future; like after 2500 miles. The problem with the early tensioners is that they can fail catastrophically without warning and create serious damage. My '02 FLHT tesioners were worn to the metal carrier at 8K miles and seriously worn past service limits at 12K miles on my '05 FXSTD.

On another note, I hope the bike is carburated so the OP doesn't have to deal with the old MM EFI system.

 

I just changed both tensioners on my 99' Wide Glide at 25k and they were in fine shape. I could have worked them for another 10k. A lot has to do with how you ride along with the type of miles you put on your bike. If you're worried, pop the cover and inspect them both. It's a lot better than leaving it up to fate.