03 to 06 had the old plastic cam chain tensioner and would pass on those years. Anything above 07 would be great. 09 received the newer touring frame. 17 received the M8 engine which is a great engine.

 

Because?

 

Thanks for all the input, every one. It's helped me narrow down my choices and given me a lot to consider!

 

I agree, except on two points...

I wouldn't avoid an early (spring tensioner) Twin Cam engine ('99-'06). I would just adjust my purchase offer if they have no proof (receipts) that the spring cam tensioners were updated. Any older Twin Cam, especially over 20K miles, IMHO, is in immediate need to have the tensioners upgraded.. Once those tensioners are updated, if it is a well maintained bike in good condition, you can have a really good, reliable bike.

Also, I don't think the cast cranks started until '05 or '06...

As I recall:

'99-'02 had hot forged cranks and lefty Timken bearing.

'03-'05 (or '06) they removed the lefty Timken bearing, but used cold forged cranks

'05 (or '06) was the first year for cast cranks....


OP...

All years have an issue or two... luckily there is nothing out there that does not have a fix for it available....

I've always felt it is best to buy the most recent year bike your budget will allow.... but when looking at similar bikes (year/mileage) maintenance history and condition are more important than several years or a bit more miles.

 

It's a superstition that dates back to the big war. Ride a green bike, you'll die on it.

 

What Japanese "cruiser" has an air cooled v-twin and hard bags? All the jap bikes I see besides ones with tiny engines have a giant radiator in the front and gawdy styling.

 

Didn’t see it mentioned unless I overlooked it, up to 01 was MM injection if EFI, 02 and after was Delphi which was easier to work with. Carbs were offered through 2006. 2005’s had what was called valve-itis with the seals. IIRC, the 05’s still used a 38 amp rotor but that could swapped out. IMO, 2002 and 2006 were good TC88 years. Then came all the changes others mentioned like TC96 in 07, 6 gallon and cush drive in 08, frame in 09, etc.

 

I have an '06 Electra Glide Classic, and I replaced the cam chain tensioners with hydraulic tensioners, and it's been a fantastic bike for the last 38,000 miles. I wouldn't trade it for a newer one.

 

It’s not about “would you trade it”. It’s about if you were in the market to purchase a touring bike, TODAY…
I wouldn’t trade my bike for a newer version either, but if I were buying TODAY, I’d be looking at and comparing 2013’s & 2014’s.

 

old biker superstition!