which bike?????buy : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

bsa_bob · 10-17-2009, 01:50 PM

Iam looking at a 2002 superglide........for $7000.00 and a 2004 fxdsts [softtail] i don't know enuff about what i'm buying .but isn't the "quarter "balanced engine"...2004 a better deal. All i noticed was the throttle jumping [vibrateing ]around on the 2002 while it idled..salesman said it would quit that once warmed up. the 04 softail ...........i have had [three major back operations....... steel in one of them .......it don't bother me anymore.]...When she hit the key and it was running it didn't vibrate at all. both bikes were cold.Am i buying the right bike as i like the 04 the best.but tell me strait out what you think !! thank you for any help you can give me. bob s

nightrob · 10-17-2009, 01:53 PM

Go with the softail, you wont be dissappointed!!

Phat117 · 10-17-2009, 02:12 PM

I vote for the 04 softail......I've had mine since April 04, no problems and great ride.

dougbeth · 10-17-2009, 02:24 PM

My vote is for the softail...awesome ride

Milehog · 10-17-2009, 02:40 PM

Quarter balanced engine? It'll quit vibrating when it warms up?
Ask the sales weasel to show you a Harley publication that mentions quarter balanced. Have them warm up the bike that vibrates till it smooths out.
Harleys vibrate, no question about that, I'm just suspicious of the sales pitch you're getting.

bsa_bob · 10-17-2009, 03:22 PM

The softail sold me i think right off. Sure is nice havin you fellas to .help me find out the right thing here.

20538 · 10-17-2009, 03:40 PM

have you looked at independently owned bikes for sale as you'll be paying more from a dealer on a used bike.

Lefty · 10-17-2009, 03:53 PM

disclaimer: I ride a softail and for the most part like it.

Both those bikes have twin cam 88 CI motors, but they are mounted differently. The motor in the dyna is rubber mounted to the frame. It shakes and jumps something fierce at idle, but the faster you go the smoother it gets. The softails have rigid mounted motors with chain driven counterbalancers (I think this is what you meant when you said quarter). They idle smoothly and run smoothly but begin to buzz above 75 mph. Doesn't bother me though since I rarely ride above 75 mph, it's a Harley not a crotch rocket. The counterbalancer causes a minor loss in HP/torque because it has to drive the chain. The dyna/touring motor is known as the TC88. The softail motor is known as the TC88B.

Suspension wise I'm familiar with the softail but not so much the dyna. I know I'm happy with the softail suspension. For the most part you'll find softail riders will claim their's is superior, same for dyna riders.

You'll be happy with either one. Buy the one you want. But, as mentioned earlier, look around for private sales. Might get one cheaper. However, I've noticed some pretty good dealer prices on used bikes recently in my neck of the woods.

Lefty

ironox · 10-17-2009, 04:06 PM

I sold an 07' FLHTCU and bought a 99' Heritage. Arguably the bike that made Harley famous. It led to HD's comeback after the AMF days. They don't make them anymore, and Harley couldn't (EPA) if they wanted to. It's got a feel all it's own. I may own others, but I won't sell this one!

Milehog · 10-17-2009, 06:28 PM

edit;
I 'spose quarter balanced is a term I haven't heard describing the counter balanced "B" softtail engine.
The rubber mounted Harleys (Dynas, FLs and new Sportsters) shake at idle but smooth out when ridden, assuming the mounts are in good shape.

bsa_bob · 10-18-2009, 06:30 PM

Damn i can't get over your cactus.milehog!Where in the world do they grow cactuss like that. Or did you hunt the entire desert.btw i don't need one .just a comment. i have trouble with the one i have.

You said ; counter balanced and i said quarter; my statement was wrong. thats what old age does for ya. thanks for the tips all . i am going to see about a salvage license.....and a buyers id[michigan rules]i may be able to pik up a bike needing tlc [softail.] that way i could keep all my brits and my shadow.I hate selling one to buy another and my wife dosen't understand my line of thinking.If any know of a damaged one i can buy .i will go after it.i'm retired with nothin else to do. keep them coming all .

bsa_bob

bsa_bob · 10-18-2009, 06:34 PM

Hey lefty ,how did you get that gal in your avatar?.......and that pose.thats really kool bsa_bob my wife is beyond this

Darnit

bsa_bob · 10-18-2009, 06:36 PM

phatt117........ i want one that looks like yours.........thats a BAD!!!! bike.
bsa_bob

dickey · 10-19-2009, 01:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ironox

I sold an 07' FLHTCU and bought a 99' Heritage. Arguably the bike that made Harley famous. It led to HD's comeback after the AMF days. They don't make them anymore, and Harley couldn't (EPA) if they wanted to. It's got a feel all it's own. I may own others, but I won't sell this one!

Last time I looked, they still make the Heritage. And it wasn't that bike that led to H-D's comeback--it was the EVO motor!

Milehog · 10-19-2009, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsa_bob

Where in the world do they grow cactuss like that.

Texas, everything is bigger in Texas.