Seen a Dyna.........

[Gerry Attric]

Hi guys, little help needed here of you don't mind? Recently had to sell my Honda VFR 800 V.Tec (Interceptor to you guys - I'm a Brit and we just call them the VFR800 here). I'm a short guy - 5' 6" and getting a bit older with a few arthritic ailments which are making a taller bike uncomfortable now.

I've decided to go Harley for my next bike - mainly because they are quite low and the Sportster Low is VERY low! I've been looking at Sportsters but in my search came across a Dyna, (I'll try and attach some pictures) which kind of appeals.

I've been researching Sportsters a for a few weeks now - finding the differences between models, reading owner reviews etc - but now this Dyna has come to light I need some info on them regarding ownership - reliability, anything specific I should be looking for - common fault / issues etc on that year.

A bit about the bike in the picture: its a 2001 model and has covered just 2500 miles. the owner has a cissy bar / luggage rack to go with it. It certainly looks tidy enough in the photos and the price he's asking - £6250 ( about 10500 USD) is very reasonable - compared to equal bikes available here in the UK.

Any info would be very gratefully received

Thanks
Dave

P.S - Couldn't add piccies so here's the link to the ad:
http://www.pistonheads.com/SALES/1232559.htm

[gsilander]

Welcome Gerry. This is a good place for information and a bit of a laugh. A few more Brits joining lately which is good too!

The bike in question looks pretty good to me. The price is reasonable for the UK market. Very low miles indeed! Probably all 'dry' from the look of the bike.

I have a sportster as its what I could afford. I love it but if I'm honest I lust after a Dyna Streetbob (don't tell Gruss! He'll kill me!) If you're used to a VFR then the little extra power of the Dyna won't be a problem, although obviously the VFR is very different to a Harley!

Check out the Dyna section for more specific issues. I'm sure you'll get all the info you need!

Most importantly, just get a Harley! You'll love it!!!

[sirbOOm]

Seems like a fair deal for the bike but have it looked at because a 2001 with only 2500 miles either means the owner never rode it or something is fishy. My 2009 Dyna hasn't been as refined or reliable as I would have wanted. It's the 96" engine though, not the one this bike has. I think the 1450cc engines have better impressions about them... let the forum decide. At over 10,000 miles now so I ride a lot. Maybe it's just me though, with the noises I hear and what not. In either case, the bike looks good. Change out that battery cover the first second you get! It's ugly. I'd say go for it, especially if it has mid-controls at your height. When you buy a Harley, you will get the customization bug and you will spend more money. Thank about that too. A lot more money.

[gsilander]

^ He's right! It gets real expensive!

[lostgringo]

MY ADVICE....JUMP ON IT FAST! Too often we hesitate on such decisions, if it feels right, DO IT!. If it turns out you were wrong, so what, you lived the moment

[draperfish]

I love the Superglides, just stay on top of the cam chain tensioners.

[Gerry Attric]

Originally Posted by draperfish

I love the Superglides, just stay on top of the cam chain tensioners.

Ah! Are they a problem? - Difficult to repair? When you say "Keep on top of them" I take it there are preventative measures to prevent failure?

I'm quite handy with a spanner having been an engineer for best part of my life! Harleys look a breeze to work on after owning faired Jap bikes for years with all their electronic gizmos and tubes poking out of every orifice! Air flow sensors - what are they all about then?.........I digress..........

At what sort of mileage can we expect the TCT to give trouble? Will regular oil changes stop premature wear?

Thanks so far for the replies, you're all helpng me make up my mind whether it's gonna be a Sportster or a Dyna. Any other little Dyna foibles I should know about?

If anyone wants to shout in with post 2004 1200 Sportster common probs please feel free.......I'll just wait here!

Dave

[XDixiecratX]

Originally Posted by Gerry Attric

Ah! Are they a problem? - Difficult to repair? When you say "Keep on top of them" I take it there are preventative measures to prevent failure?

I'm quite handy with a spanner having been an engineer for best part of my life! Harleys look a breeze to work on after owning faired Jap bikes for years with all their electronic gizmos and tubes poking out of every orifice! Air flow sensors - what are they all about then?.........I digress..........

At what sort of mileage can we expect the TCT to give trouble? Will regular oil changes stop premature wear?

Thanks so far for the replies, you're all helpng me make up my mind whether it's gonna be a Sportster or a Dyna. Any other little Dyna foibles I should know about?

If anyone wants to shout in with post 2004 1200 Sportster common probs please feel free.......I'll just wait here!

Dave

You might be waitin awhile cause I dont see where you ve been properly introduced in the New to the community section

[Gerry Attric]

Sorry - didn't realise there was a procedure to go through! Never did conform to the status Quo - it's why I ride bikes.........To forget about rules and regulations and take advantage of the fredom it brings. If I want that then I'll go join the Brownies!

If I've overstepped the mark and you don't want me here - if my gross rebelliousness goes against your sensitivities - then just say the word and I'll feck off somewhere else

Dave

[gsilander]

No need to leave Dave. People here like an introduction in the new to the community section. You'll find you get much better responses afterwards.

Made the same mstake myself. Dixie keeps us all in line though!