Buying used 2007 - too risky?

[Adam76]

I'm far from being an expert but I can tell you what I did with my 08 FXSTC softail.  As mentioned the first thing to do is check the runout.  If it's good then chances are it will stay that way baring abuse.  If not, it needs to be corrected now.

I was in northern Virginia at the time and rode my bike in the heavy rush hour traffic that is the DC area.  I found myself constantly shifting gears up and down as the traffic went from stop to go and back again.  So I told my Indy I needed a stump puller that could torque its way through some of that traffic.  With Zippers being just an hour up the road we went their Sleeper 103 Kit with the 525 cams. 

https://www.zippersperformance.com/sleeper-103-kit/

I already had a T-Max installed and my Indy did some valve work during the build.  I also went with the Red Shift Cams Dual Piston Cam Chain Tensioners and a fueling cam plate and pump.  The results were exactly what I wanted.  Rush hour shifting was reduced by a good 40% and I now have a bike with which I've never been happier.  That was some 7 years ago and the engine continues to run strong as ever.  First time in my life there's nothing I "Want or Need" to do to my engine.

Now if I could just get the time/money to work on the suspension....................

Hey thanks for the feedback, and sounds like you've got a nice running bike! 
That zippers sleeper kit is actually pretty good value considering what you get for $1,300.... new tensioners, pushrods, cams, cylinders, pistons and complete gasket set..... very tempting, but I think the way I'm doing it piece by piece instead of a kit might come out a little cheaper. Money  toward a good tune.

I'm looking at a set of Bitubo softail shocks for the best ride and comfort. Check them out.

[FSG]

I'd be doing something about the POS Rotor/Comp Cup Assy they used in the 07's .......  a disaster waiting to happen

[Adam76]

I'd be doing something about the POS Rotor/Comp Cup Assy they used in the 07's .......  a disaster waiting to happen

Thanks FSG. I'll look into that.
Cheers

[FXDBI]

I'd be doing something about the POS Rotor/Comp Cup Assy they used in the 07's .......  a disaster waiting to happen

I have a 2006 Dyna I believe its the same bolted on assembly.  I had one of the early ones with no Loctite on the bolts. I found the loose bolts on a inspection.  Removed them all cleaned and re-assembled with red Loctite and staked the bolts in 3 spots each with a center punch.  The upgrade requires a new stator rotor and compensator. I also set and welded my auto tensioner at the same time. I only use HD primary fluid and change it every oil change.  Still holding up with a 110 in the bike, UNLIKE the 3rd gear in the transmission.
Bob

[tbird]

07 touring has bad final drive gearing. People lugged the piss out of them and pounded the bottom ends. Thats probably a why some had problems

[Adam76]

07 touring has bad final drive gearing. People lugged the piss out of them and pounded the bottom ends. Thats probably a why some had problems

Was the gearing different for the softail line up?

[tbird]

Final drive gearing the same.

[Scotty]

07 touring has bad final drive gearing. People lugged the piss out of them and pounded the bottom ends. Thats probably a why some had problems

Was the gearing different for the softail line up?

Just don't lug the bike around especially 6th gear which is only really usable once you get up to 120kmh which with Harley speedos is still only 110kmh in real life

[Hossamania]

I think a key to longevity with most motors is DON'T lug them!
A friend of mine went from riding a 4 speed Shovel with shortened gears (town bike) to a 2007 RoadKing and complained about how doggy it was. I told him to quit shifting, leave it in 4th on the hiway (55-60 mph), especially two up, and run the gears out longer.
He's not real mechanically inclined, so it took a while for the concept to sink in.
He still lugs it, not quite as bad.

[Appowner]

Agreed!  I rarely ever get the bike into 5th and almost never into 6th.  And when I do, I'm watching for the Police as well.

I'm convinced the six speed tranny was nothing more than a marketing ploy by the MOCO.  99.9% of us really do not need the thing.  (OK, maybe 95%)

Then again maybe the idea was all the service revenue repairing all those over-lugged bikes for those who don't know any better?

[MikeL]

I have a 2007 Ultra. So far ok with the comp sprocket. Installed Andrew 48 cams. As soon as the compansator starts knock or kicking back Darkhorse 30 will be installed. 6th gear is useless below 70mph.
The bike is easy to work on no canbus or antiloc brakes. If I still have it and if it needs a top end maybe go 107 or 110. I do worry about stock bottom ends with mileage.
If the price is right buy it

                                                                                                                                                                  MIKE

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

[Hossamania]

I agree, if it is a nice bike for the reminder that price, buy it.

[Adam76]

07 touring has bad final drive gearing. People lugged the piss out of them and pounded the bottom ends. Thats probably a why some had problems

Was the gearing different for the softail line up?

Just don't lug the bike around especially 6th gear which is only really usable once you get up to 120kmh which with Harley speedos is still only 110kmh in real life

Agreed.

I definitely don't lug my bikes, and I can always do a pulley change if required.

Interesting point about the tall gearing of the '07s and the likely lugging amd stress on the bottom end that lugging causes in relation to the reputation of the 07s weak crank... Probably no weaker than the 08 09 etc. ?
Thanks.  👍

[Hossamania]

I agree, if it is a nice bike for the reminder that price, buy it.

Guess I should proof read once in a while.

[kd]

I agree, if it is a nice bike for the reminder that price, buy it.

Guess I should proof read once in a while.

  Trying out that gin and tonic leg cramp cure? 

[Hossamania]

I agree, if it is a nice bike for the reminder that price, buy it.

Guess I should proof read once in a while.

  Trying out that gin and tonic leg cramp cure? 

Worked like a dream, no cramps! Some posting issues though...

[kd]

Yep, that's one of those things that they read real fast at the end of the TV commercial.