How old is too old ????

[07flstf]

I have a 1998 Ultra.  I have owned it since 2001 with 5000 miles on it.  I bought it from a friend and know the bike was never rode hard.  I have done all the service over the years.  My question is how old is too old.  The bike is really 12 years old and has 29000 mile on it.  Never broke down on me and has no signs of trouble, however I have been told that most dealerships will not work on it,( too old) so riding it locally, not a problem, but if I take a long ride and have a problem........
Thanks in advance for any thoughts

Be Safe JIM

[PC_Hater]

Bikes are never too old.
I know an admittedly strange person who has ridden thousands of miles around Europe on a 1907 Triumph!
Another rode from the UK over the Alps and back on a 1950s 98cc two-stroke!
Keep the bike maintained and just ride it.
Just ride it.

[ClassicRider2002]

It helps...if you are using adjustable push rods though........

never mind me 07flstf that was for the benefit of PC!!!!   



Laughing!!!!!!!

On a serious note 07~~

get a parts manual while they still sell them and a service manual as well for your model....and some tools.....and start readin.....

Regards,

"Classic"

[64heritage]

 As long as the bike is well maintained keep in riding it. May want to pay attenttion to the rotating assemblys I.E. bearings and such and replace as necessary. As for people not working on older bikes cant say i have heard of that especially in this economy you know any way to make a buck. Bottom line is ride it and enjoy

[takwolf]

I have a '97 Dyna with about 35,000 miles. I would not hesitate to take it on a long trip, most reliable bike I've ever had.

[dave_9113]

I have a 1998 Ultra.  I have owned it since 2001 with 5000 miles on it.  I bought it from a friend and know the bike was never rode hard.  I have done all the service over the years.  My question is how old is too old.  The bike is really 12 years old and has 29000 mile on it.  Never broke down on me and has no signs of trouble, however I have been told that most dealerships will not work on it,( too old) so riding it locally, not a problem, but if I take a long ride and have a problem........
Thanks in advance for any thoughts

Be Safe JIM

As a rule of thumb, Dealerships will only work on bikes going back 10 years, so cut off will be 1999.  In actually, if you are broke down away from home, I would think most dealerships will fix your bike.  If not, you have Indys who will definitely get you fixed up.  With 29K and good maintenance, you've got years of trouble free riding. 

[stroker800]

   I don't know,, I'm ridin around on a 55 pan, 81 shovel and 98 evo,,,,too old is when they're thrown dirt on the coffin.
Dave

[CraigArizona85248]

Yeah... like Dave_9113 said, a lot of dealers won't work on anything over 10 years old.  Don't let that stop you though.  I have been riding my '49 panhead daily since 2004.  60 years old and still going strong.  The older your bike gets, the more self reliant you need to be.  But you are no where close to needing to be self reliant with a 1998 model.  Virtually any Indy shop will be happy to wrench on it.

-Craig

[Buddy WMC]

My 93 FXLR has been totally rebuilt over the past year. It looks, rides and runs better than a new bike and will be with me until the day I die. Waiting now on the painter to finish doing his thing and the bike will finally be done! The only untouched parts are the frame itself and the wiring harness, everything else is basically new. The engine has about 800 miles and the Baker DD6 about 400. I did most of the work myself or with help from a bro when needed. This board and the members here have also been very helpful.

Most important thing is do not skimp on maintenance and routine safety checks. Services are done more often than the manual states and I use only the best parts available for my needs. I hate having to send my money to Taiwan, China or somewhere else unless there is no other choice. I can't believe how sick I feel when going into the dealership and see Genuine Harley Parts that are made somewhere in Asia.

Enjoy your bike, don't worry about it and take care of it  .

[brick1]

my 91 FLTCU has 74k on it and it runs just like it did the day i got, from the third owner.  i really take care of it, ride it normal, not hard and not easy. keep the rpm's, in gear, over 2K and the local indy can fix what i cant, or dont have the special tools for.

i cant see getting rid of her anytime soon, and would not hesitate to leave tomorrow for the northwest......providing i can find some chains along the way!!!!  haha

[BKACHE]

Find an INDI in your area that has a good word of mouth reputation.
Go to him for some work and get a relationship started. It will be worth more than any talk with the t-shirt sales people at a dealer.   

[flhs90]

For what it's worth. 64 degrees here yesterday. Rode a fourth hand old or older FLH from my home to Pacific City and back along 101, Pacific Ocean hiway south to Newport. A guy and his lady from Bend pulled up beside me at a stoplight on his 05 Ultra. We both said nice bike. He wa looking for a Costco. Nada, I said then the light turned green and off both bikes went.

I am slowly going through replacing tires, brake pads, etc. Routine maintenance. 64K on it and bike seems to need nothing.
from what I have read, keep an eye on the lifters. Change the fluids and ride it like ya stole it.

You've got a least 8 more years from what I can see. LOL.

FLHS 90

[baldoldfxr]

mines an 86 I've done the top end & clutch but the bottom end is untouched,any WELL MAINTAINED Evo should be reliable
Dealers in the states may be different from here,alough I dont use them myself I'm told they will work on any Harley,
look after it &it will look after you.

[riden2low]

I have a '97 Dyna with about 35,000 miles. I would not hesitate to take it on a long trip, most reliable bike I've ever had.

Same here............93 Fatboy...........Oct 2008........2000 mile trip with no problems at all. You just have to take of them like a woman and they will treat you nice   

[hardonthemerch]

Find an INDI in your area that has a good word of mouth reputation.
Go to him for some work and get a relationship started. It will be worth more than any talk with the t-shirt sales people at a dealer.   

Thats sound advice there - With that said though, don't be tempted to do too much as preventive maintenance. I see allot of guys spend tons of money on "because it's best to know it's new" theory. "Now you know for sure" etc. - If your bike ain't rattling, smoking, etc now - Leave it be, ride it and enjoy it. (talking mainly motor/tranny here) - Bearings, etc - Good to swap them periodically, however if they're nto making noise or have too much play, then just wait until you need tires. Same thing for brakes - if they're worn past half, then go ahead and swap them when the tires off, etc.

[paulkay]

Have an 1987 FXSTC picked up in 1986, with about 240,000 on it. Motor started going at 161,000 and is sitting in dining room ready to go back in again. Find a good shop and ride happily along. A lot of aftermarket parts are as good as or better than HD and available all over.

[vegaspete61]

I'm on a 97 eglide with 76000 miles that I hold the title for. I wouldn't trade it for anything. I'll ride it till the engine falls out. Oh, the dealer here in Henderson NV worked on it last year. They did a good job, the price was a little high but, I was sick and didn't feel like pulling the primary myself. 

[Hoist!]

Never too old! My '85 FXWG before completely rebuilding!

Hoist!

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[Hoist!]

My '85 FXWG after rebuilding!

Hoist!

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[Hoist!]

What do you do with all them takeoffs? This is what! My Evo Hoist Bobber!

Hoist!

[attachment removed after 60 days by system]

[96FLSTF]

  29K miles its just getting broke in. My 96 fatboy with near 70K (Never had the heads off).  I did replace the lifters at 55K only because of the miles, then shortly after put my son on it (Who was 16 at the time) and let him follow me on a 8,600 mile cross country road trip summer of 2005). The bike is still sitting in my garage officially my son's now (Currently serving in the Marines). So I get to ride it while he's gone. I wouldn't hesitate to take it cross country again although it ain't as comfortable as my RK and since we converted it to a Stalker. Hell, it burns less oil than my 05 RK. Of course regular maintenance, a battery, clutch, Brakes, little stuff like that been replaced through the years (But by me).

Gene

70K on the clock

[rdkng]

You should be fine for a long time..  maintain it well, pay a pro on occassion to
do a maintenance and look it over (i.e. the other set of eyes trick)  and enjoy.
I've replaced a lot of parts before the break as my schedule is prefered over
its schedule     (84K on 1995 'king)

fwiw.. my definition of too old is..   when both events occur simultaneously.
bike breaks down  AND  makes you mad. 
then its time for it to go

rdkng 

[J-Carr]

Suggestion for those of you with dealers that wont work on a bike over 10 years old... find another dealer.  My local dealer will happily work on any year bike you bring them.  Now the MoCo ain't gonna make the pretty chrome for it anymore, but most of the required to keep it running pieces still exist from some supplier.  I thought I've heard most of the stealer bull that gets pulled, but that was a new one on me.  And if you can't find a dealer that'll work on it then there's always an independ shop somewhere that will.

So if you love the bike and she treats you right, there's no reason to kick the dirt over the old girl.

Ride Safe,
J-Carr

[hbkeith]

i agree with Jcarr,the dealer around me will work on anything,find new dealer.i ride a 93 ultra with 82000 on it,check my lifters and cam bearing around 30000,i would go across country tommrow

[88toro]

1 bought a 1987 FLHTC needing updated. Spent a winter on it, and thanks to JohnS and many many others I can now get on it and go. No dealer will even talk about working on it. I carry a ton of item when I go on a long trip and usually if I can find a shade tree to work under I'll get her going again, and I have some crazy stories. Being 66 years old I'll ride it as long as this site keeps going. Everyone stay safe,    John B.

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[rad3766]

29,000 isnt even broken in. My 98 FL is just short of 70k, didnt hesitate to ride her from houston to nyc via flin flon, manitoba this past summer, 5400 miles in 10 days.
She stranded me once a few years back, cam position sensor went out, routine maint otherwise.

[BigE1340]

One nice thing about the older Evo's is they are for the most part user friendly.No scanners and limited special tools.80K on an 1995 FLHTC and still running strong.No computers to remap and timing is set by simply turning an ignition plate.Oh also endless selection of aftermarket motors and parts....

[fulldress79]

 Theres no such thing as too old,Harleys last FOREVER!.... When I first saw this post I thought you wondering how old is too old for someone to still ride!!!... WHEW!!!!

[coolingfin]

Don't kid yourself... that bike is too old to be worthwhile... sell it cheap... to me. 

[MaxxV4]

I have a 98 Dyna Wide Glide with 61,000 miles on it. Had the top end rebuilt at 27,000 miles since it burned oil from day one. Still runs great. Wouldn't hesitate to ride it across county. (With a little check over first.)
 
Mike

[tinkerman]

I am running an 88 Heritage. Had it across the country in 2005. In the process of a top end rebuild this winter. ( Had a look at the bottom end as well cause I F%$ked up)  When it is done I will take it anywhere my nose takes me. I am not a Harley guy but what the Harley's lack in any given year in technology they make up for in longevity. Not a lot of leading edge stuff going on (at least up to the year my bike was built) but they are fairly easy to work on and the bottom end of the evo is rock solid. As well and of lesser import are things like chrome and paint which are the best I have seen on production machines. If you do your own maintenance or get someone to do it for you you will be able to keep a HD moving for a lot of years.

Enjoy it,

Tinkerman

[FLHTCUSE3]

I have a 1998 Ultra.  I have owned it since 2001 with 5000 miles on it.  I bought it from a friend and know the bike was never rode hard.  I have done all the service over the years.  My question is how old is too old.  The bike is really 12 years old and has 29000 mile on it.  Never broke down on me and has no signs of trouble, however I have been told that most dealerships will not work on it,( too old) so riding it locally, not a problem, but if I take a long ride and have a problem........
Thanks in advance for any thoughts

Be Safe JIM

That was the last year for the EVO motors (maybe the best motors HD ever made)
1998 is certainly not old, dealers generally do not like working on early 80's bikes due to the inability to solve the issues that still persists today
Also do not like being held responsible for other things not working after service.[color]

[CraigArizona85248]

That was the last year for the EVO motors (maybe the best motors HD ever made)

1999 Softails still came with the Evo.  But 1998 was the last year for the Evo for other big twin models.

[zn14]

2000 was the last year of the evo.....it was in the 2000 FXR4....less than 900 made

[fxr4mikey]

I have a 1998 Ultra.  I have owned it since 2001 with 5000 miles on it.  I bought it from a friend and know the bike was never rode hard.  I have done all the service over the years.  My question is how old is too old.  The bike is really 12 years old and has 29000 mile on it.  Never broke down on me and has no signs of trouble, however I have been told that most dealerships will not work on it,( too old) so riding it locally, not a problem, but if I take a long ride and have a problem........
Thanks in advance for any thoughts

Be Safe JIM

That was the last year for the EVO motors (maybe the best motors HD ever made)
1998 wasn't the last year for the EVO's ..... in 1999 HD put out the FXR 2 and 3 which were EVO's
in 2000 HD put out the FXR4 which was in fact, the last production year of the EVO motor


1998 is certainly not old, dealers generally do not like working on early 80's bikes due to the inability to solve the issues that still persists today
Also do not like being held responsible for other things not working after service.[color]

[FLHTCUSE3]

That was the last year for the EVO motors (maybe the best motors HD ever made)

1999 Softails still came with the Evo.  But 1998 was the last year for the Evo for other big twin models.

I forgot us FD guys sometimes fail to acknowledge that there are other bikes out there.

[CraigArizona85248]

2000 was the last year of the evo.....it was in the 2000 FXR4....less than 900 made

Oh yeah!  I remember that now.  Nice little bit of trivia 

[Mark222]

I ride my 85 FXEF about 1,900 miles every year to Key West.  Don't tell anybody it is 25 years old!

Mark

[Dogbone45ACP]

I wish I still had my 1989 FLHTC, it ran great at 90,000 plus. but I needed a new bike, not.

[fxr4mikey]

I wish I still had my 1989 FLHTC, it ran great at 90,000 plus. but I needed a new bike, not.

eggzactly !!

I'm riding my 2000 FXR4 all the way to the end of the line !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

well, that is ...... until I find a 1991 or 1992 FXRT ...... when I'll ride that for my LONG TRIPS, and the FXR for my SPORTING day rides .... or over nighters 

Man I love this bike !!!!

[elvislee]

I wish I still had my 1989 FLHTC, it ran great at 90,000 plus. but I needed a new bike, not.

eggzactly !!

I'm riding my 2000 FXR4 all the way to the end of the line !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

well, that is ...... until I find a 1991 or 1992 FXRT ...... when I'll ride that for my LONG TRIPS, and the FXR for my SPORTING day rides .... or over nighters 

Man I love this bike !!!!

Hey man...That be a purrrrrrrrrty bike there; I wish I had one like it





















Oh Yea...............................................................................................I do; but it's yeller 

[elvislee]

Hey Mikey......Put new bars (Flanders Superglide Style) on mine this weekend, got the Simple green out and cleaned her up good, changed tranny fluid, primary fluid and polished her up a bit...She don't look to bad. If I can just find a new shock collar for my right rear shock; then I be in decent shape except to replace my front top rocker cover which is peeling some chrome....Maybe a pic or two tomorrow 

[fxr4mikey]

HAHAHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Blaine yer a FUNNY GUY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You do have one ................. Just like that ......... don't ya ...............  OH YEAH,  but it's yellow !!!!!!!!!!!!!  and a SWEET looking ride it is too !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[96dynabagger]

Not sure why that dealer policy, but lots of other shops will work on them, and I like the older bikes better.

Never been a fan of the work I've gotten out of my dealer.  If they don't want my business, that's fine with me.
Its not going to get me to trade-up to something that's overly complicated and horrible expensive to repair.

Frankly, except for the usual preventive stuff, I've never had to repair it, just add more stuff.   

[Buddy WMC]

Mikey,
What brand of rear shocks are you running? Can't tell for sure, but are they look like 440's and how long are they?
Thanks....