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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: HDGoose on March 20, 2016, 02:54:47 PM

Title: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: HDGoose on March 20, 2016, 02:54:47 PM
So many used Harleys out there with less than 30,000 miles. Found a 2002 ElectraGlide Ultra Classic with under 24k. Slightly more than a few used Guzzi's of he same year or newer, but I know that parts are available for the Harley. I will have another Guzzi later on, but it will be an Ambo/Edo and maybe a Mille.  Only space and time for one bike.
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: RayB on March 20, 2016, 02:58:43 PM
Won't depreciate as much as Guzzi either
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Arizona Wayne on March 20, 2016, 02:59:00 PM
You've had HDs before, haven't you, so are familiar with them.  This 1  probably fits your body better too?  :azn:
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: leafman60 on March 20, 2016, 03:07:56 PM
Hot dang! Here we go!!!  :boxing:
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: atavar on March 20, 2016, 03:13:27 PM
Won't depreciate as much as Guzzi either
I don't know if this is true any more.  Gone are the days when an HD was an investment.  They depreciate just like used cars any more, if not faster. 
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: twowings on March 20, 2016, 03:18:35 PM
Obi Wan: I felt a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. I fear something terrible has happened.

C3PO: We're doomed.
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Kev m on March 20, 2016, 03:24:37 PM
Goose, you probably know this, but just in case, that's a TC 88, so keep an eye on the timing chain tensioners. That's about the mileage they could be bad if not already replaced or upgraded.
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Triple Jim on March 20, 2016, 03:33:01 PM
I don't know if this is true any more.  Gone are the days when an HD was an investment.  They depreciate just like used cars any more, if not faster. 

What you're saying seems true around here.  In the last couple years, a friend has picked up a Super Glide and a Road King at what I consider dirt cheap prices.  I think the early Evolution era Super Glide was something like $2,500, and is in excellent condition in all respects.  Not sure about the Raod King price, but it was very low too.
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Kev m on March 20, 2016, 03:40:39 PM
What you're saying seems true around here.  In the last couple years, a friend has picked up a Super Glide and a Road King at what I consider dirt cheap prices.  I think the early Evolution era Super Glide was something like $2,500, and is in excellent condition in all respects.  Not sure about the Raod King price, but it was very low too.

They definitely depreciate now, but not like rocks.

I mean EARLY EVO means late 80's.  Should be pretty cheap by now.

Anyway I started noticing more normal depreciation levels by the mid 00's once the waiting lists were gone and production hit highs in the mid 300k range.

Our current XL was picked up as an 07 leftover still sitting on the floor and discounted thousands.

Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: HDGoose on March 20, 2016, 03:40:42 PM
Goose, you probably know this, but just in case, that's a TC 88, so keep an eye on the timing chain tensioners. That's about the mileage they could be bad if not already replaced or upgraded.

First maintenance issue to address.
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Tom on March 20, 2016, 03:51:28 PM
It's a better fit for you.  I see a California 1400 Touring in your future.
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: HDGoose on March 20, 2016, 04:36:58 PM
You've had HDs before, haven't you, so are familiar with them.  This 1  probably fits your body better too?  :azn:

My second Ultra Classic. Cam update. New suspension and enhance brakes and I'm good for this bike.
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: HardAspie on March 20, 2016, 04:40:23 PM
So many used Harleys out there with less than 30,000 miles. Found a 2002 ElectraGlide Ultra Classic with under 24k. Slightly more than a few used Guzzi's of he same year or newer, but I know that parts are available for the Harley. I will have another Guzzi later on, but it will be an Ambo/Edo and maybe a Mille.  Only space and time for one bike.

Well congratulations from one not-a-Guzzi- owner to another. Great board here with nice people to know. Don't go away!
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: kingoffleece on March 20, 2016, 05:30:30 PM
I replaced them on a 2003 RK at 28000 miles.  They needed it!
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Tom on March 20, 2016, 05:32:35 PM
Well congratulations from one not-a-Guzzi- owner to another. Great board here with nice people to know. Don't go away!

Goose won't leave.  He's been here for awhile.  Most of the Guzzi owners here are also non-Guzzi owners.
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: HDGoose on March 20, 2016, 05:35:16 PM
And...I used to show up to Harley events on my Guzzi. And at Guzzi rallies on my Harley.

Now to sell my Guzzi.
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Tom on March 20, 2016, 05:38:32 PM
Saw the posting.  Good luck.  I'd do the same thing plus wearing a tee.
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Kev m on March 20, 2016, 05:47:00 PM
And...I used to show up to Harley events on my Guzzi. And at Guzzi rallies on my Harley.


WHY I NEVER...



... UH never mind....
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Tom on March 20, 2016, 05:56:10 PM
The riders in the "only HD" crowd have accepting an older Buell too.
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: dave1068 on March 20, 2016, 07:30:06 PM
Dont feel bad, Im thinking about selling my Guzzi and I often find myself searching for the HD XR1200.... :bike-037:
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: HDGoose on March 20, 2016, 08:08:43 PM
Dont feel bad, Im thinking about selling my Guzzi and I often find myself searching for the HD XR1200.... :bike-037:

If I wasn't 6'7"...
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: flip on March 20, 2016, 08:29:31 PM
Congratulations on your new ride.
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: leroysch on March 20, 2016, 10:32:46 PM
I replaced them on a 2003 RK at 28000 miles.  They needed it!

Replace mine on the 2006 SG at 67000. Worn for sure, but still functional.
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Triple Jim on March 20, 2016, 10:57:45 PM
If I wasn't 6'7"...

 :grin:   Fold yourself up and go for it.   I'm only 6'2", but I very much enjoy riding my Ninja 250 even though I'm pretty well squatted on it.  It makes it easier to drag a knee.   :laugh:
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: eldoroddo on March 20, 2016, 11:54:02 PM
:grin:   Fold yourself up and go for it.   I'm only 6'2", but I very much enjoy riding my Ninja 250 even though I'm pretty well squatted on it.  It makes it easier to drag a knee.   :laugh:

I'm 6'1" and that lovely little KTM RC390 is just a tad to cramped for me  :sad:
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: HardAspie on March 21, 2016, 12:00:42 AM
I am down about half an inch from my youth's 5' 12" and am riding my little Wolf just fine. Don't know how exactly, but just fine.  :grin:
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Kev m on March 21, 2016, 05:24:08 AM
Replace mine on the 2006 SG at 67000. Worn for sure, but still functional.

That's the weird thing, I've seen em go in the 20k range and I've seen em still in service at 50k.

But if they grenade and you haven't caught em... BAAAAAAAD...
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Zoom Zoom on March 21, 2016, 05:42:31 AM
Saw the posting.  Good luck.  I'd do the same thing plus wearing a tee.

Not to mention riding up on the sidewalk in front of the HD dealership door on an old Honda.......and posing for a picture! :evil: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin:

Congrats BTW Gary!

John Henry
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: jumpmaster on March 21, 2016, 07:04:30 AM
Goose, you probably know this, but just in case, that's a TC 88, so keep an eye on the timing chain tensioners. That's about the mileage they could be bad if not already replaced or upgraded.

Forgot to mention - Harley did upgrade them in motors built after 2003, but I don't remember whether it started in 2004, 2005 or later....  To quote an American Hero, "Do you feel lucky?"

 :1:

I had a 2003 Electraglide Classic that was about ready for a tensioner replacement at 30K miles, & the mechanic, a personal friend, had just had a bike in with a destroyed one at about the same mileage.  He recommended inspection/replacement at 20K intervals.  Not getting it done before the tensioner disintegrates can get ugly inside the engine.  Harley & aftermarket upgraded tensioners with longer lifespans are available, but it is still a periodic replacement part.  I had my friend install a timing gear conversion to eliminate the issue permanently, but it did add a little gear whine to the various noises the engine already made.  Louder pipes solved that issue for awhle, but I went back to stock mufflers when I started doing ironbutt rides - the loud pipes were worse than the gear whine.
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Kev m on March 21, 2016, 07:31:02 AM
Forgot to mention - Harley did upgrade them in motors built after 2003, but I don't remember whether it started in 2004, 2005 or later....  To quote an American Hero, "Do you feel lucky?"

 :1:

I had a 2003 Electraglide Classic that was about ready for a tensioner replacement at 30K miles, & the mechanic, a personal friend, had just had a bike in with a destroyed one at about the same mileage.  He recommended inspection/replacement at 20K intervals.  Not getting it done before the tensioner disintegrates can get ugly inside the engine.  Harley & aftermarket upgraded tensioners with longer lifespans are available, but it is still a periodic replacement part.  I had my friend install a timing gear conversion to eliminate the issue permanently, but it did add a little gear whine to the various noises the engine already made.  Louder pipes solved that issue for awhle, but I went back to stock mufflers when I started doing ironbutt rides - the loud pipes were worse than the gear whine.

I don't know if they upgraded the spring loaded tensioners at some point.

But to be clear ALL TC88 motors EXCEPT the one year (2006) found only in the Dyna chassis that year have the same basic design spring loaded cam chain tensioners and could (or eventually WILL) grenade and so must be watched/replaced or upgraded to the later design.

Starting with that one year only TC88 in the Dyna, and then all subsequent TC96 motors (which debuted in 2007) the spring loaded tensioners were replaced with hydraulic pressure controlled tensioners and a redesigned oil pump and (I think the camshafts and timing chain were changed with the design, perhaps not the profiles but only the drive and timing mechanisms at that time).

This later design is not fool proof and still requires periodic inspection, but reports are that it is much less likely to frag at such low miles as the others have. I believe I have heard reports of them still looking good at 100k miles (but not first hand).

Owners of TC88 motors with spring loaded tensioners generally have 2 options:

1. Factory or aftermarket upgrade which means replacing the oil pump, tensioners, timing chain, camshafts, pushrods etc. Generally speaking you cut out the old pushrods and replace them with adjustable rods so you don't have to actually remove the tank and cylinder head rocker boxes.

or

2. Aftermarket gear drive camshafts.

But unless you have that one year only Dyna, if you have a TC88 and the original factory camshafts/timing chain set-up then YES inspection every 20k or so is a good idea (I might be tempted to go every 10k as it's an easy check, one relatively easy/small cover). Or better yet, budget for one of the two upgrades and move that inspection out longer.
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: N.Y.zee10 on March 21, 2016, 08:32:45 AM
Kev M, not to bicker or correct...but...ear ly EVO engines (big twin) came out sooner than the late 80's. The early EVO engine was in the Softail of 1984. That engine had the new EVO top end sitting on a nose cone shovel bottom end. 4 speed with kick and the button. The prices on this combo is going up. Wish I still had mine! Glad this topic was started. Motorcycle related for sure. Nice to know why some people choose another ride. Members often post non- Guzzi stuff: dead rock stars, fancy wrist watches, guns and such. No one tries to drive them to another forum. I own 2 Harleys and they are both great machines, though quite different from one another and my Guzzi.
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: oldbike54 on March 21, 2016, 08:39:34 AM
 What's a Harley ?

 Let's play nice here , Goose is still part of our family , he helped support the JN Smyth Okie camp out last year , and didn't even get to attend . 

 Dusty
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Kev m on March 21, 2016, 08:57:36 AM
Kev M, not to bicker or correct...but...ear ly EVO engines (big twin) came out sooner than the late 80's. The early EVO engine was in the Softail of 1984. That engine had the new EVO top end sitting on a nose cone shovel bottom end. 4 speed with kick and the button. The prices on this combo is going up. Wish I still had mine! Glad this topic was started. Motorcycle related for sure. Nice to know why some people choose another ride. Members often post non- Guzzi stuff: dead rock stars, fancy wrist watches, guns and such. No one tries to drive them to another forum. I own 2 Harleys and they are both great machines, though quite different from one another and my Guzzi.

True and correct of course. My world has always been very FLH and XL centric. I've always spurned the STs. So that shifts the EVOs I care about to the mid-to-late 80s. But point taken.

:boozing:
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: jumpmaster on March 21, 2016, 09:00:56 AM
I don't know if they upgraded the spring loaded tensioners at some point.

 :1: to all you said.  Just to clarify what I said before, Harley's "upgrade" solution was to simply use a somewhat more durable coating on the tensioner slide that pushed against the timing chain.  As far as I know, they didn't do any other design changes/improvements until, as you said, they converted to a hydraulic system...  As far as I remember, the TC88 motor, at least once it got the initial kinks worked out, doesn't have any other ticking time bomb issues.
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: LowRyter on March 21, 2016, 09:09:31 AM
didn't those bikes have oil pump problems too?
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Kev m on March 21, 2016, 09:13:26 AM
Jump - YUP - and I wasn't sure but thought that's what you might have been referring to (the upgraded material).

didn't those bikes have oil pump problems too?

The TC88's?

I could be wrong, but I thought the only oil pump problems were caused by fragging timing chain tensioners which would then take out the pump (and the motor) in short order if ignored.

Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: jcctx on March 21, 2016, 09:42:37 AM
I am down about half an inch from my youth's 5' 12" and am riding my little Wolf just fine. Don't know how exactly, but just fine.  :grin:

5' 12", heck, that be almost 6'   ???????
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: rboe on March 21, 2016, 12:49:58 PM
Being more clueless on HD stuff than I'm on other things, just how hard is it (and expensive) to simply replace the tensioner bits?

I used to be very close to 5 foot 14 inches, but after a get off, down to 5-11. Alas, the legs are still very long and must be folded up like a grass hopper to fit many bikes.  :tongue: This makes the Africa Twin seem much desirable, fitment wise, than a 1400 Eldorado. Even if the Eldo looks better. Sigh.
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: mach1mustang351 on March 21, 2016, 02:04:06 PM
I recently added a Harley to my fleet. Nothing wrong with a Harley. As everyone said, the tensioner update should be done. Usually between 30-45k miles they act up. They typically dont just fall apart and cause trouble. They usually start with making some noise... dont ignore the noise.

Enjoy your new bike!!
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Kev m on March 21, 2016, 02:18:28 PM
Being more clueless on HD stuff than I'm on other things, just how hard is it (and expensive) to simply replace the tensioner bits?

I used to be very close to 5 foot 14 inches, but after a get off, down to 5-11. Alas, the legs are still very long and must be folded up like a grass hopper to fit many bikes.  :tongue: This makes the Africa Twin seem much desirable, fitment wise, than a 1400 Eldorado. Even if the Eldo looks better. Sigh.

Inspection is pretty easy. One side cover, though the rear tensioner is pretty obscured.

Just to replace the tensioners looks like a little more work.

The upgrades are involved, but they're long term solutions.

I recently added a Harley to my fleet. Nothing wrong with a Harley. As everyone said, the tensioner update should be done. Usually between 30-45k miles they act up. They typically dont just fall apart and cause trouble. They usually start with making some noise... dont ignore the noise.

Enjoy your new bike!!

True, but a lot of riders (especially the loud pipe guys) may not be able to hear the noise.

A couple of summers ago a bike that was traveling with us started making the noise, and could have fragged before it made it home if we hadn't side tracked to a dealer and watched him pay for an expensive fix.

Totally the rider's fault. Considering the mileage it could have been easily inspected once or twice before it got to that point. And the rider is an ASE certified mechanic for Acura, but was blissfully unaware of the potential problem on his bike until he heard the noise and I asked him when was the last time he'd checked them (answer, uh, never).

Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Muzz on March 21, 2016, 02:36:12 PM
Enjoy the ride Goose. At least there will always be a dealer close by. :thumb: :grin:

To the Harley guys, does this tensioner problem only apply to the big block or does a 2002 Sporty have the same problem? The son has one with 19000kms on. Fore warned is fore armed as they say.
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Kev m on March 21, 2016, 02:39:28 PM
Enjoy the ride Goose. At least there will always be a dealer close by. :thumb: :grin:

To the Harley guys, does this tensioner problem only apply to the big block or does a 2002 Sporty have the same problem? The son has one with 19000kms on. Fore warned is fore armed as they say.

Only the Twin Cam (Big Block) motors (the ones that came after the single cam EVO)

Sportsters have used 4 gear-driven cams (no chains, no tensioners) forever... well, it seems like forever...
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Muzz on March 21, 2016, 02:50:30 PM
Thanks Kev. :thumb:
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on March 21, 2016, 03:32:56 PM
Congrats Gary..you'll look good on it. :smiley:
Gotta love WG..
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Cool Runnings on March 21, 2016, 03:59:13 PM
Was looking at Harley's before buying the Norge.  :boozing:
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: HardAspie on March 21, 2016, 04:22:20 PM
5' 12", heck, that be almost 6'   ???????

Ja! I come from a family of nephelim or Valkyries or such. But it is okay. I'm oogly too!
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: jbell on March 21, 2016, 04:42:54 PM
Obi Wan: I felt a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. I fear something terrible has happened.

C3PO: We're doomed.

Hilarious, twowings!!  And I don't think you had to change a single word.   :thumb:
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: BRIO on March 21, 2016, 05:40:38 PM
Something about replacing engine parts on a twentysomething thousand dollar bike with less than fifty thousand miles is wrong. If it was a racing engine I would understand. However, Harley engines are as far removed from racing as is possible. I like the looks and sounds but couldn't imagine wanting to replace my Guzzi with one of those.
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Cool Runnings on March 21, 2016, 05:44:11 PM
Something about replacing engine parts on a twentysomething thousand dollar bike with less than fifty thousand miles is wrong. If it was a racing engine I would understand. However, Harley engines are as far removed from racing as is possible. I like the looks and sounds but couldn't imagine wanting to replace my Guzzi with one of those.

You can find a really nice Evo with low miles for $5k.
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Kev m on March 21, 2016, 06:02:25 PM
Something about replacing engine parts on a twentysomething thousand dollar bike with less than fifty thousand miles is wrong. If it was a racing engine I would understand. However, Harley engines are as far removed from racing as is possible. I like the looks and sounds but couldn't imagine wanting to replace my Guzzi with one of those.

Yeah, it was a huge turn off to me about the early TC motors.

But fwiw, most were not all that much more than Guzzis and it was no different than having to rollerize an 8V CARC, or no worse than having to replace an $800 dash, or spend $500 on a Guzzitech reflash to get a bike to run right in the first place.

I'm still waiting for the Guzzi I can just buy and ride and not have to replace a fuel filter and vintage regulator just to keep it from breaking.

Oh well, maybe I'll try a Triumph next time.

Or actually, come to think of it, Jenn's Duc has needed NOTHING but maintenance or accessories.

<shrugs>

Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: fotoguzzi on March 21, 2016, 06:44:57 PM
You can find a really nice Evo with low miles for $5k.
where? locally they mostly go for $8-9k

I did see this..w/35k miles, think the tensioner has been addressed?
https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/csw/mcy/5473967193.html
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Kev m on March 21, 2016, 07:20:21 PM
where? locally they mostly go for $8-9k

I did see this..w/35k miles, think the tensioner has been addressed?
https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/csw/mcy/5473967193.html

Well, since it's an EVO, there was no tensioner issue.

But I hate that they put a TC air cleaner on it.

Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: MadMike on March 21, 2016, 08:08:20 PM
Just some first hand experience regarding the Twin Cam 88. I bought my Road Glide new in 2004. At the time there was no update to a hydraulic option so I had to go with gear drive in order to get rid of the tensioner pads. At the time, S&S were the only ones offering the gear drives. There was no such thing as a gear driven cam with a stock grind. You were gettin' perfoormance whetha ya liked it er not. This meant I had to accept a slightly hotter cam which threw my fueling a bit off. Not enough to warrant a new map but enough to notice a rougher idle. On the flip side a slight increase in...wait wait here comes that word : performance! These early Twin Cam motors had no O2 sensors so the injection was really blind as to what was happening in the combustion chamber. Map Sensor, Crank Sensor, Temp Sensor, Throttle Position and away you go.

Anyways, bikes been good to me, never any issues. Other than the gear drive everything else is stock. Exhaust rotted out so I went with a SuperTrapp and makes less noise than stock pipes....bike has 92k miles...still going strong. I ride Guzzi's for fun but when I need a two wheeled Buick, I go for Harley.
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: arveno on March 21, 2016, 08:12:23 PM
Evo is the best engine the moco has ever done.
I am a sucker for pre evo engines but i have to recognize evo are bullet proof engines, hands down.
Yes, depending on the year they had few little "thing" like rear base cylinder gasket seeping oil( pigtail gaskets fixed the issue there )
Some early evo had bad case cast ( porous ) but the moco took care of them.
and few little issues but in the end Evo are great engines.
They are also very simple and very easy to work on. Timing a harley and set the carb is a breeze.
A Evo engine with regular maintenance and love can last as long as a guzzi.

Goose, if you are 6.7 , there is no guzzi you can fit in.... i would have done the same you did, enjoy you bike... haters will be haters lol
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: kingoffleece on March 21, 2016, 08:14:42 PM
Well, I go slightly off topic here, but just a touch.
I had the first year SoftTail-4 speed chain drive kick start-and rode the crap out of it.  Wish every day I didn't sell it!
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: elvisboy77 on March 21, 2016, 08:16:29 PM
So many used Harleys out there with less than 30,000 miles. Found a 2002 ElectraGlide Ultra Classic with under 24k. Slightly more than a few used Guzzi's of he same year or newer, but I know that parts are available for the Harley. I will have another Guzzi later on, but it will be an Ambo/Edo and maybe a Mille.  Only space and time for one bike.

and why exactly is buying a Harley news on a Guzzi site???
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Gliderjohn on March 21, 2016, 08:43:31 PM
Quote from BRIO:
Quote
Something about replacing engine parts on a twentysomething thousand dollar bike with less than fifty thousand miles is wrong. If it was a racing engine I would understand. However, Harley engines are as far removed from racing as is possible. I like the looks and sounds but couldn't imagine wanting to replace my Guzzi with one of those.

I have never had any interest in H-Ds but the above now rings hollow after dropping a good hunk of change on my Norge with 13K miles getting "rollerized".
GliderJohn
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: leafman60 on March 21, 2016, 08:44:22 PM
 :popcorn:
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: mach1mustang351 on March 21, 2016, 10:19:35 PM
Not that anyone at all cares about my story but here it is.

I was raised in a house hold that wasn't quite anti-harley, but they weren't accepted. My dad has a 1941 Indian Chief and my first bike was a Mini Bambino Indian. My dad explained to me later that back in his day, you bought your bike from the dealer closest to you. In his case, Indian. Which had the natural Harley rivalry.

Last year, I went to work at a Harley dealership. I mostly needed out of my current job and saw the job posting and thought "why not?" I was around the bikes for a while and rode my first one. It was like nothing out. They have character, they are fun and I bought one after my first ride.

I still maintain 3 other bikes. I dont wear a vest or chaps, I dont ride in groups. I just enjoy my Harley for the job I got it for.
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: HardAspie on March 21, 2016, 10:43:32 PM
Not that anyone at all cares about my story but here it is.

I was raised in a house hold that wasn't quite anti-harley, but they weren't accepted. My dad has a 1941 Indian Chief and my first bike was a Mini Bambino Indian. My dad explained to me later that back in his day, you bought your bike from the dealer closest to you. In his case, Indian. Which had the natural Harley rivalry.

Last year, I went to work at a Harley dealership. I mostly needed out of my current job and saw the job posting and thought "why not?" I was around the bikes for a while and rode my first one. It was like nothing out. They have character, they are fun and I bought one after my first ride.

I still maintain 3 other bikes. I dont wear a vest or chaps, I dont ride in groups. I just enjoy my Harley for the job I got it for.

Sounds reasonable to me. Ride on dude!
It's the ride, not the machine anyway. Get out of the cage and into the world and bank into a turn and set the horizon on its ear. Yeah baby!
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: HDGoose on March 22, 2016, 07:41:35 PM
Congrats Gary..you'll look good on it. :smiley:
Gotta love WG..

I just amused. Most newer folks on this board do not now how many Guzzi and Harley engines from different era's I've rebuilt.

RTFM.
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: HDGoose on March 22, 2016, 07:47:37 PM
Evo is the best engine the moco has ever done.
I am a sucker for pre evo engines but i have to recognize evo are bullet proof engines, hands down.
Yes, depending on the year they had few little "thing" like rear base cylinder gasket seeping oil( pigtail gaskets fixed the issue there )
Some early evo had bad case cast ( porous ) but the moco took care of them.
and few little issues but in the end Evo are great engines.
They are also very simple and very easy to work on. Timing a harley and set the carb is a breeze.
A Evo engine with regular maintenance and love can last as long as a guzzi.

Goose, if you are 6.7 , there is no guzzi you can fit in.... i would have done the same you did, enjoy you bike... haters will be haters lol


My 89 EVO crankcase split at 148k. My 79 SP was the least maintenance bike I have ever owned. Newer Guzzi's, with Guzzi specific parts disappearing before 5 years turned me off.

I made all my Guzzi's suit me. The SP or T-3 pegs were the best. If I cannot sell my 97 California, I'll cafe it with SP pegs eventually.
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: HDGoose on March 22, 2016, 07:51:46 PM
and why exactly is buying a Harley news on a Guzzi site???


Chatting with my friends? Some of whom I've know from Guzzi rallies since the 90's? How many miles you got on Guzzi's? How many miles on motorcycles? I've even had folks from this board visit and stay with me in Ireland.

What do you get from this board?
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Kev m on March 22, 2016, 08:18:39 PM
Sorta related.

I heard yesterday that my bud who ran (and finished) the Iron Butt Rally last year on his 06 XL1200R has been invited to run again this year.

His dilemma is that his Harley currently has about 176k miles on it and he figures it will be over 200k by the start of this year's rally.
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: fotoguzzi on March 22, 2016, 09:02:04 PM
and why exactly is buying a Harley news on a Guzzi site???
because Goose knew ELVIS !
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: oldbike54 on March 22, 2016, 09:17:55 PM
because Goose knew ELVIS !

 Hell , I thought he was Elvis ...

 Dusty
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: fotoguzzi on March 22, 2016, 09:24:24 PM
He's bigger than Elvis.
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: HDGoose on March 22, 2016, 09:28:26 PM
HEY!! I am below 300 pounds now!!
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: fotoguzzi on March 22, 2016, 09:38:03 PM
 1995 Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 model RS -$2000 (good condition)

(http://images.craigslist.org/00H0H_jL35V3wFwyk_600x450.jpg)

16k
thoughts, Kev?
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Shorty on March 23, 2016, 12:45:59 AM
So, Gary, you gonna dust off the old moniker HDGOOSE?   
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: HDGoose on March 23, 2016, 04:43:08 AM
So, Gary, you gonna dust off the old moniker HDGOOSE?   

hehehehehehehehehe
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Kev m on March 23, 2016, 06:08:30 AM
1995 Harley Davidson Sportster 1200 model RS -$2000 (good condition)

(http://images.craigslist.org/00H0H_jL35V3wFwyk_600x450.jpg)

16k
thoughts, Kev?

No such thing as an RS.

If you can get past the horrific paint it could be a fun toy.

It's a solidmount, so VERY different from the rubbermount bikes. A little lighter but that's not saying much (around 500#), has slightly better electrics and oil tank than earlier solidmounts (86-93).

Brakes aren't much to brag about, nor will the suspension be.

Wheel bearings need to be manually removed, re-greased and installed with fresh seals at each tire change.

And it's likely a paint shaker, like my 93 was, used to numb my hands and feet within the first 100 miles.

Honestly I'm not sure I'd ever own another solidmount, but if I did I would probably make sure it was an 00-03 for the best brakes (4-pot Kelsey-hayes) and best electronics and sealed wheel bearings. And even then I'd probably make it a café or local toy and probably wouldn't ever tour on it like I did in the 90s.

The rubbermounts really changed Sportsters for the better if you ride more than 50-100 miles at a time.
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: BillinPA on March 23, 2016, 07:24:31 AM
Good for you Goose, I got two of the 88inch motors, they are cheap to buy. One is a 2006 Superglide I put a sidecar on. The other was a close friends ( who passed away ) 2000 E-glide with a built zippers motor, gear drive cams etc. Good solid bikes parts easy to get as you would expect. And yes you can put miles on a Harley (for the anti-Harley crowd)

Truth is I love Guzzi, But my Guzzi's have required MUCH more fiddling and repair than the two Buells and three HD's I have owned put together.  They are all machines....you know the rest
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Tobit on March 23, 2016, 08:48:32 AM
After renting a '14 Street Glide and getting lost in the Ozarks for a wonderful 600+ mile weekend, and accepting that I haven't even started the LeMans this year, I'm pretty sure I'll be going HD when I no longer have the kids tuition going out 11 months of the year.  Three more years.  Just haven't had the courage to finally part with the LeMans after 29 years.

The SG wasn't perfect but did everything I needed better than I expected, was pretty darned quick for a stock tank and surprisingly comfy.  The infotainment system is crap though, especially the GPS.  Lovely motorcycle and I met some fine HD folk during the ride.

I figure by the time the kids are gone I'll find a '14 or '15 Stree Glide with a few tasteful mods and low miles at a fair price.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0803/eroman/DSCF1620.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0803/eroman/20151108_094649.jpg)

Tobit.
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: mach1mustang351 on March 23, 2016, 11:31:30 AM
I keep saying that if I can shake the "adventure bike" genre and stay off gravel roads I would sell the stelvio, and the v Strom and get a Road Glide Special.
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Tobit on March 23, 2016, 11:43:22 AM
I keep saying that if I can shake the "adventure bike" genre and stay off gravel roads I would sell the stelvio, and the v Strom and get a Road Glide Special.

That's my next rental, just to compare to the Street Glide.  I haven't been behind a fairing as large as the RG since my '90 Cal III Touring.

Tobit
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: bad Chad on March 23, 2016, 02:06:27 PM
To the original OP,  I'm sorry for your loss. :sad:
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Tom on March 23, 2016, 02:48:50 PM
Went to an "adventure" bike rally with the friend that has a 1200GS with 10 gallon tank, Cibie lights, large metal panniers....full on SUV.  All paved road mileage to the rally site.  After I parked my '80 SP1000NT, one of the rally participants came over to look at it.  "45 thousand miles?  What year is it?"  I then replied "'80.  It's a real adventure riding this."   :grin:  He was on a big late model KTM. 
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on March 23, 2016, 04:25:12 PM
Went to an "adventure" bike rally with the friend that has a 1200GS with 10 gallon tank, Cibie lights, large metal panniers....full on SUV.  All paved road mileage to the rally site.  After I parked my '80 SP1000NT, one of the rally participants came over to look at it.  "45 thousand miles?  What year is it?"  I then replied "'80.  It's a real adventure riding this."   :grin:  He was on a big late model KTM.
True. I've seen very few places these "Adventure bikes" go that I couldn't take the Mighty Scura.  :evil: :smiley:
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: HardAspie on March 23, 2016, 05:35:07 PM
True. I've seen very few places these "Adventure bikes" go that I couldn't take the Mighty Scura.  :evil: :smiley:

Got it. Use the tool ya gots. As I studied prior to buying I liked not only the low costs of the Wolf, but also its very low first gear, that its tyres have real tread, and that it weighs = reportedly - 266 lb wet. There are a lot of unpaved roads in the Southwest and many wonderful sights out there and great places to camp. I fully intend to do some albeit slow adventure riding on the little 150 when it is broken in. Probably see about getting some sort of metal detector to add to the outdoor fun.
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: boatdetective on March 23, 2016, 09:13:33 PM
No problem here if you go Harley insofar as parts and repairs are easy. I will maintain, however, that in my part of the country fully 80% of Harley riders never return a wave and behave like total asshats about the whole"live free, ride American" crap. As for Guzzi- I still give full credit to this forum and our supporting part sources like the good folks at Harpers, MI, MPH, etc.  I see no real strong reason to invest in the brand when all the other marques have come out with such stellar machines. My lowly Aprilia Shiver convinced me that time marches on and that there are much better choices out there if you are going to be totally honest about it.
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: N.Y.zee10 on March 23, 2016, 09:56:35 PM
Not the waving nonsense again...
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: CapitalGoose on March 24, 2016, 08:21:10 AM
Hot dang! Here we go!!!  :boxing:

Ha! *Grabs popcorn*
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Jerryd on March 24, 2016, 08:35:55 AM
I just amused. Most newer folks on this board do not now how many Guzzi and Harley engines from different era's I've rebuilt.

RTFM.

Goose,

I have a great picture of you at the 2008 MGNOC Rally in Malibu, CA!

Jerry
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Kev m on March 24, 2016, 09:25:03 AM
I will maintain, however, that in my part of the country fully 80% of Harley riders never return a wave and behave like total asshats about the whole"live free, ride American" crap.

But WHY GIVE A CRAP?

MY ACTIONS REFLECT ONLY ON ME, THEIR ACTIONS REFLECT ONLY ON THEM.

Look, I wave, and I mean I WAVE... first, longest, most often, whatever. I've ridden a fair amount in MA (obviously nothing like a resident) but damn, I've not noticed any difference between that and anywhere else I've ridden. Why?

Gotta be another variable.

When I say I wave, I mean, I wave first, keep my hand out till I'm past them. I don't really care if they return it or not, but I won't say it's not nice that most do. It doesn't matter what I'm on (Guzzi, Harley, Duc, Buell, BMW), it doesn't matter how I'm dressed or what helmet I'm wearing (FF, 3/4, Stich, Joe Rocket), MOST people return my waves.

And when the don't I shrug inside and move on.

It's funny though, sometimes with packs of 5 or 10 or more Harleys or anything, the first few riders don't always return the wave, like their either zoned out on the lead rider or perhaps it's just some sorta group think, each waiting for the other to return it.

But the bigger the group the more of a chance if the first couple didn't by halfway through the pack they start returning it. By the end they all do. It's funny to watch. Maybe I just guilt them with my tenacity. But I don't care if I pass 20 and no-one waves (I can't honestly recall that almost ever happening, shit I've had 1%rs return it).

So WHY CARE?

Funny story, did I tell this yet, now that I've bought a new Wranlger Jeep sent me this nice brass and leather keychain along with a little booklet that talks about the history of Jeep and of cours the Jeep Wave. Great, I need another thing to think about on the road in my car. Well the funny little marketing piece goes so far as to try and describe a hierarchy to the wave "Older and more heavily modified Jeeps take precedence" or some crap like that. IT's hilarious.

I hear on the Jeep forums people bitching about NEWER Jeep owners (JK) or worse the 4-door Unlimited (JKU) owners are just soccer moms and never wave back, so they're not going to wave to JKs. Ha ha, people, it's not high school, shit you shouldn't have behaved that way in high school but your brain was still mush and under emotional development so whatever.

So here I am now in the damn Jeep waving to everyone. Sometimes a soccer mom doesn't wave back, ok fine, maybe I look like a creeper lol, and sometimes the really heavily modified guys don't wave back (though honestly they usually do too), but either way, fine, who cares. I'll keep waving, especially if I see the same person day after day, I'll keep waving.

MY ACTIONS REFLECT ON ME.

THEIR ACTIONS REFLECT ON THEM... and if I allow their actions to effect me and how I feel, then I've given them un-necessary control over a piece of my life. That's sill.

Carry on...

Kev
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: boatdetective on March 24, 2016, 10:05:55 AM
There's a big, red "EASY" button on Kev's forehead and you just have to give it a tap to get the response  :grin:
(Kev, BTW, when I was out in the mountains of NM, everyone waved- including Harley guys. Seemed like fewer poseurs and more mutually respectful riders. It was a great experience)

I promise not to segue into oil or steel cut oats.

To the OP- good on ya. I personally want to own 'em all. We are blessed to have many, many fine new machines out there. I'm absolutely positive that competition from the likes of Indian/Victory, Honda, et al has forced HD to really stay on top of their game. As consumers, we really have benefitted. Enjoy the ride.

Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on March 24, 2016, 10:12:09 AM
Goose,

I have a great picture of you at the 2008 MGNOC Rally in Malibu, CA!

Jerry

I have one, too.. somewhere. Gary on a cut down Jackal, I think? Pretty funny. Right now, I can't seem to find any pix of the Malibu National. No doubt, I stored them in some place safe, and have lost them.  :rolleyes:
 
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Kev m on March 24, 2016, 10:16:51 AM
There's a big, red "EASY" button on Kev's forehead and you just have to give it a tap to get the response  :grin:

I THINK you just called me a slut...  :shocked:


But THAT'S the not the part that bothers me...








































It's that you are probably right...  :boozing:
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: oldbike54 on March 24, 2016, 01:42:45 PM
I THINK you just called me a slut...  :shocked:


But THAT'S the not the part that bothers me...

 So what part does bother you ? :grin:

 Dusty








































It's that you are probably right...  :boozing:
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: twowings on March 24, 2016, 01:51:28 PM
"I hear on the Jeep forums people bitching about NEWER Jeep owners (JK) or worse the 4-door Unlimited (JKU) owners are just soccer moms and never wave back, so they're not going to wave to JKs. Ha ha, people, it's not high school, shit you shouldn't have behaved that way in high school but your brain was still mush and under emotional development so whatever."

Try driving a lifted KJ...they not only don't wave, they studiously IGNORE you... :laugh:

Out of 4,200+ Jeeps in the Guiness Book of World Records Parade last year, I was the only Jeep the PA announcer went silent for.... :cool:
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: rboe on March 24, 2016, 04:16:36 PM
It's because you ride a Guzzi, not for the Jeep you chose....  :boozing:
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Jerryd on March 24, 2016, 04:30:13 PM
I have one, too.. somewhere. Gary on a cut down Jackal, I think? Pretty funny. Right now, I can't seem to find any pix of the Malibu National. No doubt, I stored them in some place safe, and have lost them.  :rolleyes:

I have them all! Malibu was a good time!
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Kev m on March 24, 2016, 04:38:27 PM


I think you didn't read my whole post.
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Kev m on March 24, 2016, 04:41:55 PM
"I hear on the Jeep forums people bitching about NEWER Jeep owners (JK) or worse the 4-door Unlimited (JKU) owners are just soccer moms and never wave back, so they're not going to wave to JKs. Ha ha, people, it's not high school, shit you shouldn't have behaved that way in high school but your brain was still mush and under emotional development so whatever."

Try driving a lifted KJ...they not only don't wave, they studiously IGNORE you... :laugh:

Out of 4,200+ Jeeps in the Guiness Book of World Records Parade last year, I was the only Jeep the PA announcer went silent for.... :cool:

Lol, I'd wave to a BU (Renegade for those who are wondering) if I thought the driver was remotely an enthusiast.
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: HDGoose on March 25, 2016, 06:52:23 AM
Goose,

I have a great picture of you at the 2008 MGNOC Rally in Malibu, CA!

Jerry

On the 'chopper' I made look like a mini bike?
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on March 25, 2016, 07:21:17 AM
Yeah, that's the one.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: Jerryd on March 25, 2016, 07:43:59 AM
On the 'chopper' I made look like a mini bike?

No, standing at a bar on the beach. I was standing on a chair with my camera so I could get your head in the shot!

Send me a PM with your e-mail address and I will send it to you. Sorry, I don't use a photo hosting site.
Title: Re: Taking a break from Guzzi - Bought slightly used Harley
Post by: MAC on March 25, 2016, 07:54:31 AM
Goose, you probably know this, but just in case, that's a TC 88, so keep an eye on the timing chain tensioners. That's about the mileage they could be bad if not already replaced or upgraded.
My '05 88 TC ate the cam bearings at 13K.Warranty repair and put another 30K on it before trading in on my Wing.