Top Five Used Harley-Davidsons 2000-2006

Even if you're not in the market for an '06 or '07 Harley-Davidson, the current models spell good news for used bike buyers. How, exactly? Well, according to Mark Barnett, owner of Barnett's Harley-Davidson in Texas, manufacturer's upgrades to the most recent models has prompted many owners of late-model Harleys to trade their machines in for new ones. "We've bought and sold about 1,800 used bikes over the phone, and people almost always seem to take really good care of their bikes. As a result, we're taking in some of the cleanest, most mechanically sound used bikes I've ever seen," Mark said. He has reason to be happy with used Harley sales-in a typical 60-day period, his massive dealership sells around 20 full dressers, 18 Sportster models, 12 Fat Boys, 12 Dynas, and eight Heritage Softails. Best of all, prices for recent-issue Big Twins has seldom been more competitive. Meanwhile, both the 883cc and 1200cc versions of the Sportster model are selling below prices listed in the all-knowing Kelley Blue Book. So with showrooms and Internet classified ads from coast to coast bulging with clean, used Milwaukee iron, we've compiled a handy list of the Top Five Used Harley-Davidsons. Buy wisely.

Full Dresser Models
Well-regarded for their ability to rack up serious cross-state or cross-country mileage without a sneeze, Harley-Davidson's FLH model line has long been one of the Motor Company's strongest sellers. The introduction of improved front forks and a six-speed transmission for '06 models has prompted a rush of trade-ins of '00 through '05 bikes, which still use a five-speed gearbox. But whether you're interested in the vaunted FLHTI Electra Glide Standard, the FLHTCUI Ultra Classic edition, special police or firefighter bikes, or the 103ci Screamin' Eagle Electra Glide introduced in '05, dressers tend to be among the soundest buys in the used H-D market. Models from 2000 are equipped with belt final drives and the smooth-running TC88B motor, which utilizes counterbalancers to make all-day riding a breeze. This means much less vibration than pre-'99 FLHs that ran the Evolution powerplant, says H-D's spokesman Paul James.

In '05, customers had the choice between fuel-injected or carbureted models, which offered similar power delivery and throttle response. With 68 horsepower and 84 ft-lbs of torque, there's enough grunt to haul rider, passenger, and a weekend's worth of gear in the Tour-Pak rear luggage box with ease. Because there have been few-if any-mechanical gremlins reported on these models, many dealers are confident enough to extend service intervals to 7,500 miles. Mark says the TC88B motors are a bit over-engineered, which means no mechanical stress factors even at high mileages. As a result, it's not uncommon to see used dressers with 50,000-plus miles showing on the odometers that are in no need of serious repairs. The most common modifications are 95ci Screamin' Eagle engine upgrade kits that include new pistons, bored-out jugs, etc. that can hype the power to nearly 80 horses. Some riders complain of rearview mirrors that are too narrow, so extended stem mirrors are a common aftermarket accessory. Also common are louder exhausts and adjustable backrests for the rider. Brake squeal can be a problem, but is easily cured by fitting aftermarket pads.

Sportsters
Now in its 50th consecutive model year, Harley-Davidson's XL line was considered Milwaukee's performance model before the emergence of the Buell sportbike series in the late '80s. Nevertheless, Sportsters remain a popular choice for riders looking for an American-made motorcycle that handles better and turns and accelerates more quickly than a Big Twin. With their low seat heights, relatively light weight, and agreeable powerplant, Sportsters have developed a faithful following among female Harley enthusiasts and riders entering the Harley-Davidson fold for the first time. Mark says the Motor Company seems to have overproduced their XL models in recent years, which sent used prices plummeting. Naturally, that's sent many prospective Sportster owners into showrooms and cyberspace looking for a low-price, low-mileage XL. Luckily for them, Sportsters tend to clock far fewer miles than many other H-D models due their spare level of comfort.

The 883 model appeals to many riders working on a budget. With that said, you get a lot of motorcycle for the money, and 883 Sportsters can easily be upgraded to 1200cc torque-monsters for about $1,000. While reliable overall, some owners have complained of leaky rocker box gaskets, exhaust clamps that can snap due to engine vibration, and the occasional broken shift lever return spring. However, these are all cheap, easy fixes that your local Harley-Davidson dealer can sort out for you. Common modifications are seats with more padding ($250-$400), louder exhaust pipes ($200-$600), and buckhorn handlebars to replace the wide, flattrack-style stock bars. The 1200 Sportster offers considerable performance over its little brother, but expect to pay anywhere from $7,500 to $10,000 for a late-model used bike, with aftermarket accessories often tacking on a few hundred extra bucks. In these days of rampant haggling and E-Bay sales, it's not hard to negotiate your price with sellers who can remove costly custom and aftermarket parts and sell the bike closer to stock trim for less.

Fat Boys
Unlike the '80s hip-hop act of the same name, Harley-Davidson's wide rider has proven to be one of its most consistent sellers both used and new. Chalk that up to classic American motorcycle styling that has its roots firmly in the curvaceous lines of the 1950s. In addition to offering more curves than Angelina Jolie, the FLSTF Fat Boy provides a broad spread of torque through its TC88B engine in '00 and up models and a comfortable ride that's good for interstate journeys or laid-back boulevard cruising. First introduced back in 1990, the 61 horsepower Fat Boy has sold in such high numbers that finding a quality used model is all a matter of deciding what color or extras you want and then making an offer. Cycletrader.com, for example, routinely has 200 examples for sale.

A sealed, no-maintenance battery is standard issue on recent models, as are sealed wheel bearings that don't need a mechanic's care until 100,000 miles are on the odometer. And while the Fat Boy is considered by many to be the factory custom motorcycle, owners have complained about several factors, including a stiff, heavy clutch and the wayward effect that highway crosswinds can have on the solid alloy front wheel. Some have cured this problem by installing handlebars that are narrower than the Texas-longhorn-style stock bars, while others have just learned to ride around the issue. Owners also rave about the comfort of the large floorboards and heel-toe shifter that makes passing-lane upshifts a no-effort affair, but just as many Fat Boy owners curse the floorboards for the way they ground out easily in tight radius turns. Nevertheless, the Fat Boy is a handsome machine that, despite a few quirks, is one of Harley's most beloved.

Dyna Wide Glides
With a sporty heritage that can be traced back to Harley-Davidson's performance-oriented Big Twin FXRS, the FXD Dyna Wide Glide combines sure-footed handling and eager acceleration with that timeless Harley-Davidson profile. Most Dyna buyers have considered other power cruisers like Yamaha's Road Star Warrior or Honda's VTX, but they tend to buy American after a test ride on this quick, powerful Big Twin. The quality handling can be attributed to the Dyna's box-shaped top frame rail and beefy chassis rear end-the ride is described as being sportier than most Sportsters, despite the Dyna carrying nearly 100lbs more weight.

From a stylistic standpoint, the Dyna Wide Glide, which premiered in 1993, is nearly indistinguishable from the old FXWG shovelhead that also rocked a mildly extended front end with raked triple trees, a skinny, chopper-inspired 21-inch laced front wheel, king and queen seat (which, to be honest, looks about as dated as a pair of alligator platform shoes) and a bobtail rear fender. Crimes against fashion aside, the Dyna Wide Glide is a popular mount for custom Harley enthusiasts who don't have the patience, wallet, or mechanical aptitude to purchase an aftermarket custom from the likes of Big Dog or Hell Bent Steel. The most common custom bits include louder exhaust pipes and small windshields for folks inclined to take their Dynas on the freeway. The broad, 32-inch wide buckhorn handlebars aren't to everyone's tastes, with many owners installing lower, flatter bars for better low-speed control. A low-maintenance belt final drive means a clean, trouble-free rear end, and many owners say the belts can last 30,000 miles or more before needing to be replaced, but the Wide Glide does have something of a reputation for troublesome primary chains and the occasional transmission leak. Though '06 Dyna models received a primary chain tensioner as stock, the manufacturer even suggests that these be brought in for a check-up every 15,000 miles or so.

Heritage Softails
Harley-Davidson's Heritage Softail maintains a place in Milwaukee motorcycle lore as one of the first and most successful retro cruisers on the market. Over the years, this big, comfortable ride has worn the guise of a cowboy-cruiser (with two-tone horsehair seat) and a '50s tourer with red and white leather saddlebags, buddy seat, and more fringe than Prince's wardrobe. And while the FLSTC isn't sexy or fashionable like the Fat Boy or cool and fast like the Dyna, it is a reliable, comfy ride. Barnett says many Heritage Softail models are owned and ridden by more mature Harley enthusiasts, which means mechanically there's less chance that a used model will have suffered a rough life at a drag strip or been wheelied out of the local biker bar's parking lot.

The Softail chassis was upgraded for less vibration and better cornering clearance back in 2000, and many Heritage Softail owners have smoothed the ride even more with the addition of aftermarket shock absorbers. Those wide, 16-inch spoked wheels are made for steady straight line drive while the tall, oddly shaped handlebars are said to be make life easy on the lower back even in highway windblasts. And speaking of highway riding, that's where most FLSTs spend their time, aided by a one-piece Fatbob gas tank that's good for 200 miles between fill-ups. Not many mechanical problems have surfaced with the Heritage Softail line, though primary cover gaskets can develop leaks after the first 20,000 miles and some riders complain about handlebar vibration during long trips. However, this can be solved easily with one of the popular aftermarket handlebar inserts on the market. "You really can't go wrong with a Heritage because they've mostly been treated tenderly by their owners. Even the high mileage ones we see have been taken care of. Just change the oil every 3-4,000 miles and it should run fine," Mark opines. Common aftermarket add-ons include chromed crash bars with flip-up highway pegs, rider backrests and mildly louder exhausts. With the same TC88B engine as all of Harley-Davidson's other post-Y2K Big Twins, engine mods are rare on these models, which seem to suit their owners fine in factory tune.