What Year of Harley Davidson to Avoid

Imagine cruising down the open road, the wind in your hair and the rumble of a Harley Davidson beneath you.

But before you get too caught up in the allure, there's something you should know – not all years of Harley Davidson are created equal.

In fact, there are certain model years that you might want to steer clear of due to some troublesome manufacturing issues.

So, if you're curious to know which years to avoid, buckle up and prepare for a bumpy ride ahead.

Key Takeaways

• The 2010 Electra Glide Ultra Classic, 2009 Electra Glide Standard, 2007-2008 Electra Glide Classic, and 1999-2001 Electra Glide Classic are years to avoid due to various mechanical issues.
• The 1998 Road Glide, 2000-2001 Road Glide, and 2009-2013 Road Glide are years to avoid due to design flaws, fuel delivery system problems, and frame and swingarm issues at high speeds.
• The 2004-2009 Road King is a year to avoid due to engine failure caused by cam chain tensioner problems, and the 1999 Road King is to be avoided due to cam bearing failures affecting both Twin Cam and Evo engines.
• The 2014 Street Glide is known for clunking noises in the transmission, the 2015 Street Glide has engine problems causing unexpected stalls and fires, the 2016 Street Glide has electrical issues with gauges and lights reported, and the 2017 Street Glide has overheating issues damaging the engine reported.
• The Twin Cam 88 (1999-2002) is to be avoided due to cam chain tensioner failure leading to engine damage, and the Twin Cam 96 (2003-2006) is to be avoided due to high crank runout issues resulting in engine vibrations and premature wear.

Electra Glide Years to Avoid

If you're considering purchasing a Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, it's important to be aware of the specific model years to avoid due to known issues and potential complications.

One of the years to avoid is the 2010 Electra Glide Ultra Classic. This model year is known for transmission and engine issues, making it a year that should be avoided.

Another model year to steer clear of is the 2009 Electra Glide Standard. This particular year is notorious for electrical problems and oil leaks, which can cause unnecessary headaches for potential buyers.

Additionally, the 2007-2008 Electra Glide Classic should also be avoided. These years are associated with engine and transmission issues, making them less reliable options.

Lastly, the 1999-2001 Electra Glide Classic should be avoided as well. These years are known for stalling and transmission issues, which can be frustrating and costly to repair.

Road Glide Years to Avoid

When considering purchasing a Harley-Davidson Road Glide, it's crucial to be aware of the specific model years that should be avoided due to known issues and potential complications.

Here are the Road Glide years to avoid:

1. 1998 Road Glide: This year is known for design flaws that impact handling and stability. These issues can greatly affect your riding experience and safety, making it a year to steer clear of.
2. 2000-2001 Road Glide: These years are notable for fuel delivery system problems. Dealing with fuel-related issues can be frustrating and expensive, so it's best to avoid these years if possible.
3. 2009-2013 Road Glide: These years are associated with frame and swingarm issues at high speeds. A compromised frame or swingarm can lead to serious accidents or even fatalities, so it's essential to avoid these years to prioritize your safety.

When considering Road Glide purchases, it's important to consider improvements in newer models and thoroughly research before making a decision. Keep in mind that older models, especially used Harley-Davidsons, may have common problems like engine failure or chain tensioner failure.

Road King Years to Avoid

When it comes to purchasing a Harley-Davidson Road King, it's important to be aware of certain model years that should be avoided due to known issues and potential complications. The Road King, like other Harley-Davidson models, has faced its fair share of problems over the years.

One major issue that plagued the Road King was engine failure caused by cam chain tensioner problems. This issue affected the 2004-2009 Road King models and resulted in costly repairs and frustrating breakdowns.

Another problematic year for the Road King was 1999, when cam bearing failures affected both Twin Cam and Evo engines. These failures caused significant damage to the engine and required extensive repairs.

If you're considering purchasing a Road King, it's crucial to do thorough research and avoid these problematic production years. While the Road King is a popular choice among riders who desire liberation on the open road, it's essential to be cautious and avoid potential complications.

In comparison to the Street Glide, the Road King offers a more classic and traditional look. However, it's important to note that the Street Glide has its own set of problematic years, which were discussed in a previous section.

Street Glide Years to Avoid

The Street Glide has had several years that potential buyers should avoid due to known issues and potential complications. Here are the worst years for Harley Davidson's Street Glide:

1. 2014 Street Glide: This year is known for clunking noises in the transmission, which can be a red flag for buyers. If you're looking for a smooth ride, it's best to steer clear of this model.
2. 2015 Street Glide: Engine problems causing unexpected stalls and fires have been reported in this year's model. This is a major safety concern and definitely a year to avoid.
3. 2016 Street Glide: Electrical issues with gauges and lights have been reported, which can pose potential safety and reliability concerns. If you're looking for a hassle-free ride, it's best to skip this year.
4. 2017 Street Glide: Overheating issues damaging the engine have been reported in this year's model. This is a serious problem that can lead to costly repairs and should be avoided.

It's important to note that these issues aren't present in every Street Glide from these years, but they've been reported frequently enough to be a cause for concern. If you're considering purchasing a used motorcycle, it's always a good idea to do thorough research and have a mechanic inspect the bike before making a decision.

Harley Twin Cam Years to Avoid

For those considering a Harley Davidson Twin Cam, it's important to be aware of certain years that may have mechanical issues.

While the Twin Cam engine has been a popular choice for many riders, there are a few years that have proven to be troublesome. One of the worst problems encountered with the Twin Cam engine is the cam chain tensioner failure. This issue was prevalent in the Twin Cam 88 models produced between 1999 and 2002. The cam chain tensioner is responsible for keeping the camshaft chain properly tensioned, and when it fails, it can lead to significant engine damage.

Another year to avoid is the Twin Cam 96 models produced from 2003 to 2006. These models suffered from high crank runout issues, which resulted in engine vibrations and premature wear. This can be quite frustrating for riders who want a smooth and enjoyable riding experience.

To avoid unnecessary wear and tear on an older Harley, it's recommended to steer clear of certain models. The 2010 Electra Glide Ultra Classic, 2009 Electra Glide Standard, 2007-2008 Electra Glide Classic, and 1999-2001 Electra Glide Classic are known to have various mechanical issues. These problems can range from electrical issues to transmission problems, making these years less desirable for potential buyers.

If you're in the market for a Harley Davidson Twin Cam, it's advisable to consider models from 2009 or newer. These models offer improved engine performance and durability, addressing many of the issues found in earlier years. By choosing a newer Twin Cam, you can enjoy a smoother ride and avoid the headache of dealing with frequent repairs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when considering purchasing a Harley Davidson, it's important to be aware of certain model years to avoid. These years are associated with known manufacturing issues that could potentially impact the performance and reliability of the motorcycle.

Just as a ship navigating treacherous waters must steer clear of hidden rocks, a wise buyer should steer clear of these problematic years to ensure a smooth and enjoyable riding experience.