Get the newest you can afford, more modern technology, easier to source parts, may have warranty if real new, better if your not good with a wrench IMO

 

Gidday ta you markymark, that's some good advice above from the fellas. I reckon best of both Worlds are the Heritage & Deluxe models - they're pretty damn old school lookin' with all the modern benefits. Test ride 'em. If you wanna leave the sports bikes behind these Cruisers are the ducks nuts.

But be aware the Heritage in particular scrapes on EVERY corner. Maybe a Dyna or Sportie would suit ya better if yur still fulla 'Boy Racer' juice. Test ride 'em.

Good luck with it all & welcome ta HARLEY!

 

 

I am at a stage now where I just want to hop on and ride. Not spend 20 minutes checking and tightening everything first  

 

It's a personal thing.

What do you really want at this moment?

A modern reliable technologically advanced ride, or a whole 'old school' build it, repair it, live it, breathe it, low tech lifestyle?

Does a Pan make you cream your Jeans?

Do Knuckleheads make you weak at the knees?

Does a new Heritage Softail take your fancy. 

Look at all era's and models of Harley and see which one makes you drool the most. Only you know which one turns you on. 

AMF started in 1980 with the alternator shovel motor. Every Harley before that had generator motors and the entire bikes where built in the USA. If you still like to ride fast check out the EVO FXR from 1982 best handling bike that Harley made with a good reliable motor.

Another good thing about the old bikes (Shovel and before) is that many parts from many models are interchangeable.
You can put Pan barrels on a Genny Shovel bottom end, timing gears, frames, etc.
There are whole books about it.
One popular one is 'What fits What'.  

http://www.lowbrowcustoms.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=832

It doesn't take too long to learn how to spanner the old bikes.
Make it your new hobby 

secrelidge 1969 last genny big twin 1970 AMF first alternator big twin. Fucking getting old and losing it LOL. I was reading about the FXR the other week and was sure they had a blockhead motor in 1982 anyway probably wrong but I will dig the thread up as it was very interesting read on the guys who built the FXR and I will post it hear.

My first Harley was a 1962 duo glide ex police bike from Mexico. 4 speed gate shift with a foot clutch and juice rear brake. Brought it of Jack at redfern motorcycles back around 82. She was converted with the throttle on the left and the advance-retard on the right so the cop could shoot the .38 right handed. Wish I kept that pan.

get a shovel mark....lol

yep you will learn how to work on it yaself...but not by yaself... shovelhead owners are by far the most helpfull blokes on two wheels...(and 3)

there is something special about being able to kickstart a bike...

i have a 77fxe it gets ridden hard and has no worries keepin up with new bikes...well not of the line... but when there changing into 6th and you max out at 4, look to the left and give the nod....AAHhhhh

 

Found this posted tonight on a Qld forum; a timely article and a bit wordy but well worth it (for ALL HD people but 'specially you Marky):

Evo v Twin Cams

http://www.hdopenroad.com/

 

Mark get a evo or twin cam mate. Us guys have been around bikes all our lives and have the know how from years and years experience. I have a full work shop with thousands of dollars worth of tools. I ride a twin cam bagger because it's fucking reliable with zero problems in six years. I've had the motor down a few times doing engine mods and it's cheap to rebuild these motors if you have the tools and a workshop. My advice is to buy a late model Harley and ride the wheels of it while you collect tools and set up a workshop then follow your hart and buy a old Harley that you can restore yourself in house to keep the costs down. If you do decide to buy a early Harley try and find a old guy who selling his pride and joy because it will have been well sorted over the years and will be a reliable bike.
Good luck.

 if i was to buy a big twin  ( i'am SPORTSTER nut case ) so i would not be buying 1 anyway but if i did i would go for a FXR esp around  a 1993 -94  the last of that model  was the best & lightes handling big twin & the fastest  you wont be sorry  i have modified them stock pistons ported heads stock carbs  + stock modified exh to do 11.7 sec  1/4 mile times @ 112 mph  back in the 90's still a  lightest good handling fast bike to-day,                            the older bike's take more spanner work  so buy a manual 1st

Mark, I've got some old english bikes which I am always tinkering with. Thats why I also have an 02 Heritage - fuel injected, electronic ignition, press a button and the engine starts instantly. You can ride all day, park the bike in the shed and its ready for the next ride when ever you want.  It's great to be in the shed working on a classic bike, even better riding a bike on the road which is trouble free.

theres lots of bargains out there now, the markets flooded with HDs.. around $15k would get you a good well maintained bike, if you go down the evo path stick with the 90's you get a better sealing motor against oli leaks,as well as updated starter motor,starter clutch etc. than the earlier evo's, + other updates,, im also seeing good twin cams for $18k (givin them away) so perhapes you could up the initial outlay have a better performing bike & should have less outlay in the maintainance department,...At the end of the day what ever you buy it will be an invaluble experience you cant put a price on....Thats my 2 cents worth...happy hunting.....

Get what ever presses your buttons. I have got a Shovel & a Twin Cam and I love them both.

 By now Marky you have the message that they are a great bunch of helpful riders here. I'm comfortable with my 05 (registered 04) because it's low miles but looks a lot older than it is with the skinny 150 rear wheel. A beautifully kept older HD is a very fine thing..