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Hedghog · 05-17-2009, 03:39 AM

Hi Everyone,

I am new to this forum and would like to start out by saying hello to everyone and thank you for having me.

I am currently getting back into motorcycles after spending the last 25 years in muscle cars. I have owned bikes before, but this will be my first Harley Davidson. I have recently come across a 1998 Custom Softail with 25,000 miles on it. It has a lot of chrome, stainless steel braided lines and it's in excellent condition and seems to have been maintained very well.

My question is, are there any known problems with this year and style of bike that I should be watching for and are there any particular areas I should pay close attention to when purchasing this year and style bike.

I really appreciate your help and feedback and I can't wait to start riding again.

Thanks,
Hedghog

longride · 05-17-2009, 03:52 AM

Get a starter bike like aronund 500 to 650 cc's to get your 25-year-old skills back in shape. Save the Softail for a year from now.

Hedghog · 05-17-2009, 07:37 AM

Hi Longride,

I apologize, I should have been more specific. I have been riding over the years on friends bikes, I just haven't owned my own for a while.

Thanks

longride · 05-17-2009, 06:33 PM

OK, well you are getting an EVO motor which is pretty reliable, and the Softail chassis is fine as long as you don't mind your ass being hammered by every bump in town. Nothing comes to mind for bad problems with that bike. Those were pretty well sorted by the late 90's.

Hedghog · 05-17-2009, 07:08 PM

Longride,

Thanks, I appreciate your input and I understand.

Hedghog

pushrod · 05-18-2009, 06:58 AM

Hedghog,

+1 on LR's post. The late Evo's were fairly solid bikes.

Check for cylinder base gasket leaks, a transmission oil leak under the drive pulley and the condition of the final drive belt and tires.

If you can get the front off the ground, check the steering for smooth travel and proper load on the bearings.

Lastly, check the oil.

05-17-2009, 03:39 AM	#1
Hedghog Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Shelby Township Michigan Posts: 3	I need your advise and guidance Hi Everyone, I am new to this forum and would like to start out by saying hello to everyone and thank you for having me. I am currently getting back into motorcycles after spending the last 25 years in muscle cars. I have owned bikes before, but this will be my first Harley Davidson. I have recently come across a 1998 Custom Softail with 25,000 miles on it. It has a lot of chrome, stainless steel braided lines and it's in excellent condition and seems to have been maintained very well. My question is, are there any known problems with this year and style of bike that I should be watching for and are there any particular areas I should pay close attention to when purchasing this year and style bike. I really appreciate your help and feedback and I can't wait to start riding again. Thanks, Hedghog __________________ Go Fast, Have Fun and Stay Safe. Hedghog

05-17-2009, 03:52 AM	#2
longride Super Duper Mod Man Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Anywhere they let me Posts: 10,484	Get a starter bike like aronund 500 to 650 cc's to get your 25-year-old skills back in shape. Save the Softail for a year from now. __________________ I'm a knucklehead

05-17-2009, 07:37 AM	#3
Hedghog Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Shelby Township Michigan Posts: 3	Hi Longride, I apologize, I should have been more specific. I have been riding over the years on friends bikes, I just haven't owned my own for a while. Thanks __________________ Go Fast, Have Fun and Stay Safe. Hedghog

05-17-2009, 06:33 PM	#4
longride Super Duper Mod Man Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Anywhere they let me Posts: 10,484	OK, well you are getting an EVO motor which is pretty reliable, and the Softail chassis is fine as long as you don't mind your ass being hammered by every bump in town. Nothing comes to mind for bad problems with that bike. Those were pretty well sorted by the late 90's. __________________ I'm a knucklehead

05-17-2009, 07:08 PM	#5
Hedghog Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Shelby Township Michigan Posts: 3	Longride, Thanks, I appreciate your input and I understand. Hedghog __________________ Go Fast, Have Fun and Stay Safe. Hedghog

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05-18-2009, 06:58 AM	#6
pushrod Founding Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Baja 'Bama Posts: 3,635	Hedghog, +1 on LR's post. The late Evo's were fairly solid bikes. Check for cylinder base gasket leaks, a transmission oil leak under the drive pulley and the condition of the final drive belt and tires. If you can get the front off the ground, check the steering for smooth travel and proper load on the bearings. Lastly, check the oil. __________________ You would not understand, this is not how I am... I have become - Comfortably Numb.