I'm doing the unthinkable....Going back in time
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,202
Likes: 792
From: Kansas City, Missouri
Makes perfect sense to me. I love my 08 Road Glide. I've rode the 09 & 10 model. Thet are nice bikes but not enough diffrence to make me trade. I'm like you vertically challenged, bad left knee and hip. I dont need any more weight to hold up at a light. I flat foot mine fine. I'll keep mine for a few years longer. Ride safe and enjoy the Roadie.
Long live the shark nose.
Long live the shark nose.
Wow!!! I am impressed. You resisted.
I wouldn't go as far as saying it is miserable. But it is uncomfortable. I'm fine cruising down the road. If I could find a way to not have to stop I would be ok. I'm worried that if it keeps getting more uncomfortable the desire to ride might fade. And we ride too much for that. Typically 8-10k a year. That is with both of us working full time jobs (mine 10-12 hours a day and sometimes on 12 day stretches) and having kids as well.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
I have an 08 RKC and my dad has an 09 RKC, and honestly i am with you. With the stabilizer on it, it handles as well as i want it to and i like the ride on mine a lot better. It might not handle as tightly as an 09 but for me and what i want in my bike, i like my 08 better.
Monstermile,
Sounds like you are a candidate for a trike, lol. Seriously, you oughta rent one for a weekend and try it. You wouldn't even have to worry about putting your feet down. My buddy has a bad knee, and everytime he stops and the bike leans to that side of his body, he drops it. Sounds like you are in a similar situation.
Regards,
Sounds like you are a candidate for a trike, lol. Seriously, you oughta rent one for a weekend and try it. You wouldn't even have to worry about putting your feet down. My buddy has a bad knee, and everytime he stops and the bike leans to that side of his body, he drops it. Sounds like you are in a similar situation.
Regards,
LOL. Naa I don't think I am ready for a trike yet. Never dropped any of my touring bikes. Came close once a few months ago on a sloped road and a one leg stop and my knee gave out. Got no problems with the 08 and earlier bikes. Owned a few of them. Both feet firmly on the ground even with standard height suspension.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,639
Likes: 2
From: Australia
I think the 08s ride is definitely more confortable than the 09s. The suspension tune is much stiffer on the 09 to match the new frame.
As a result the high speed handling is absolutely night and day, but if you dont ride hard then a 08 or earlier is a better choice i think.
I agree with your statement about alienating some riders. There are lots of tourer riders who want a big soft lounge and have found the 09 too hard.
As a result the high speed handling is absolutely night and day, but if you dont ride hard then a 08 or earlier is a better choice i think.
I agree with your statement about alienating some riders. There are lots of tourer riders who want a big soft lounge and have found the 09 too hard.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,873
Likes: 13
From: NW Arkansas
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom
Verdad Gallardo
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public
Verdad Gallardo
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,955
Likes: 7
From: The Great Northwest
Sorry Ima keeping them.As for the decision to buy the 08, I think it's a great way to solve the vertical challenges you were having with the 09. Plus it sounds like you've been wanting an RG and so this idea kills both birds and for a scream'n price. Also, you'll have one of the lowest mile 08's on the road.
There's another guy on here, 'Rodeo" that's added lowers, tourpack, etc,etc, and basically turned his RG into an "Ultra RG". You might want to to take a look at his set-up for some cool ideas.
Anyway, good luck with the new bike MM and get us pics ASAP.
PS. I'm ordering the new Bub 7's tonight. Big part of my decision was your review.
