The '06 models also come with a 6-speed, so let's just drop that from the equation. Any year is going to be fine for 2-up riding, so that takes that out also. It's all about money, and how much you want to spend. If you are trying to stay on a budget, get the used one with all the mods. If money is no issue, then buy new and purchase all the mods yourself. Either way, enjoy the smile!!

 

Wow, the responses keep coming. Thanks everyone. Only one problem now, I am almost as confused as I was before. I need to find out what the credit union will give me as far as a finance rate is considered. It is only a difference of about $2000 when you figure tax, so it is tough to say.

 

MY 96 HAS STG. ONE MOD.ONLY ,[sm=biker2.gif]DON'T BELIEVE FOR A SECOND THAT THE 88 CAN KEEP UP.

 

JMO and correct me if I'm wrong but the 07 and 08 are just the same basic thing as the 06but with a stroker crank (and there's been a few posts about problems with run out and scissoring with this new crank IIRC) besides the 96 will be obsolete soon enough.

You won't be disappointed with any of them.

 

Even though it's a good price on the 06 and very tempting, I probably would get the 08 for the $3400 more. You could spend less than $500 to make it very comfy for 2-up short trips. The warranty and bigger motor are worth that much. (I've been going over the same thing in my head with buying a Road Glide and decided on new or barley used 08, just have to stomach selling my Dyna)

Unless you are a good wrench in which case you could set up the 06 with a 95incher some hotter cams and mild head work for about $1500-2000 if you do all the labor and you would blow by any of the stock 96er's like they were standing still.

EDIT: Ok I just read you last post, if it is a difference of only $2000 I'ld go for the 08.

 

Dont take this wrong, but you would risk inner primarry bearing fail and transmission issues to save how much? Even with full warrenty what a PITA if you are one of the unlucky ones. Unless you are saving BIG bucks I would go 08-or on the other hand there are lots of 03 to 05 very low miliage putts out there that MAY save more, I test drove a RK with a 95 kit 03 with 30 grand on it yesterday that was 11 grand, hell I put that many mile a yr anyway or close to it, Bob the Fat already has 11000 on it, it was pretty nice, but no comparison to Bob in performance. Nothing wrong w a 5 speed, they all used to only have 4. I would skip 06-07 is it were my choice, even tho there are lots of very happy 06-07 riders out there.
Granted you take a chance on having issues with any year, but why not have the bens of full warrenty unless you are saving lots of bucks, sides, why settle for someone elses upgrades and personalizing when you can make it your own?
I have run lots of used bikes cars trucks, but at considerable savings, not a couple grand or so.
JM opine.