what are the major differences between these years???? are the 06 and later bikes larger??? they look like the frame might be slightly larger longer??? just curious .. dont see alot of these years on peoples signatures... i just got an 04 and have been looking at different parts an accessories and for a lot of items the 04-05 seem to e the bastard child... did i make a wise buy????

 

I know the biggest change is the "motor year" '07. They usually change a weld or two here or there, perhaps a motor mount now and then. The huge facelift came in the touring family for '09. The moco said they never get to change that much of the bike at once, that tells me change comes slow, and I doubt you have an e-nor-moosely different bike than the '09s. Sportsters, and possibly Dynas went with a semi or soft progressive shock upgrade recently. Change comes slow.

 

04-05 differ from previous years in that the tank will accept FI or carb.
This makes the seat fitment different than previous years. 04-05 are definitely the bastards as far as seat fitment goes.

Other than that - should share parts with previous years (not sure how far back)

06+ is complete redesign. new tranny, frame, 49mm forks, and a 96" engine for 07+

04 - present share tanks, but fenders up to 05 will not fit 06+ and vice versa.

 

Diff frame, 49 mm fork, 6 speed tranny

 

so are the big 49 forks that much better? i think they look great and assume there is some functionality to the bigger forks or hd would not have put them on??? btw i went for my first real ride this past weekend, it was 27-30degrees out but had to get out ???? i think im hooked????!!!!

 

You already bought the bike - right?
You like it - right?
Why dwell on things that you don't have?
Enjoy it and - then - if you think there are things that need changing - then change them.

 

i want functional as well as asthetic upgrades to the bike.., yes i have it and im more than glad i got it.... just looking into future upgrades and it is winter so a good time to plan and perform these ideas....................tim

 

i brought mine home in December - 3 years ago.
it didn't last long just sitting there in the garage - and like you - i put on a bunch of cold miles that winter - enjoyed every one of them

lots of front end options available, even if you wanted to put a 2006 HD 49mm on front - proabably a reasonable option - but there can be a domino type of affect

for example:
49mm front end will likey bolt right on to the frame but ....
you fender will no longer fit - the mounts are different ..
assuming they both have 1" axles (I think the 08+ have 25mm, not 1"), your wheel will probably work but ...
you might need new wheel spacers and ....
the front caliper might be spaced differently ....

I don't know exactly what would be involved in the above scenario ... but I can tell you that you are in the right place and there is a lot of knowledge to be gained here. If you ask a specific question about cross year fitment - it's likely that someone here has tried it and knows the answers - in detail.

good luck with whatever mods you decide - and welcome to the forum.

 

what 04 model do you have....05fxdc in my sig.

 

IF anything the '04 frame is better than the '06 simply because of the way the passenger pegs are mounted. Yours are mounted to the frame and mine ('06) and later models are mounted to the swingarm.....not a cushiony spot for the little lady to rest her feet.