I found myself on the same path just a few months back as your on. I too started with the Street Bob and moved over to the Superglide Custom and ended up purchasing the base Superglide. There were a lot of options on the SGC that I liked, especially those spoked wheels, not to mention the fuel gauge is in the tank as opposed to the handle bars. Although the price difference is about only a grand and for sure a good deal, if you individually priced out differences along with the cost to have those items changed out, dollar-for-dollar it seems you're getting a better deal with the custom model. My decision came down to just a few things which had me choose the base FXD model instead of the custom.

I have never owned a Harley before, let alone any motorcyle, therefore I wanted to pay the least amount as possible. I already knew I was going to make some upgrades, changing out the seat regardless if the Custom came with a 2 up seat already, not to mention adding the backrest as well. As a beginning rider I found that having the speed gauge on the handlebars was helpful as I was always looking ahead and looking down from time-to-time made me nervous for awhile. I'm much better now. As for those great looking spoke rims, I love them, but from what I've heard is if you get a flat on the road you'll have to have the bike towed, there is no fixing it on the side of the road until you get somewhere else to replace it. Along with the notion that I may change out the rims eventually too, I came to the conclusion that I was going to make alot of changes to the items that already come standard on the Custom so with that bit of information I just went with the cheaper bike. The only two items I would want different on my bike are those wire wheels and the fuel gauge in the tank, otherwise I find it to be a great bike.

Hope this helps.

 

My Wife and I just bought 2009 bikes. I got a Super Glide Custom in Red Hot Sunglo. I really wanted a Fatbob in the same color but was approved for 16grand by the credit union and couldn't get any dealer under that for the Bob. I didn't want to go through the hassle of resubmitting for a higher loan. Glad I didn't cause I love this bike!

My wife on the other hand wanted a 1200 Sportster initially. That all changed in one day when a girl we know who follows my band showed up at a gig with a bigtwin. Game over man! She wanted a Dyna and the poor salesman we were dealing with had to start all over. He actually had the Sporty on order but hey, women change their mind.

She was getting advice on bikes and was told to get a Softtail Deluxe but she didn't like the fat fenders and the general retro look. She looked at and sat on a dozen bikes until the Streetbob. That was it! That was the one she told me. She liked the seat height and the overall look and that is the one we bought.

Now she looks at my bike and wants chrome. ARRRGHH! Little did I realise at the time that we could have bought another FXDC for her and slammed it down with a solo seat. Would have been farther ahead since the Streetbob and the Custom are the same price! Now I am getting chrome covers that I didn't have to buy.