its almost time for the 2010 models to come out...
they usually release the new info around sturgis time. i do like the idea of the flux capacitor in another thread (back the the future reference for those who didnt catch it)

whatever the changes are, they will likely be small cosmetic changes as usual. harley has a way of just regurgitating the same ole stuff and calling it "new".

look at my 08 heritage. then go google 40s harley model. its the same bike essentially.

the last serious "innovation" was the v-rod and that hasnt sold THAT well. they really need some new blood up at harley in my opinion.

i often wonder.. "what the point in getting a new harley, its just more of the same, and who the hell wants to spend the money to recustomize it again"

any old schoolers have an opinion on this? many of you have been riding for a lot more years than i and i owned many harleys. (i have only owned 1). am i correct on this view, or am i missing something.

school me. seriously, make me understand the draw to trading in and getting a "new one". it seems like you get a harley and you just stick with it until it dies

 

Beats me. All of mine have been used.

 

Interesting first post.

I would offer one of the major attractions to a Harley Davidson is they have changed so little through the years. Unlike Asian brands where after six years you cannot even get parts for a bike anymore because engine and chassis have been re-engineered several times since.

That said, there are allot of technical advances made with the latest generation of Harleys. The Twin Cam, Fuel Injection, Throttle by wire, 6 Gallon tanks, Larger wheels,
6 speeds, ABS Brakes.

So I do not agree with you that there not advancing with technology. The best part is Harley has kept an old soul feel in their bikes. When you climb on one there is nothing like it with the same level of character. Its a Harley Davidson.

I seriously question how many folks should really even own them. They seem to want them to be something different then the reasons we love them, and I know I just would not want. And that seems to be something different then the soul and heritage these bikes leave the factory with now. No Thanks.


Reason for a new Harley? Well that is personal for everyone. Just like a car. Some folks just want a brand new one. Some want a new more reliable, up to date. There is a thousand reasons frankly.

 

They are always upgrading even if it doesn't show all the time. Think about the rear belt. There are 700 engine changes between the TC88 and TC96. The touring bike frame is more stable starting in 09.

It's part of the Harley charm to look old but have improvements below the surface.

Having said all that; there's nothing wrong with hanging on to one HD forever and not worry about the latest and greatest.

 

well at almost 60 said my 08 is probably my last one until heard a large amount of laughter behind and saw a 72 old man standing saying I said that 3 Bikes ago .... So will just add Never Say Never...

 

I have never traded in a vehicle in my life and never will. I have rarely sold off a vehicle that still had life left in it. I usually use them until they are worn out and can't be cobbled together anymore. I bought my 2000 new and plan to ride it till repair isn't an option anymore. Even then, I won't trade it and likely won't sell it. I'll just buy a replacement and set the 2000 aside.

 

Might also have a lot to do with discretionary income. Just wish I had more of it to make an educated reply....

 

Well, one reason to get a new one is if you want an entirely different model. For instance, if you currently ride a FXD but want a Road King or Electra Glide. The other thing is that do actually change. Take a look at an 04 EG Standard vs. an 09 EGS - TC88 vs. TC96, carb vs. FI, HD brakes vs. Brembos with available ABS, 5 speed vs. 6 speed, totally different frame, 16" wheel vs. 17' wheel, 5 gallon tank vs. 6 gallon tank, 140 rear tire vs. 180 rear tire, etc..

 

Thus the name. HERITAGE Softail CLASSIC. It may look similar, but there is a ton of differences in those bikes. What was the reason you bought your's? Me, I'd love to get one, and maybe I will. It would be kind of cool to have a bike the so closely resembles what my Dad rode back in those days.

 

i guess maybe i have not owned one long enough to know about the engine, brake, wheel, tranny changes over the years.

although, i have heard from some who said, i will soon wish my efi was carb and sometimes a step "backwards" when things were "simpler" is not always a bad thing.

you put so much into a bike, customizing it and making it "yours". i just cringe at having to do that all over again. (of course i say that i am "finished" and i end up buying something else from J&P to put on the bike)