I went to look at the new bikes last weekend, specifically the Road Glides. I wouldn't tell anyone what to do but since my bikes are always evolving I would still probably have to go with a 19 Special. I have not ridden a 114 and I am pretty happy with the 107, but bigger is better right? LOL I like the extended bags as well but 4K more for the upgrade from the standard is a chunk to consider for anyone. Didn't spend enough time with the infotainment to get a feel for it other than to say it seems like a nice step forward.

 

If the new radio is important to you then go 2019 and never look back. If it does not madder to you and your are honest about it not just going a long with the hater crowd then make the best deal you can on a 2018 or 2017 and enjoy the ride. If the 2019 colors call out to you and you just have to have it then go 2019 it cost way to much to paint a bike to your liking. What most governs your spending. Wants , needs or cost. Once you know that pick your ride and never look back.

 

 

More info: it would either be a sixth bike, or I will trade one of my non-HD bikes. Likely the latter. Here are a few thoughts/questions:

1. Since I swap bikes typically after ~2 yrs on average, would selling a 2018 model in a couple of years pose a challenge with the newer tech expectations? Are the rushmore bikes being hugely discounted now that M8s are out there? I just don't want to take a bath
2. what is the likelihood of 20K out the door for a 2018 road glide base with ABS? or is that just pushing too far? I can't figure out what their margin is, and I realize they need to make a few bucks

 

When I bought my '17 the base model didn't come with ABS. I don't know about the '18's. When the 18's came out the dealer here was stocking up on the base model and swapping out radios for customers that still wanted chrome.

 

I bought a 2018 in Sanford, Florida last month. With ABS, 6.5 and security. OTD $ 21,000. At that savings didn't even care about a few new upgrades on the news model year.

 

 

If i could get that deal, i would write the check now. I had a blank check and the dealer still wouldn't budge below 22K before tax, etc. Same set up as you - thunder black (so no special paint), ABS, 6.5 and security. Do they have any more? I'd do the one way plane ticket on top of the 21K!

 

Here in Minnesota I can't even find a RG Standard, all the dears are stocked with Specials. Starting to think Standards are "Unicorns." I've heard of them, but ain't seen one.

 

Whatever you get, get the Special.

If you like the blacked out look, get a '19.
If you like chrome, get a '18, or a '17 for that matter. Save a few thousand.
Seven cubic inches is not going to make that much difference, and you can always do a stage whatever kit if you must.
From what I have read, the new infotainment system is not much of an improvement.
The OEM shocks on all of them are POS.