opinions are like @asholes...everyone has one and some stink!!!

 

not me bro. my '09 is still fairly stock (just added a gaurd, pegs and rush slip ons) and it doesn't leave me envious of anybody's scoot.

 

+1 It just keeps getting better every day, ride what you like I love my 09.

 

If I were buying an 88, I would go for the 06. It has good flowing heads, better lighting, reduced clutch effort and a few other odds and ends I can't think of right now. Oh, mid-year they went to 25 degree injectors instead of the 8 degree that had cold surging problems. If you want the 96 and 6 speed, I would go for a 09. The only thing I don't like on the 09 is the paint graphic on the tank. I would have the tank repainted to the older style paint layout/pinstriping but use the new badge. I like hte changes they made to the bars, bags, and dash.

But they are all good bikes. the 05s had valve seal issues and the heads on the 03 -05 do not flow as good as the 06s. The 02s had the Timken bearing that is far superior to the newer models. I would stay away from anything older than an 02 unless it was a carb. They went to the Delphi EFI system in 02.

 

Over all I believe that the changes that have been made are for the better.

the 96" took a beating at first (as did the 88's) but after a couple years now they have proven to be a little better in some area's and as good a the 88's are.

 

I have mixed reviews on the changes. The hydraulic cams in the 96 are better than the 88s but the 96 runs a lot hotter than the 88 does. The added 6th gear is great but the 5th gear whine is annoying. Not to mention the gearing is too tall in the 07-08 models....especially in 1st. I hate the fact that HD has been forced to use 02 sensors. When these bikes get older, we will be stranded at some point worst case or have to replace them best case when the bike starts running like sh@t. The added discplacement of the 96 is nice but the sloppy crank runout and the cheaper crank design sucks. HD stopped using forged cranks after 02. HD stopped using the Timken after 02 and the newer design is inferior by far.
Some of the changes are for cost reasons and put more money in the pocket of HD and are inferior.



Just my .02.

 

Will an '07 6-speed gear set fit in an '01 5-speed case? The '06 is a Dyna 96, the 01 is a Heritage 88.

 

My top pick engine configuration (on a budget) out of all the Twincam B series is based on '00-'02 (Timken bearing and forged crank), Mikuni carb, Crane or similar ignition, gear driven mild cams (37G), 1550 bore with flat top forged (lighter, less vibes) pistons (Wiseco), 06 stock heads (much better flow & lighter valves), high flow intake (stage 1 or similar) and a fairly open (large volume) muffler(s) with descent length 2-1 headers (according to style you may have to compromise here). This to me feels more responsive than even a stage 1 '09 TC96. Great bottom end and a smooth revver - certainly smokes an 09 stocker! Also has a good chance to out-last other TC configs. Just blast and enjoy!