I've been wanting an SG for awhile now. It's just the bike that catches my eye. I hadn't rode in a long time, so instead of rushing out and buying a $15-25k bike, I bought an old Road King to get back in the saddle. Well, I've put several thousand miles on it already, and I love to ride now as much as I did when I was young... so time for the new bike.

My questions are these:

I'm looking at a few used bikes 2012, 2013, and 2014 year models. Is there anything specific to model that I should be looking for when I compare these three years? Is there any new feature on the '14 that is just a can't do without it feature?

Just looking for thoughts and advice. Any response is appreciated.

 

from a bargain point of view- pretty easy to pop a memphis shades fairing on your road king...under a thousand bucks to do that and swap out some other stuff.

there are slight incremental changes from the 09 to 2013 models- 14+ brings in teh new fairing and the infotainment system.

I'd kick some tires and test ride some old vs new models and see what works for you

mike

 

2014 model is going to be a little bit different then the 09 to 13 models as it is a new "Rushmore" model. Probably biggest changes are the radio (Full screen Infotainment & GPS), Larger saddle bags with 1 handed latches and I believe they all come with daymaker headlights.

 

+1 on MG from above. but if you are like me, I would suggest just going ahead and going up to the '14+ bikes. they have the newer stuff, ride better, etc. That is if you can afford it. If I was guessing, you could probably buy a brand new '15 right now for a great price/deal since the new '16s are hitting the floor.

 

If you can afford to I would get 14 up! There are many different things that make the bike better over the 09to13s the reason 2009 to 2013 keep getting mentioned is the new frame in 09. That was a game changer! I would go for the 12/13 over the 09/11 for the 103 motor! Not that the 96 is bad! it is just fine but the 103 is a great motor from my experience. The jump and it is a big one is in 2014. The list is long but here are some of the most important IMHO
Bigger front forks.vent in batwing.better saddle bag latches.boom audio.better switches on the handle bars. But that my not be as important to you and you will not be unhappy with the 12/13 model street glide just make sure that the compensator in the 103s have been fixed and you are on your way! Hope that helps

 

Harley has been putting a lot of development into their road bikes. Significant differences were new frame in 09 and Rushmore enhancements (to many to list) in 14.

 

It depends on your budget. I say, get a 2011 or later because they changed the 5th gear in 2011 and some 2011's do have 103's. I just bought an 2011 Road King with 103", abs and cruise control ~1/2 the price of a used 14, and ~1/3 the price of a 2015 or 16. The 49mm fork in the 14+ is not a big deal imo. Riders still complain about wobble in fast sweepers and are upgrading their suspension in 14+ bikes. Going for the lighter unloaded forks and no faring electronics of a Road King has its advantages. And, eBay fairings, which weigh just slightly more then the stock windshield, can be found for a few hundred dollars. Enjoy the search, lots of used bikes out there!

 

Budget is gonna be in the 15-18k range. The info-tainment center isn't much of concern to me... a) because I heard the GPS sucks and b) I don't really listen to the radio much.

Is the newer fairing style that big of a deal?
What is the "compensator" issue?


And thanks for all the replies so far.

 

Sounds like u should just keep what u got and put a aftermarket fairing on it...

 

Thanks for the input, but wasn't really addressing the question. I did think about just adding a fairing to mine, but it's more than just the look of the bike. My bike has 64,000 miles on it. It's got some leaks and creaks that just come with an older bike. I'd like something newer.