Hi folks,

I am about to pull the trigger on my first ever Harley and I am really confused.

The dealer has a few leftover 2009 on which I could get about $2K rebate (Canadian) and maybe a $500+ parts credit... or I could buy a 2010 at virtually msrp.
What should I do?

I like the idea of the rebate but I also like the following new features of the 2010:
- Larger front wheel on the 2010 (18'' compared to the 17'' on the 2009);
- Neater rear fender (the red blinkers are the break lights);

Do you guys think the 18'' front wheel will translate into a better handling? It seems like in '09, going to a larger 17'' made a good difference.

Thanks for your informed feedback!

: )

 

I bought a '10, and I've ridden '09's (one buddy has a '09 SG, and the other a '09 RKC).

No major difference in handling on the two street glides. I like the 2-1, but wish I had a tail light. No 5th gear noise for me, but I don't hear it on his bike either...

Bottom line is that I would have bought a 2009 if the dealer had one on the floor. Tons more pipe choices, there are power commanders available, non-cat head pipes, etc. But, the only Vivid Black bike he had with ABS, Security and Cruise was the one '10, so that's what I bought.

 

I had forgotten about this 5th gear noise...
Are there any other ''issues'' I would have solved by buying the 2010?
Thanks JCleary : )

 

Yeah. They fixed the 5th gear whine 2010's and they charge you for it as a "feature". You pay for cruise on the 2010 and more for ABS. You get an 18" front wheel on the 2010 versus a 17 on the 2009. For the discounts on the 2009.... it would be a no-brainer for me. Good luck.

 

Really, there's no real good reason to get a '10 if you're looking at $2k off on an '09...

 

What he said.

 

Get the 2009 and save the green. The 2010 does have some nice additions but 2500.00 savings is pretty darn good.

 

remember to factor in the depreciation on the 09, it's already depreciated by a year. if they're trying to sell it to you at msrp, then it's a no brainer to get the 2010 instead.

 

09 without a doubt

 

The front tire change from 16" on the '08, to a 17" on the '09 HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE HANDLING. It was the new frame. WHICH BOTH BIKES HAVE now.

Here are some personal questions for you:

Do you want a clean - no break light - rear fender?
The '09 cleaned up that grab bar issue already.

Do you want single exhaust?
If you want the most maximum power, then you will be doing a 2 into 1 anyway.
Or do you want the True Bagger Duel Exhaust look?
But the '10s do have a 50 state legal cat in the headers.

Do you want to save about $2,500?
Because in 3 or 4 years down the road, there won't be that much difference in a "trade in price" between the '09 and '10

The 18" wheel does look nicer than the 17" but I would change them anyway. I'm not a fan of the Street Glide rim.

Fixing the 5th gear wine is nice, but it has never bothered me.

Either bike is awesome and have all the 450 upgrades made to the '09.
Make sure you are comparing apples to apples here.
Do both bikes have Cruise (a must), security (really handy) and ABS (I prefer it, some people don't)?