Lot of 07 owners complained about noise in the trans with the six speed so in 08 they added the IDS rear pulley to help quiet things down. IDS can be retrofitted to the 07. I really like the 96/6sp combo but mine is an 08. 6th is only good for interstate around here but it's nice to be able to cruise easily at 80 if necessary.

 

6th gear is pretty much useless below 70 mph. I have on 08 with a 103 and it pulls hard even with my big @ss on it. I rode an 06 with an 88 and didn't like the torque behind it after riding my 103.

 

I've got an '08 and love it, however I'm not a huge "sixth gear fan". If I remember correctly, the difference between the two transmissions is about 200 RPM at 60 MPH. Some people love it, but I personally could care less if I kept the six speed or went back to my old five speed. After having one, and putting myself in your position (assuming you're not going to try making it a hot rodder), I would go with the best price and best miles. No matter which way you go I don't think you'll ever be disappointed. And even if you do get it with the 88 and later decide to move up to a 95 I think you'll be very happy with it. There are many 95 inchers out there that will blow away a stock 96. Buy the right one for you and you'll love it regardless.

 

dont sweat that, get an 07 if you can hands down. When decided to buy a SG I told my self a number and wasn't going past it. I looked high and low for an 07.....couldnt find one. Bought an 06 right and am just fine, I stayed within my boundry , its paid for so I can butcher it as I like! (some of you had to cringe on that) I bougth it cheap enough to put the cash I wanted to w/o having more that I can sell it for in it. ALL GOOD. But still get the 07 if its even close to your budget.

 

The bearings versus bushings thing is probably the cam plate which was changed in '07 to run without bearings, this hasn't caused problems. The '07 has the advantage of hydraulic cam chain tensioners. They eliminate the biggest problem early twin cams had, which is the old spring loaded tensioners failing and destroying engines. I have heard that some '07s have noisy trannys, mine doesn't, I'd ride one before I bought it and if it's quiet, an '07 is the one I'd get.

 

The '07 has some advantages and fewer potential disadvantages depending on how it is equipped.

'07 Advantages:

1. TC96 engine provides better low-end torque because of its increased stroke. In my experience the TC96 is also smoother than the TC88.

Cam plate has "native-metal" bearings instead of rollers, and this has not been a problem area. Many auto and MC engines have this bearing arrangement for cams and balance-shafts, and it is similar to sleeve bearings on auto and most MC crankshafts. Contrary to rollers, the bearing surfaces move on a thin film of oil provided by oil galleys in the cam plate. Inner cam bearings are larger (1" vs. 7/8") and oil pump has a higher capacity. Early TC's can be upgraded to the new cam-plate and oil pump, but this is an expensive proposition.

2. Cam-chain tensioners are improved with much higher lifespan. These are actuated by oil-pressure rather than springs. Early TC engines (TC88/95) require periodical inspection of tensioners, usually recommended every 25-30k miles. Later TC's don't appear to need inspections nearly this often.

2. Six-speed gives one more gear, but without IDS may be noisy. If IDS hasn't already been retrofitted it should be on the top of your list of to-do's.

'07 Disadvantage: Noise and vibration may occur if no IDS installed. Earlier models don't need it, so this isn't a disadvantage for '06's.

I may get flamed by early-TC owners, but IMO the '06 has no advantages over the '07 except cost.

 

Well, the 06-07 as mentioned the main difference is going to be Motor and trans. If you could find an 08 within your price range, (And I have seen them in good price ranges, all the way up to some 09s) then the 08 would give you Throttle by wire, and the larger Brembo brakes....
The 07/08 had something in the rear drive pulley that caused a "Chatter" ONLY WHEN COLD... and really was no harm,, just a nuisance I believe.
So,,, if you could, the "Advantages" would be higher with an 08,,,
I really love my '10,,, and I got it for what many wanted for their used 07 and up bikes!

 

Just more background info and to elaborate on an earlier post:

2006 was the first year the Street Glide was made. 5 speed, 88 engine.

FLHX was carb'd

FLHXI is Fuel Injected.

'06 was the only year you could get a factory carb'd Street Glide although the majority were made with the FI.

34,000 miles on my '06. Bone stock motor if you don't count upgraded air flilter. Runs great and would not trade it for another year.

 

I went from an 05 to the 09.
The biggest difference for me was the 6 speed.
Really like having that 6th gear. But here in Wyoming...It's always road ride'n...not much 'city' here.

 

when the MoCo came out with the 96"er in 07 they claimed an 18% increase in torque, quite a nice jump. I would look at condition above all but I personally would hold out for an 08 due to the brembos and 6 gallon tank, which nobody has mentioned, that is huge when touring, adding another 45 miles to your range. that being said if you find a smokin deal on an 06 or 07 in great condition (and you should with the economy being what it is) pull the trigger. and the 5 speed does have the gear ratios further apart so not a huge difference in RPM between 5th and 6th in 06-07, I think 7%. My buddys 06 Ultra was pulling around 3200 at 80mph in 5th, and my 09 which has a little lower 6th gear than 07 and 08, is right at 3000 RPM at 80 MPH.