I am selling my 04 Fatboy this weekend and am going to purchase a street glide. I would love to get a brand new one but just can't do it. I am looking at used ones which most people have done plenty of add ons. I need opinions on which year is best. I know the 09-10 models have the frame update along with the rear tires. People that have had older models tell me the 09-10 are by far way better. I just can't find that many used 09's. There are a ton of 06's in my area in Iowa but don't know about the 88 CI motor compaired to the 96. I need feedback to help make my decisions please, thanks in advance.

 

'09 would probably be the best choice, as you've noted, the frame was a big improvement. '10's have cats in the headpipes. In '08, I think, they went to 6 gallon gas tanks, '07 marked the intro (on touring bikes) of the 96" and 6 speed tranny. Nothing wrong with an '06 and 88" engine, except perhaps the cam chain tensioners. My vote...find an '09.

 

If you can swing it.. an 09 with the new frame, bigger tire would be my recommendation...if you cant do it.. I would look to get the 96 over the 88... and if you cant do that...look for an upgraded 88.. nothing wrong with that motor and 5 speed...

 

I bought the 09 over the 10 because of the look of the dual exhaust at the rear! Yea I know.Superficial!!!! Give Mike at Big Barn in DesMoines a call! Probably can't go wrong with either!! A great bike! I live 150 miles out from DM but they gave me the best price by far on my trade! So! They get the money!! Mike will do what it takes!!!!!

 

My first choice would be an '09. Second choice a low mileage '06. I think the smaller 5 gallon tank is way better looking... Third choice would be a 2007. I'm not a fan of throttle by wire, but the new chassis outweighs what I don't like about the TBW.

 

+1 on the 96". Mine is an '08 and I have never ridden one of the new frame models ('09 +) but I have never noticed any issues with mine. If you do notice the "wabble" that the new frame is supposed to eliminate you can always add a true track for a couple hundred bucks later on.

 

1st choice, 07, no TBW, no IDS, 96 ci, 6 speed.
2nd choice, 09, wider rear tire, straight cut 5th gear.
3rd choice, 06, build a decent 95 and add a 6 speed.

Used 08's are piontless unless your after an anniversary model. Skinny tire, big tank, bad wheel bearings, bad IDS bearings (remove that turd if you do) and a bunch of one year stuff that will make parts harder to get down the road.

Dont let anybody fool you about the pre 09 handling, since 03 they dont wobble like the 2002 and earlier models they have bearings in the swing arm not the cleave blocks that cause the wobble.

I ride tons of bikes and once they're broken in they all handle the same. Of coarse it feels like a brand new bike handles better than the one with miles you just got off of does, its called wear.

If you ride an 09 with 10,000 miles and then get on a brand new 09, the new one feels like its tighter! Duh, it is!

 

go for the 09 or 10 with better frame, larger back tire if possible. You'll be more comfortable mile after mile, after mile. I too bought an 09 because of the exhaust, tail light, passenger floorboards instead of pegs, etc. I'd rather pay for what I really want and be happy instead of always thinking what I should have done. Just my opinion......

 

Thanks everyone, most of the SG's around here are 06's, a few 07's and a couple 08's. What do you feel a good price is for some also. Anything to look for when buying a used one, tale tell signs of something bad besides the obvious. thanks again,

 

Just another thought which may help you if you are getting a loan, most lenders around here advertise low rates on 08's or newer.