If I was buying a used bagger, I'd buy the newest low mileage unit. Wouldn't trade up to a newer bagger from my '03, I'd rather buy a third bike. I like the discontinued Heritage Springer (green with black springer and frame) or a Dyna Fat Bob (solo seat, no bags).

 

I would get an 08 or newer, i have an 07 with the 96 engine and the 6 speed however the 08s and above have a 6 gallon tank. My friends and myself went out west a couple years ago and we all rode 08s and they loved those bikes so much they have all traded up for the newer touring models.There have been alot of positive changes since the 07s, just me and my friends 02.

 

I had a 06 EG Standard.I put 45000 trouble free miles on it in 4 riding seasons.The bike was as new when I traded it last fall.

 

The '03 year is a good choice. I wanted the antil-lock brakes, so I picked up a 2009 after the 2010s came out. Had no issues with the 2003 Ultra.

 

Looks like you have had tons of replies, but I thoguht I would share my opinion.

I picked up an 06 SG, and am totally in love. I never saw myself picking up a touring mode, simply because they seemed so far out of my price range. I have seen two 06 SG models in my area priced around $13k, and I think it's a steel. You have to be patient to find one priced that low, but they are out there.

Before buying mine, I called the local dealer service dept. and asked them what they consitered "average milage" per year for a touring model. He said around 15k per year (even though most his clients had 20k+ each year). When I told him I saw a mint 06 with 17k, and told him the price, he said to snag it fast.

I'm a little guy (150 lbs) so I don't think I really care about not having a 96", and I'm also new to touring models, so I don't really know what I'm missing in the newer frame designs either. The experienced touring riders might try to talk you into getting an 09 or newer, but I am totally 100% satisfied with my 06. It looks brand new, rides like a dream, and even though it is my first touring model, I wouldn't be surprised if I kept it for 10+ years.

 

If I were looking for a used touring bike, I'd start by trying to find a well cared for 02. As has been mentioned, but bears repeating, it's the last year for the Timken bottom end, and the first year for the new swingarm and 1" axle.

There's been some advancements in the newer bikes, but the bottom ends are crap conpared to what they used to be. The 07s (of which I have one) have probably the worst of the bottom ends.

 

I've been looking and doing some research as well. Looks like the move to CD happened in '03. Is that a direct plug and play for an '02 or are the harnesses different? Don't know that I need a CD player, but I want to understand the options.

What would be the approximate mileage on the 88's before they start needing some major work? I understand that the Timken bearings didn't have the failures of the later years, right?

This has been quite a timely post. I don't mind not going with the latest and greatest as mentally I would have a hard time shelling out $20K+ for a bike regardless of whether or not I could do it.

 

There are some REAL bargains out there on "older" bikes. I bought my '00 FLHT in 2004... at the time I could have kept my shovel and bought the '00, or sold the shovel, added all that money to what the '00 cost, and bought a new Classic. I kept the shovel and added the used FLHT (had a whopping 7000 miles on it when i got it)

Made sense then, still makes sense

The new ones definitely have some seriously nice upgrades from my bike, ones I'd really like to have: 6 gallon tank, brembos/abs, better frame, bigger back tire, 6 speed, cruise.
But my 95" '00 only has 25,000 miles on it, runs great, has decent power, and is a great 2 up touring machine. As much as I'd like a newer one, I don't need one, and I don't need any debt.

 

I'm in the same boat.
Went to the dealer for a band/bbq thing on wed..Saw a nice 2010 Electra Glide fully loaded with a 103.The salesman was trying his best to sell it to me.
But you know what,my bike is paid for.I would probly have to finance 10,000-15,000 to get a new one.
If I ever sell mine I'm just gunna look for a used bike.

 

Nothing wrong with these machines.They can be made to ride as good as the newer ones for a lot less money.If you can get beyond the hype of not a owning a new one.No need to keep up with the Jones.