I'm happy to see that there have been so many responses to my original post. Looks like it struck a chord. Thanks for all your input people!

I've only had experience riding the 2010/2011 touring bikes, so I don't have a frame of reference with the 2007/2008s or older. I wish I did so that I could compare for myself. I know that these 2010/2011 touring bikes are an absolute joy to ride but yeah, since they're new bikes, they're quite pricey too.

The bargain-hunter in me is always present, so I wouldn't rule out something other then a brand spankin' new bike.

Here's a loaded, low mileage 2007 Ultra for sale in my area, the guy is asking $17,400 CAD ($16,700 USD), he's already come down in price over the last few weeks and I'll bet that if he doesn't sell it soon, it would probably come down to say $17,000 CAD ($16,300 USD).

http://moncton.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehi...dIdZ221404298#

That might not be a super great price in some spots in the USA but around here, that's $7,500 CAN ($7,200 USD) less then a 2011. A pretty considerable savings on a bike that looks absolutely babied. I know that it doesn't have the new frame but you're still getting a hell of a nice bike for the money, aren't you?

Maybe this bagger-brace thing would make a bike such as this one more then decent enough for two-up riding, as long as you're not trying to ride the thing like a sport-bike?

Like I said, I've never ridden a pre-2009 touring bike, so I can't make a direct comparison.

 

Major aesthetic problems with the early 96 drivetrains - 2010/2011's are smooth as silk. for this reason alone I'd consider a later model.

Frame is moot IMO.

 

"Major aesthetic problems with the early 96 drivetrains".

Not sure what talking about there. Could you elaborate on that?

 

Price sounds high in today's market for an '07. Major difference between the 2007 to 2008 is 2007 is the first year of the 96" motor and 6 speed transmission. The 2008 added a 6 Gallon fuel tank, Throttle by Wire, and Brembo brakes. ABS as an option in '08 for all touring models. If the 2008 has ABS the better. If a choice is available, go for a 2008.

 

Buy what you can afford comfortably, you will have more fun buying something you can pay for out of pocket or with low payments (thats if you can find someone to finance the older models). There is more time to ride if you're not working all the time just to pay for your scoot . Most people I talk to go the new route because they can't afford to buy outright and the interest rates are much higher on the older models i.e. a personal loan as opposed to dealer financing. Remember, the MoCo is not stupid, they will sell you something with a payment you can afford (even if it is for 6-8 years) I won't even consider financing a vehicle for six years let alone a MC. I don't know if you have to pay personal property taxes, but they will be higher on a new as opposed to the older models, so will your insurance. If you stay with the older models 2002-2005 you can almost buy two (standards, classics or even ultras in some cases) for what you will pay for a new one.

 

Interesting topic -

The move to a fatter 180mm rear tire and larger diameter wheel up front in 2009 always struck me as a nod towards the StreetGlide (Big Seller) and what rider's were doing to customize 'em...If I'd wanted a SG I'd have bought a new one,I think the changes fit the SG prefectly.

That said and being that I wanted an Ultra Clasic I jumped all over an '08 I found because that year has exactly the mix of old and new changes I wanted and the post '09 frame (yeah I ride hard enough to know) didn't convince me.On the EGlides Classics I perfered the conventional width 16's front and rear,HD stopped runin' em in '09 so by going with an '08 I got exactly what I wanted.Wasn't a factor but saved some money in the process and got a cycle that's a keeper I'm going to be hanging on to for a long time.

Y'all's milage may vary...

 

Last May I bought a 2006 Ultra with only 3000 Mi. on it,when I saw the bike it was love at first sight!No wobble nor any other issue with the bike but I added the Progressive brace,Progressive 440s,Ricor Intiminators and now I think I have one of the best handling bikes in town.

 

Not the least bit concerned the aftermarket has the fixes.Both my bikes 02 and 06 RK's are rock steady at all speeds thanks to Sta-Bo,Progressive,and others.

 

I had an 07 road king that I absolutely loved. Due to a deer suicide, I had to get another bike, I got an 09 and didn't figure that it could really be any better than my 07 just because of a bigger rear tire and "new" frame. I was wrong, night and day difference. The 09 is incredible.

 

Someone, Fat Baggers I think, makes a seat for the 09 and later bikes that drops it like 2 or 3 inches. They actually replace the back part of the frame where you would unbolt it to bolt on the trike frame. It's called their Drop Seat Kit.

It comes with the frame replacement pieces, a seat, new side covers, and an ECU relocation kit. Retail on them is about $2k painted.