Question Would you pass up a pre-2009 because it hasn't got the updated frame?

Yes, knowing what I know now about them, unless it was a great deal. You can never say never but I don't think I would unless it was pre 09 or nothing.

 

I rode 350 miles today, how about you?
Obviously you have not ridden one, if you had you would know how inaccurate of a statement you made sitting by your computer and not riding.The older bikes were fine but the new ones are far advanced in handling and stability.
Dik.....

Mark

 

Having had a 2000 rk and owning a 2010 glide, i can say the new bike does handle much better. It would not be a deal breaker for me. If i was looking and i found a really good deal on a clean pre-09, i would jump all over it and quit reading threads like this and just ride the **** out of it! Good luck!

 

I've never driven an '09 or newer touring bike but I was so excited to get my '08 SG this spring ... 6 speed ... 96 engine, etc., etc., but after a summer of riding, I'm pretty sure I like my '03 EG better. Never had an overheating problem, had just as much power, my old 5 speed shifted smooth, and my 5 gallon tank got me way farther than my 6 gallon tank does now. Trying to love it but...

 

It would be a deal breaker for me. Traded my 2006 Ultra for a 2010. I ride "aggressively" and felt the 2006 was a little dangerous around sweeping corners and I also had a couple tankslapper events that finally convinced me to move to the new bike.

The new bike handles like a sportbike and is much more confidence inspiring than the old model. The new motor mounts are great, the ride is better, the anti lock brakes are fantastic. It is just a much more comfortable and safer bike to ride.

 

Well.. The problem is when we think we "need" something we "want"..You dont need a new frame,,,you dont even "need" a 96ci or a 6th gear to hit the road and have the greatest time riding,,,So if you can go for a new bike ,go for it,,if money talks and you cant right now,you will feel and enjoy exactly the same way with any older bike.it all depends on you..good luck.

 

Same with my Bagger Brace-equipped '07 Road Glide. There are other things that changed as well, like the Brembo brakes and six-gallon tank in '08 and the quiet 5th gear in '10. I enjoyed all 33k miles I put on the '07, and if the Road Glide Ultra had not appeared in the lineup this year I would have kept it - but a 10 mile test ride of the RGU was enough to close the deal. If you are set on a pre-'09, make sure you don't ride any newer ones. Unless the budget simply can't handle it, I wouldn't look at pre-'09, and would prefer a '10 or '11.

I've been busy the last three weeks, but have managed to put 1800 miles on the RGU over the same roads I've ridden many times on the '07, and the '10 is a much better bike in all respects. The 103 is just a bonus - the ride, the handling, and the braking are worth the cost. The MoCo was even kind enough to eliminate the decision on the 103 and the ABS - they, along with security, are standard equipment on the RGU.

Another thing to consider is market value of the particular model you want. Some models seem to hold their value so well as to make it seem silly to consider a used one over a new. Add in the additional interest (if financing) on used, and it gets even closer. Kelley Blue Book on a 2008 Street Glide gives a retail of $18,110 and MSRP on a 2011 starts at $18,999 + freight and fees!

 

You are not going to get any better advice than the above!....IMHO
(I have adopted this philosophy because I have an 08 and would lose more than I am willing to if I traded up.) The bigger question here is, if you have the money to buy a newer bike, why wouldn't you? Which makes me think you can't really afford the newer bike in the first place. I would also add, buy the newest bike you can pay cash for "and just ride the **** out of it"!

 

+1, traded 05 Rg for my 09 and yes it handles a bit better but man do I miss my 05. Dont go any farther with the 6 gal tank. sorry but 6 speed is not impressive for me. I have to be above 75 to use it. I like the gearing in my 05 much better. I hate throttle by wire as well!!! have had bike tuned to try and get rid of delay in throttle response but its still there. I would buy a pre 09 in a heart beat especially an 02 with timken crank bearings..;-)) good luck and keep in mind I am in the minority with my opinions on the 09+ bikes

 

There is nothing "wrong" with the older bikes, but like others have mentioned, there are improvements every year.

I traded an 07 for an 09 because of the new frame and ABS, and to me it's a huge difference in ride quality and safety. But a lot of people don't like ABS and think the older bikes ride just fine.

Bottom line is to buy what you can afford. If you can swing a newer bike, go for it, but there's no harm in getting an older bike for now and trading it in somewhere down the line.