Would you pass up a pre-2009 because it hasn't got the updated frame?
#81
After years of riding metrics, and dreaming of HD, I bought a 2007 FLHR this spring with 4500 miles on it for about 10k less than the price of a 2010 (at the time) in the color I wanted in perfect condition. I read a lot of posts here and on other HD forums about the frame/waggles, etc. that I really worried about buying the bike. After reading some posts, I thought the scoot was going to fall apart every time I took a turn...
3k miles later I'm still here and in love with this bike. Yeah, I wanted ABS brembos, and the latest greatest frame...but didn't think the price differential was worth it. Guess what, I still don't! But if I win the lottery tomorrow, I'm jumping on a 2011 street glide!
3k miles later I'm still here and in love with this bike. Yeah, I wanted ABS brembos, and the latest greatest frame...but didn't think the price differential was worth it. Guess what, I still don't! But if I win the lottery tomorrow, I'm jumping on a 2011 street glide!
It mounts on the transmission and frame. Ir makes the squish produced in hard turns almost nonexistent.
The other advantage of the wide rear tire is a plus, but not the "End all of all". I love the larger fuel tank, 96" motor and 6 speed transmission. But is is just the benefit of the newer model.
If I hadn't had the insurance money to get a new model, I would have purchased the newest model I could have afforded and been happy. Bottom line is to get the year you want, and be happy. (Unless someone else is paying. Then I will get the one they will buy me) lol
#82
#83
I have 30,000 miles on my '08 and have ridden the new framed bikes. I guess there may be a slight difference in handling but I sure wouldn't want to give up the ride of my '08. I also don't like being stuck with the limited tire choice on the '09s. I put the Elite 3s on mine and love the way it handles and rides.
#84
#88
I have 30,000 miles on my '08 and have ridden the new framed bikes. I guess there may be a slight difference in handling but I sure wouldn't want to give up the ride of my '08. I also don't like being stuck with the limited tire choice on the '09s. I put the Elite 3s on mine and love the way it handles and rides.
Do you have more options than that in 130 or 140? I don't think so.
#89
08's may be the best bikes around. 96 motor, 6 gallon tank, Brembo brakes, 6 speed tranny, ABS if you want it. Doesn't have the stiff ride of the 09's and up and no CAT. Fat tire in the back is meaningless to me. I think of my back tire looks as sort of a retro look now which I like. To each his own though. Now give me a bike with a 103 and things start changing.
#90
Hey Fatty!!??
[quote=frenchbiker;7229849]On the 09 and later models, besides the D407 in stock size (180/65-16), you can mount Metz, Avon or Dunlop E3 180/60 or 180/70 (very small difference in diameter), and in 3 weeks, Dunlop will ship the new American Elite in 180/65-16.
Do you have more options than that in 130 or 140? I don't think so.
That "fatty" tire is for looks not function. Harley went to it to compete with all the custom bike builders and to expand their market base. To compensate the final drive belt is a thin little thing and a wider tire tends to make the bike want to stand up when leaned over. Having two tires so mismatched in size on a motorcycle is not a good thing for handling as the grip, cornering, footprint, traction etc. difference can cause one or the other to behave differently. I ride with a guy who has an '09 Fatboy and I constantly notice how wide his turns are when turning left for example (gets way over on the shoulder) . I have a 130 on the front and a 140 on the back of my '91 FLHS and I can make a u-turn on a narrow two lane road with out touching down or going off on the shoulder. No way the Fatboy can do that with average skill level. Plus I've got a nice beefy drive belt. The bigger the "footprint" of a tire the LESS traction you have as the same weight is spread over more square inches so less weight per/sq. inch.
Do you have more options than that in 130 or 140? I don't think so.
That "fatty" tire is for looks not function. Harley went to it to compete with all the custom bike builders and to expand their market base. To compensate the final drive belt is a thin little thing and a wider tire tends to make the bike want to stand up when leaned over. Having two tires so mismatched in size on a motorcycle is not a good thing for handling as the grip, cornering, footprint, traction etc. difference can cause one or the other to behave differently. I ride with a guy who has an '09 Fatboy and I constantly notice how wide his turns are when turning left for example (gets way over on the shoulder) . I have a 130 on the front and a 140 on the back of my '91 FLHS and I can make a u-turn on a narrow two lane road with out touching down or going off on the shoulder. No way the Fatboy can do that with average skill level. Plus I've got a nice beefy drive belt. The bigger the "footprint" of a tire the LESS traction you have as the same weight is spread over more square inches so less weight per/sq. inch.