96" back to 88" am I going backwards??
#11
I recently went through a similar situation. I was in the market for a new bike and decided on a Streetglide. Test rode back to back an '08, and a '10. Both pretty much stock. The difference to me what night and day. The best way to describe the difference is the newer frame is effortless to ride. I didn't end up with either of those two bikes, but I did settle on a '09 with the new frame, and am very VERY happy that I did. Although to be fair, I didn't think that the '08 had a bad ride at all, I just felt the newer frame was better/easier.
I'm sure you would be happy with the bike, especially if you are going to change it up to something of your own
mikebaby
I'm sure you would be happy with the bike, especially if you are going to change it up to something of your own
mikebaby
#12
#13
When you get the bike you will want for a long time I think you will know? The days of keeping up with the Jonesess will be gone and just because someone gets a new bike you will not feel the urgency to go out and buy the same brand new bike also. One thing that will happen and I have heard others mention this , you will become one with your bike? You will ride it like it is part of your hand and know all about when to lean-gas-bend - and all you motions will be like second nature for you. NEW does not mean BETTER ! I know that from all the girls I dumped and got new ones that were worse (LOL!!) Maybe thats why everyone likes "RETRO" ? If you love your bike stop putting a value or newness on it , just live with the feeling of "ONENESS" with it, I know I am not explaining it the correct way but you will know. Good Karma for you , ride safe!
#16
#17
I'm not putting the pre-09 bikes down at all, they're fine rides, but the 09+ models are an improvement IMO. It's cool either way. Best of luck!
Ride Safe,
Steve R.
#18
The older frames can be upgraded to handle just as well, if not better than the new bikes. The frame wasn't the problem, it was the swingarm and rubber mounts. You've just got to put a little money into a touring link, upgraded swingarm bushings, front motor mount, better shocks and tires. You can tighten up the older bikes if handling is really the issue. You'll be getting increased vibration as a tradeoff, same as the newer bikes. I've got a 07, and I can grind down the footboards just as well with this bike as I can with a new one.
The 6 speed is a nice addition, but a properly geared 5 speed works fine, too. I'm not shopping for a bike, but if I were, I think I'd be looking for a carbureted 02. A guy I know has a big inch carbureted evo motor Road King with forward controls and a BDL belt drive. That might be the coolest Road King I've ever seen, and I'd take it over any new frame bike any day of the week.
The 6 speed is a nice addition, but a properly geared 5 speed works fine, too. I'm not shopping for a bike, but if I were, I think I'd be looking for a carbureted 02. A guy I know has a big inch carbureted evo motor Road King with forward controls and a BDL belt drive. That might be the coolest Road King I've ever seen, and I'd take it over any new frame bike any day of the week.
#20
When researching the purchase of my bike, I found that I did not notice much of a difference between the 96 and the 88, except that the 88 runs much cooler. on the other side is the cam tensioner problems with the 88. I rode a 05, 06, 08 and a 10. I couldn't feel a difference in the new frame design, but I was only taking 10-15 mile test runs.
As you can see from my sig. I bought an 06. Price, condition and dealership was what made my decision. In my opinion, You can't co wrong with either. both are great touring engines.
As you can see from my sig. I bought an 06. Price, condition and dealership was what made my decision. In my opinion, You can't co wrong with either. both are great touring engines.