Hey all, looking for some opinions on this topic. My last 2 bikes were a 2007 FLTR and a 2009 FLHTCU which I have sold both. I've found a 2006 FLHTCU with 6000km's(about 3500miles) for a great price and I love the color (fire red pearl/black pearl). The bike is completely stock so I plan to do a BB kit with cams, pipes, etc... My question is am I foolish or will this be just as good as my last 2?? The only thing I'm concerned with is going back to a 5 speed. I thought about new but I love tearing them apart and customizing to my own preferance so that's not an option. Is there someone who can ease my concerns?

 

If I were to buy another touring bike it would be a 2009 and up due to the new frame design.

 

sorry but I had both and I just didn't notice the difference in the frame.

 

I'm not trying to flame ya, Sallyman, respectfully, but I think you're the only one!

My boss recently bought a 2010 model CVO after riding a heavily modified 06 that he bought new. His response to the new frame was pretty much, OMG! He still loves his 06 and has no plans to get rid of it but the 2010 bike is the one he'll take the big trips on from now on. The only mods he plans for the new bike are a set of slip on's and that's to part that surprises me the most!

Anyway, to answer your original question, I don't think you're being foolish. As you said, you love to tear em apart and customize them. I've met plenty of guys like you and that's totally cool. Will the 06 be as good as the previous two? For me, probably not but I'm not you. That's one only you can answer after the fact. I love my 09 Ultra and wouldn't even consider selling it. For one thing, I'm still in the process of making it mine but I'm finally getting close to being done with that. My wallet is sighing in relief!

Best of luck with whatever you decide!
Ride Safe,
Steve R.

 

I'm sorry but I just don't see it, it's a frame - it doesn't move..... Of course living in the great white north I only get about 2-3k miles per year.

 

If the shoe fits, wear it!

I really like the new frame ride and the brembo's but I'm a little nervous about the crankshaft tollerance on the 96" bikes.

 

so does anyone like their pre 2007 touring??? Or pre 2009 with the new frame?

 

I have several friends that have the old frame and they like them just fine. I think most of them run a stabilzer like a true trac or something simular. I think 2002 was a really good year for not having any problems much. If Im not mistaken they had forged cranks and they do have the delphi injection system and better swingarm. Some of the 05's had the valve guide seal problems. I think the 88's in general could benefit from headwork and of course theres the cam chain tensioners.

 

Obviously hundreds of thousands love tnem, I ride with plenty of riders with the earlier bikes and they get just as much enjoyment as us with the Brembos, 6 gallon tanks, 96" stroker motors and new frames. I would much rather put 15k a year on an 06 and older than 2-3k a year on an 09,10, or 11

 

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 ( RK Riders do not read this ) 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!