Okay, so I am trading in my Street Bob here soon for a bagger. My wife rides with me all the time now, and we keep doing bigger and bigger trips. The Bob just does not cut it in the storage dept or in the wind/rain, etc.

So, I have two bikes I am looking at and have what I think is a pretty solid deal options:

1. 2008 Road King (the one with the hard bags, sorry, I don't know the specific model). Black. 10k miles. Upgraded seat, back rest, and luggage rack. Just has some slip ons. $14,800

2. 2010 Road Glide, new. Black. Has most everything except for ABS. Stock seat, no backrest for the wife. Stock intake and exhaust. $18,000.

That is a very good deal on the Road Glide, but I know I will have to instantly upgrade the seat and get a sissy bar, luggage rack, etc.

I plan for this to be a VERY long term bike, putting about 10k miles on it per year. I am not a big stereo guy, but could probably get used to having one. Lastly, the Road glide is about $2k more than I want to spend right now.

So, all of that said, do you guys have any input/feedback? Anything I am not thinking of or considering?

Thanks in advance!

 

Road king gives you what you need now, and has all the future options of being able to add to it. Fairing if you want, better this and better that over time.

ONLY issue with the RK is, it is an '08, and not the newer frame - so you will soon see why I brought this up... wait for it....the posts will soon ensue... ;-)

If you could find a good deal on an '09RK in your budget, that would be my 2¢ of advice.

HTH

 

gotta be a few eglide classics around...still think they are the best bang for the buck..specially for two up travelling...(and resale)..

and i have owned a few different hd's .

 

I am not a master mechanic and love the added security of buying a new ride. If it is a long termer, you can upgrade customization as you go. I'd buy the Glide! Gone, for me, are the days of being willing to wrench on the bike every couple-hundred miles! (yes, I have had two 1970s era HDs.) Go with the Glide!! And then go, go, go!

 

I've heard about the frame difference between the 08 and 09, but do not understand it. What is the big difference and how does it afect the bike/rider?

Thanks again!

 

I have an 08 RKC leather bags All I ever want in a bike. Have added a qd TP and rack for extra storage. They say the new wider longer frame makes a difference in the ride only difference for me was that at a stop I was uncomfortable because of the wider stance.

 

Go with the Glide. The frame has a new swingarm, stiffer frame, resulting in a better handling bike at low speeds (along with the new lower profile wheels) as well as better overall ride. More capacity in the bags I believe between the two bikes. Fairing (with lowers) is going to give you better protection on those long rides. Believe me stereo will be something you will enjoy having... all those things can be added to the RK but hey the Glide already has them. Spend the money and enjoy the long term benefits of the Glide.

My .02

 

Thanks VET!

Now I get it. I road a 2010 RK last year for a demo, and did not like my stance on it at all. But I have felt mor comfortable on the 08 I sat on as well as an 06 I sat on before. I think I would prefer the "old" frame.

 

The hard bags are all the same in size

 

I love my road king and wouldn't trade if for anything. and as said before you can add a removable fairing and tour pack if you want for the long rides. they are so versatile.

going from a bob to a fixed fairing you will miss the open front end on those short rides around town. the RK is such a classic looking bike. it is the true representation of HD.

Just my opinion, but I am biased. just check my sig pic.