..I would try and find a way to sit it out until the 12's are released. Seriously, 60 days or so and you will get to be in a great position: IF the 12's have some major new technology, you are in a position to pounce on one, if they don't have any major new tech, then you have no regrets, and can look for a nice chromed-out 09, or 10 model, which will then be even cheaper because the 12's will be out and it's another model year older. I could see you picking up an 09 Ultra all done up for $16,500, and still have $1500 left over for a nice road trip..good luck

 

Don't quote me on this....but I think this was a CA-only thing and Arnold Veto'd it so this is NOT happening...which is not to say they won't try it again, but it won't bee for the 2012 model year.

 

Well one though I dreamed up this morning is lets say they give me 18k including my accessory coverage and then I offer to buy back the bike for say $2500. Well I could have this bike on the road for $500 bucks. It wont be a show queen right now but it does run and drive. If they total it is going to be because of the crash bar tab which I aint too worried about and the scratches on every panel in the custom paint job.
None of the panels are busted beyond repair.
need floorboard brackets,
possible left side rider floorboard,
clutch handle
left grip
straighten all the saddlebag mounts back out
tweak the fronnt and rear fender back straight

and I could ride it until the 12's come out just to be on the road. Then later on after I get a new bike I could cut the neck on this one and rake it out and do a 26" wheel and a bunch of custom stuff all while riding another "stock" bike. That sounds great but who knows what they will want for it. Thanks for the suggestions guys.

 

I'd look for a 2009 or newer with ABS. You can find some solid deals out there, and use whatever extra money to "make it yours".

 

I would go with 2009 or later with ABS, but that is my opinion. Go out and test ride a new bike to mae sure you like the ride of the new frame.

 

I bought back a bike some years ago, thinking I would rebuild it. The sums of money involved were much smaller. What I found as I dismantled it was the damage extended far more than it first seemed. I eventually gave up thoughts of restoring it, broke it up and got quite a lot of money for it. I had owned that bike from new and just loved it, but had to bury it in the end.

On the other hand, if you can pull off your 'new' plan, that puts some serious money into the rebuild budget!

 

If you can get into an '09 or newer Ultra or Limited...do it!

I love my '02 but the new frame on my '10 is simply magnificent. Add the ABS feature and all the other newer features and the '09's and newer are simply superior touring machines.

My '02 has been made mine and is fully customized. If I was going to go with a heavily customized bike, I would buy another older '02-'05 model. They are less expensive than the newer bikes which leaves more $$$ for customizing and making it your own. Another idea on the heavily customized route may be a newer ex-cop bike. You might be able to pick up an '09 cop bike cheap and make it what you want.

Good luck and I hope everything turns out the way you want.

PS - I saw the picture of you in the hospital. You may want to spend some of that $18K on some face work..you're ugly dude! had to rib you man!

 

That's BS in my opinion. I have an 07 SG that has 40,000 miles and has never been back to a dealer or had any problems of any kind including a noisey 5th gear like so many non 07 owners like to claim just because when the 07s first came out the straight cut gears made more noise than people were use to. After some miles were put on them a majority of 07 owners have said they could no longer hear the fifth gear. The 08s and 09s have the same straight cut 5th gear as the 07. The 10s came out with the helical cut 5th gear. Try searching limp mode posts and all the other problems 08 and newer owners have had. Do a lot of research on all the model years and then make a decision but don't base it on a poster that may or may not have a clue about what they a saying unless they are baseing it on personal experience and not just parroting what they have heard or read. There is alot of bad information posted on all forums and unless you know the person and their knowledge base and experiece with Harleys don't take it as factual. Talk to a knowledgeable mechanic you trust that has worked on all the different model years.

 

BS on the 07. That year was also very good. The noise thing is way over blown. Also my 07 is faster than my 09 and 11.

Time is on your side, I would wait for the 12 to come out while scouring Craigs list for near new bikes. The 12 model year will just make the listed bikes that much cheaper. I got a 2011 Limited with 82 miles on it, The circumstances just turn out perfect for me and the seller.

I would lean torward the 09 and above because of the frame, abs, TBW and brembo calipers.

Relative to buying your project back, I would rather ride than fix. If it is not running I don't want it. No more mustangs, camaros or bike to restore any more. Ten years from now I may feel different.

 

I'd get a non California 2009, no cat