definitely do the tensioners now. If one grenades=new engine. 50K miles or less is life expectancy. I have an '03 ultra with 110K+ miles, upgraded tensioners, couple stators, and a few minor things I don't remember. Keep the bike and put in a drag specialties swing arm kit with poly bushings, totally different ride. needless to say I'm keeping my '03. Baker 6 speed going in next 3K with gaskets and all. When the engine goes, Jim's 120 going in for around 10K. I'll have much better than new models.

 

Tough call. I was thinking along the same lines... No inheritance here, but was looking at having a pretty good year. My bike is a 2000 FLHT with a 95" and a tour pak.

What appealed to me, other than just the "new bike" thing, was the 103", 6 gallon tank, 6 speed, lowers (as I would have gone for an ultra of some sort), fuel injection, chrome engine (my aluminum tarnished and pitted the first winter i had it) and the biggies: cruise control and ABS. I was looking pretty seriously at the road glide ultra as well.

My year changed for the worse and solved the dilemma for me - no new bike LOL!
But I'm ok with it, i like my bike a lot, it has yet to strand me, is low miles, and I paid cash for it 8 years ago. I think I'll put a set of ohlins shocks on it, finally change the bars and exhaust, do the SE tensioner upgrade, and pile some miles on it until it gives me reason to stop trusting it.

I would definitely get those tensioners replaced ASAP. If you're keeping it do the SE upgrade or gear drive cams.

 

I was thinking about doing something similar in trading in my King for a SG. Kinda liked the idea of a front fairing and a stereo and sorta felt like I shoulda pulled the trigger on a SG in the first place. But I don't think I can do it after putting the stuff into my King that I have. I'd have to start over with more payments and more mods etc, lousy trade allowance, blah, blah, blah. Besides I just friggin love this King too much to part with her.

 

That is a beautiful scoot!

 

I have 60k miles on my 07 SG. Almost paid off and i was thinking about trading it in for a new one. Decided i didnt want any more payments so i'm gonna replace what needs to be replaced (cam chain tensioners and new cams while i'm in there, automatic primary chain tensioner and new compensator). Love my bike and i'm sure i will fall in love with it all over once this work is done. IMO, you should keep it and be proactive. Replace things before they go bad and ride the heck out of it brother.

 

last year I bought a new FLHX. Sold my trusty old 01 Standard to a local guy, had about 70K on it. Every time I see that scooter I kick myself square in the ***. Shes still clicking along trouble free, wish I could say that about the new one. I can't believe how noisey these new engines are!

 

Do the gear cams or upgrade the cam plate and you will have a bike that will last you a while...Only benefit to having something brand new is ??? Well the brakes (upgrade yours), Frame??? (not that much difference imho)...Newer radio.. (you can get that from biketronics.) It's a very personal choice...

 

I think you should keep the '03. I'm not too sure about the new bikes being that much better than yours. I've not heard good things about the new motors.
There are several fixes for the frame issue plus you could go w/ better shocks and front end (springs or cartridge kits) to improve handling. Could find newer Brembo calipers and discs for improved braking. Maybe a 95" cylinders & cams (just did this w/ gear drive cams/plate on my '03 RK; no regrets). Go through the bike and freshen everything up and you've still saved a bundle but get that "new pair of shoes" feeling.
Maybe see if you can get a lower rate on the house note w/ shorter term (save a Bundle there) and make the rest of your money work for you, not you working for it (invest). Cheers

 

how about put the money away for a year and decide then. No rash decisions!

 

Do the 95 upgrade (and upgraded cams)... add a six speed transmission... while the bike is idle, upgrade the swingarm bushings...
invest the other 20 grand