Alright guys, here's the deal:

I bought my current bike last year (2003 FLHTCI) and love it. The last (and only other) owner was a mechanic and kept the bike in pristine condition. He even put anti-seize in all the right places. He also did the stage 1 upgrade. The bike has 80,000km on it.

My wife and I are getting an inheritance at the end of this year and I don't know whether I want to buy a new bike or put some money into this one to make sure all is tip top. I haven't checked the tensioners or critical fasteners yet but everything else is great.

My wife and I have test driven a 2013 Road Glide and a 2013 Ultra. I like them both, but don't find much difference between them and mine (HK Stereo). I actually think mine has more acceleration than the new ones.

So that's the deal. What are the pros and cons of buying new or keeping the bike I know?

 

Keep the 03. Paid for.

 

agrees with omaho5

 

especially given the premium prices you pay ...

I think you are looking for excuses to spend.

You could drop by kreator or another indy and talk to them about getting the cam drive system sorted out ( if you are unsure about that)... and ride on

50,000 miles isn't much.

Mike

 

Having something new is always nice and you can always get a decent trade in but I went the opposite route. Had a 09 Crossbones and wanted something cheaper and more comfortable so I traded in for my 04 Road King. Best decision I've made yet. There's nothing I can't do to this bike that my Bones had but it will be easier or cheaper to do on the RK.

New is nice but the payments IMO aren't worth it. Save more on insurance too.

 

Ride your present bike into the ground, you like it anyway ! Meanwhile invest $25,000 in an IRA or stocks in Hooters or something and when your ready to buy....tell them what you want to pay !

 

Great comments guys. I was right on the fence but am leaning at keeping this one. Any advantages of buying new, besides the bigger engine?

 

Love this idea!

 

You know what you got. New don't mean better.

 

new frame is nice.
stereo
Brembo brakes
more advanced EFI system ( but YOU said your bike runs really well)
abs

is that enough to blow $30K or whatever the dealer gets for an Ultra?

Mike