I've been on here reading for a while but just joined the forum. Last year after being out of riding for a couple years I purchased a used '08 Street Glide with 9,000 miles for $15,000. Has a stage one kit and some other minor upgrades. I'm going for a custom "modified stock" 107" bagger with a 21"/18" wheel combo and after all the reading I'm wondering if an '08 was a good choice.. Seems like the '09+ would of been a better choice having the 180 already on the rear. So my question is should I sell this bike and buy a new / '09+ bike or keep what I have now.. Coming from a sport bike, racing on the track back ground I'm still learning a lot about these awesome bikes.

Thanks,
Ian

 

That's interesting. I bought a 2008 SG two years ago, 9k miles on it and I paid 15k for it.

There is a big school of thought in favouring the post '09 frame over the '08 and older and as you stated with the wider tire as one of your wants that sure becomes an issue.

As we all know we don't get much return on our mods, but you'd certainly get some back on the ones you speak of. My thinking is you would get MORE back on a '09 or newer frame than on your current '08. Just thinking that the newer frame is more desirable to some folks.

But then you have to consider the hit you'd take selling the '08 and decide if it's worth that hit to have the newer frame.

The way I ride the 08 frame is just fine for me, I'm an old fart and don't ride aggressively at all. I don't feel the need for a wider tire and figure if it's for looks it's a waste, can't see it anyway.

Just my thoughts, good luck with whatever you end up, and remember....."it's only money".

 

I'm happy with my 08..36k miles and no issues

 

I had an 08 I bought new. Put 40K on that bike. It was a great bike, but compared to the 09s up, and now the 14 the 3 bikes a far apart in many ways. The problem for the 08 is that in some ways it was a one year bike and a cross over. You got the 6 gallon tank but the old frame. There was some front engine mount differences. First year of Brembo's nice upgrade from the 07. And mid year production ABS was optional for the first time. In my opinion the frame change was a large improvement in handling. It is a tough call, to keep or to sell..... And at some risk, there is nothing Sport bike about Harleys. They are more like Tractors compared....

 

I've had a pre 09 and a 13 bagger along with other various models Harley's, sport bikes, UJM's, etc.

As far as wheel size is concerned, on your 08 on the rear an 18x4.25 is what you can get on there with a 150 tire whereas on the 09 and newer you can run a 16x5.5, 17x6.25 or 18x5.5 with tire sizes being 180/65/16, 200/50/17 or 180/55/18.

 

I do like my speed but I bought a street glide to cruise around with friends and road trips. I've been looking at a 107 kit for some added pep off the line as well.. It seems quite a few parts I have looked at are made for the 09+ as well so the after market has also favored that frame. HAHA yea I wasn't trying to compare the two just wanted to throw what my back ground was.. I had fun with that back in my younger days and now having a blast with Harleys. You definitely hit the nail on the head and that has been what I have had on my mind for that past month or so.. Decisions, decisions....

I have looked at the '14 Street Glide Special but I want to demo one first.. This is the style I'm going for but black contrast cut wheels and Like a color not everyone has..

http://www.baddad.com/baggers/bike/118

 

The 2009+ touring bike frame eliminates high speed wobble. The wider rear tire is a styling enhancement. I don't see the purpose in swapping a nice low mileage bike for another, but if you're in it for style points, go for it.

 

Ian, it was a pleasure speaking with you. I am sure we will speak again once you figure out which way to go. I wish I could put my bike in my living room too.

 

I put 40K on my 08 SG and it ended up looking like this when I traded it in. Mod and ride what you have.

 

I had an 07 which I thoroughly enjoyed, and still would be had the color Ember Red Sunglo not been applied. Color along with the changes is what made me trade. The 07 certainly wasn't a bad bike and handled as well as my 12 does. The brake system was probably the single most noticeable difference. They were #1 in actual noticeable feeling differences between the 2 bikes. I don't have the anti lock so that had no bearing, it was just that the brembo's are a lot more positive feeling.