I have found what may be a good deal, not a great one, on a 2012 Street Glide. I wanted to run this by folks with more knowledgeable than me.
The bike is a Big Blue Pearl with 6700 miles on it. The owner is the second owner. The only things I see that have been done to it is the four point quick connect system has been installed, a cigarette lighter has been installed and there are 4 screws in the fairing. Two of them are between the speedometer and the tach horizontally and the other two are just left of the speedometer and vertical. I have no idea what these may be. Neither did the owner. Anyone got an idea? Hidden antenna maybe? The antenna has been moved but I don’t know where and again, neither does the owner?
I wanted to ask, is there any reason to stay away from a 2012 Street Glide? Any known or reoccurring issues with them? Is there anything specific I should look for? I will be purchasing this bike, if I do, for approximately $9000 less than a new one. Does this sound like a decent deal? I have read the threads about how much better the 2014 and beyond bikes are than the 2012s. I understand about the newer technology on the newer bikes. But really, are the 2014s and up really $9000 better than the 2014s? Especially since I am new to Harleys?
If I do purchase this bike, I will want to change the exhaust and intake at a minimum. I have heard removing the catalytic converter will help with the heat issues. Can the catalytic converter be removed without negative effects on the performance? What else would I need to do in addition to this elimination?
Anything I haven’t thought of I need to know?

TIA,
Kevin

 

Have the owner remove the fairing..that takes no more the 15 minutes ( instructions have been posted by myself and others, just use the search.

this model should come stock with lighter on left side of inner fairing down low

heat: you sit on top of a motor it'll be hot- period.

you may be able to chance this by a few percentage points, but it'll be hot

the best strategy is thick jeans and boots vs shorts and flip flops


price looks ok, kbb.com is good for pricing
private party sale is usually a little more than 1/2 way between the retail and trade in values

header: but a free flowing header and hiflow intake will add about 7 to 10 horsepower ( you can stay with the stock mufflers if you want).

with this increased flow you will likely need tuning compensation- there are a number of devices.

i use nightrider.com xieds- at under $120, they work for me

decatted header on ebay or classifieds= $150 ish
ness big sucker intake = $115 on ebay from easternpc



mike

 

Have no idea about the screws.

You should be able to buy a new leftover 2015 SG for $18 or $19k maybe less. So if you can pick this '12 up for $9k less you'll be stealing it.

 

I have no reason other than a gut feeling but something don't feel right on this. I honestly would pass just on a unknown gut feeling.

 

Yeah second owner man I would pass and save up for a used 2014 or newer project Rushmore was a great upgrade to the SG's

 

6700 miles is nothing. Curious why the bike has already 2 owners. Ask the owner if you can have a tech take a look at it or if you know someone who is experienced with Harley touring bikes. Take it for a test ride. No idea why someone has screws mounted to the inner fairing. Anything 2009 or later is good for a touring bike, there will always be upgrades every year, 2009 was a big year and 2014 was significant also. If it checks out and you can get it below $15k, that's a deal.

 

2011+ are the way to go imo. The 5th gear was updated in 2010, and in 2011+ 103's become more common as does abs and cruise. Have a dealer check it for you. I am familiar with harleys and passed on the 2014+ bikes for the savings and just bought a 2011 touring bike. You should not worry about things like cat just yet. Learn how to ride it first and take your time choosing any modifications for the bike. Lots of choices and options and opinions. Believe me when I say, what you like or want today, will change next year. We all have bought and changed things only to realize that perhaps it was not money well spent.

 

Thanks folks for all the information and advice. It really helps.
Some of the questions, I can't answer. I have no idea why a bike with 6700 miles on it would be on its second owner. I asked the owner. He didn't know anything about the bike before he bought it.
But none of this matters anymore because he "was wrong" about what he owed on the bike. He owes $17K, about $4K more than I was originally led to believe. I believe he is a little upside down on it. I was quoted an OTD price of $21,800 on a 2015 SG Special today by a local dealership. I think I will go that route.

Thanks again for the input.