I've been looking to get back in the saddle after selling my 2009 FXDL 3 years ago. With the release of the 2018 model year, I have escalated my search. I wanted to see and feel what all the buzz was about and I also wanted to make sure that if the 2018 didn't work for me I'd still have the opportunity to buy a new 2017 or a lightly used 2016.

I visited the dealership the other day, nothing in the 2018 MY really appealed to me, every softail looks generic and metric to me. I test drove the 2018 Street Bob and the Fat Bob and they do handle well, but not well enough to get me to consider buying one. I'm leaning towards purchasing a Dyna, i've owned both a 2001 and a 2009 FXDL and they have a special place in my heart.

The dealership has 2 in stock that interested me. Both are negotiated at the $15k OTD, I walked and expect that they will come back with a 'better' offer.

1. 2017 FXDL - 0 miles, Never Titled, ABS, Security

2. 2016 FXDLS - 2200 miles, 1 Owner, ABS, Security
- V&H Pro pipe, Tune, Daymaker Headlamp, couple other small mods
- The previous owner, traded it in along with a Road King for a Road Glide Special, he is an older gentleman with a long time history with the dealership.

I like the idea of being the first owner of the 2017 FXDL, its a blank canvas and I know that I would break it in properly. I also realize that the 2016 FXDLS is probably the overall better buy and that the previous owner has taken care of it. If the FXDLS were new, this would be a no brain decision.

So my question to you is .... if they are both negotiated as the same OTD price, which would you choose and why?

Thanks!

 

really a no brainer... and i think you know it.

 

If you like the mods on the 2016 I'd get that and save some money.

But, I think I'd like a new one too.

I'd ride both and pick the one I like best.

 

Take that fxdls for a test ride, I'm pretty sure you will take it home!

 

Do you really have to ask? Make that lowrider s a blank canvas

just the fact alone that you can jump to 117 without case boring should seal the deal

 

The S has cruise control, better dampers, and a different foot control position.

Ride them both. One should speak to you more than the other. "Newness" shouldn't be a factor, IMO.

 

Low rider S all day

 

I wouldn`t be to sure that they will come back with a better offer.
What were the prices they were asking?

 

Between the two, the S is what I'd pick.

HOWEVER

You test rode a 2018 and you weren't impressed with how it handled. The new models are lighter and have stiffer frame. If you didn't like the way a 2018 handled your not going to like the way a 2017 and below handles.

 

I agree with the OP that the 18's feel more like a metric bike than my '16 FXDL. When I bought mine the FXDL-S was outside of my pay cash range and I didn't like the look (cowl + air filter + gold wheels turned me off) so I opted for the FXDL...I'm perfectly happy with it (for going fast and doing stupid stuff I have a gsxr 1000 anyways).

I like the way my '16 rides much better than the '18's, especially with the great tune it has on it. The '18's remind me of riding a new Indian scout i test road (not a good thing).

If you want the extra power go for the '16 S. If you want a solid cruiser with a warranty, get the '17 FXDL