Pre-97 vs Post-97
 

What are the differences between pre and post 1997 in the Touring bikes?

Any advantage to either one?

Later the better is the science but 96-on are all pretty much the same.

Damn ... two topic on the same day.

It's 1997 and on.

94 to 96 were the same.

Pre-94 is different again in many aspects. Then you to minor year differences where certain liabilities arise.

1997 and up ... less hassle finding key replacement parts, more incremental improvements included.

Don't forget 1996 is when the last generation dashboard and gauges debuted.
Tom

Not quite right.
As noted before it is '96 and on not '97 and on.
Even then that is misleading.
Starting in '89 (I believe) small things were changed almost every year until '96. Not many changes after '96.

Sorry, you're wrong.

It's 94 to 96.

97 frame changed. Seat height dropped and seat mount changed. Rear brake changed from a shaft on the pedal to a frame mounted spigot and used a different master cylinder. Rear frame struts and covers changed, they are slightly higher. 97 on used different saddlebag guards.

The 1997 frame is 47900-97.
The 1996 frame is 47900-93B.

The clue is in the frame numbers. Parts are compatible between 94 to 96 models, but not 97 onwards.

I use H-D year designations.

Given the choice, I'd buy a 1997. Far more compatible parts and choices available. Lower but not that much different on the leg length.

Unfortunately, you'll lots of blockhead resellers advertizing 97 and up parts as "96" .because they bought a 1997 model in 96 ... but they won't fit. You'll find far less 1994 to 96 bits.

The battery tray and front engine guard is also new in 1997 too.

The frame did change in '97, it has a lower seat height. The air valves for the suspension moved to the rear fender support behind the right hand saddlebag (from the handlebar for the front), and at least one of the side covers on the '96 has a bolt holding it on.

I think you're all rightfully wrong in your own way. And that's OK!

Whatever, It's Monday!

Mine is a 94 with the battery under the seat and a full sized right saddlebag for storage. That was why I went 94 up when looking for a dresser. I ran across this and found it interesting too.

1992 47900-89A FRAME
1992 (2nd one) 47900-92 FRAME
1993 47900-93A FRAME
1994 47900-93A FRAME
1995 47900-93B FRAME
1996 47900-93B FRAME
1997 47900-97 FRAME

I'm guessing the 93A frames had the battery moved, but thought the 96 was a different frame like the 97 was? Guess not.

Griz

Lets be honest we don't usually work on the frame (Bungo aside) what we usually are working on is the parts in the frame so that is what I pay the most attention to.