2004 or 2008 Softail

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Dec 30, 2007 | 11:51 PM

michael95688

Thread Starter

Tourer

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 275

Likes: 0

2004 or 2008 Softail

I am about to pull the trigger on a Fatboy. I thought I knew what I wanted, and have a custom 2004 FLSTFI located in Sacramento. It's a nice bike, real nice. $22,500 nice. I really don't want to try to justify the price, but the bike is a 1200 mile FLSTFI with $42,500 invested in it and is worth it to me, so...

My question isn't about the bike I'm considering, but rather the main features and benefits ofa 2008 verses a 2004. I know what they are, or at least the ones that make me take notice... 96 verses 88 cubic inch, 6 speed verses 5 and a wider tire / fender.

The 2004 I'm looking at has billet wheels and sports a 200 rear tire and wide fender so that part is a wash. I guess what I'm wondering is what real advantages the 96 inch motor offers over an 88 with a stage 1 and power commander? What real advantage does the 6th gear offer. Does anyone happen to know the final drive ratios of each?

I'm not a hot rodder (anymore) I've done a buck sixty on two wheels and at 41 those days are behind me. I find the $23,000 in ad-ons far more appealing than I do (presently) the bigger engine and extra gear.

I saw the 1.05% financing from HD and started wondering whether it is too good to pass up so I found myself down at the local HD dealership today. I like the 105th Fatboy and appreciate the significance but apples to apples I think I'd prefer the upgrades on the 2004.

Any thoughts?

Dec 31, 2007 | 12:34 AM

drummer3278

Cruiser

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 200

Likes: 1

From: Bellingham, WA

RE: 2004 or 2008 Softail

Wow, that's a tough one. I'm sure someone else here will be able to answer the technical aspects of the decision your looking for. I was sort of in a dilema like yours as I was looking at an 02 Fatboy that had stage II upgrades, and lot's of extra chrome,custom paint, bags, etc., with only 2300 miles. It didn't have the 200mm tire, but the price was $15,000. The main reason I went with the 07 (new) was financial. I couldn't get the interest and termson the used bike, so the payments would have actually been quite a bit more. Plus I got a pretty good deal on the new Fatty.

I also wanted something eventually that I would add on to myself, give it my own flavor if you will. I still have a long long way to go, but there's something satisfying in a on going piece of work (except maybe remodeling a house), that slowly becomes what you envision. I also know that it's tempting as hell to have something completed, especially if it's what you really want.

My 2cents? Go with your heart. Good luck.

Dec 31, 2007 | 12:34 AM

I CUT 1

Tourer

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 409

Likes: 0

From: Ruffin, North Carolina

RE: 2004 or 2008 Softail

I'd go with the 04, if it's to your liking. Sounds like more bang for the buck, the mods. have already been done, so no down time required for tricking-out. But at the same time ain't that what makes itfun, tearing it down, replacing perfectly good parts with overly priced chrome parts. The 6 speed should decrease engine rpm by 300 mayby 400 in high gear, and if you like jamin' gears it might be for you. A bud has a 07 low rider with slip-ons and stage-1 intake and it "feels" the same as my06 FXSTI bearing the same mods. Anyway you look at it, I think $23,000 adds up to more cool points that 8ci and 1 gear.

[IMG]local://upfiles/49112/6905C42CEBC04228830B8930853F2541.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]local://upfiles/49112/7ED003699B95415D8B2CB8EBBD14960D.jpg[/IMG]

Dec 31, 2007 | 12:48 AM

Kevinc

Tourer

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 494

Likes: 1

RE: 2004 or 2008 Softail

I've got an 06 Fatboy with the 88b and 5 speed, and it is perfect for me. The 6th geer would be better for a lot of long distance riding on a freeway, but I prefer back roads.

Dec 31, 2007 | 12:57 AM

Nails

Cruiser

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 161

Likes: 0

From: Utah

RE: 2004 or 2008 Softail

The 04 has better parts from the factory. No brainer imo. Get the 04.

Dec 31, 2007 | 01:10 AM

michael95688

Thread Starter

Tourer

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 275

Likes: 0

RE: 2004 or 2008 Softail

Thanks guys,

The financial aspect of the 2008 is the big thing right now. Both deals make sense to me in different ways, but the 04 makes more sense to me even if it might potentially cost me an extra $5k in finance charges.

I too am thinking most (95%) of my rides will be less than 100 miles, at least 1/2 of those will be on backroads and will never see speeds over 60 miles an hour so the 6th gear will be of limited value. I'm a big guy and the 96 inch motor would bea welcome addition but comparing a standard 96 and a stage 1 88 with power commander seems to level that playing field too.

I would undoubtably spend $5,000 over time on the 2008 and really the 2004 needs nothing. The one benefit I will have with the 2004 is that all the taken off parts, wheels /tires, rotors, master cylinders, swing arm, pegs, mirrors, headlamps, and tons of small parts are included in the deal and I will sell them to off set the total cost.