08 vs 09+ RK
'07 and '08 are "bastard" years, Many parts will only fit one or the other, or just those 2, and they were still prone to the bagger swagger.
'09's frame changes were quite significant, one of the best advancements was the stiffer swing arm.
Saying that I don't think the '08s were bad bikes at all. But as time progresses, things get better, improved...
'09's frame changes were quite significant, one of the best advancements was the stiffer swing arm.
Saying that I don't think the '08s were bad bikes at all. But as time progresses, things get better, improved...
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 497
Likes: 0
From: PA
well, the difference might be 4-5k (the other is actually a 2011, but I don't think there are a lot of differences).
Advantages of the 08 to me:
cheaper,
less to insure
lighter
advantages of 09+
bigger engine sometimes
better frame
The question to those more experienced: is that bigger engine and frame really worth all the extra scratch?
Advantages of the 08 to me:
cheaper,
less to insure
lighter
advantages of 09+
bigger engine sometimes
better frame
The question to those more experienced: is that bigger engine and frame really worth all the extra scratch?
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 121
From: Northern Illinois
well, the difference might be 4-5k (the other is actually a 2011, but I don't think there are a lot of differences).
Advantages of the 08 to me:
cheaper,
less to insure
lighter
advantages of 09+
bigger engine sometimes
better frame
The question to those more experienced: is that bigger engine and frame really worth all the extra scratch?
Advantages of the 08 to me:
cheaper,
less to insure
lighter
advantages of 09+
bigger engine sometimes
better frame
The question to those more experienced: is that bigger engine and frame really worth all the extra scratch?
Now that you are talking a 3 year difference I would say it would be worth the extra $$.
Does the 2011 have cruise and ABS? How about the 2008. Both are good to have.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,392
Likes: 21
From: Delaware
If they were the same price or within about $500 I'd go with the 09 just because of resale price, but no way is the frame change worth thousands of dollars. The 08's are a bargain if you ask me, with Brembo brakes, six gallon tanks, six speed trans, etc. Put a decent $200 stabilizer on one and it rides better than the new frames.
Also the FLHRC got the 103 before the FLHR did.
Also the FLHRC got the 103 before the FLHR did.
Only you can decide what is better for you.
Of it were me... and for a primary bike, I would take the newer one.
What mileage on them?
If it's for a second bike, it really doesn't matter... I want another for the garage to tinker with...
Of it were me... and for a primary bike, I would take the newer one.
What mileage on them?
If it's for a second bike, it really doesn't matter... I want another for the garage to tinker with...
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 241
Likes: 2
From: Bristol TN
I ride a 08 and the big rear tire and frame mean nothing to me. They all no matter what year from 2000 and up has a pressed together crank and the 2000 to 2003 have a timken bearing and hot forged. The 07 and up have tapered rods and somewhere around 2012 the started bushing-less rods. Nothing wrong with the tapered rods if the are the bushing-less if they have a bushing in the wrist pin it could possibly slip probably stand a better chance winning the lottery. If they run tapered rods in a diesel with around 500 to 600 psi of compression I thing it will be fine in this low compression turd harley builds. Junk inner cam bearings,primary chain tensioners,junk cam chain tensioners that do not keep the chains tight enough so zipper made a fix for that. Lifters no good. The big frame,tire,information centers want do a bit of good when one of the things I mentioned goes out on a long trip so I addressed all this on my 08 and got a big smile on my face the whole time I am riding and know I have a solid motor with good parts that will get me home. If you are the type that has to have the latest greatest thing harley makes and have to have the newest bike on the block you probably want experience none of these problems. But if you ride it enough miles and long enough you will see harley has not fixed nothing that makes them a reliable bike just more bells and whistles to keep you mind off the real problems they have and not fixed.
Last edited by 96inchBOB; Sep 23, 2014 at 09:17 PM. Reason: For got a few things
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,437
Likes: 80
From: currently an Okie
08 to 11
The 11 will have a SE compensator stock. That's a plus. The frame handles better on the 11. The wider tire is a pretty big plus.
One of the biggest advantages of the 11 is HD got the gearing right. The 07 and 08 bikes are too high geared.
All other things being equal, I would pay 4K more for an 11.
One of the biggest advantages of the 11 is HD got the gearing right. The 07 and 08 bikes are too high geared.
All other things being equal, I would pay 4K more for an 11.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 39
From: San Diego
New frame will always bring more money, but not $4,000.
Newer bike has the much better gearing, that gives you throttle reponse in 6th gear. Less shifting.
Earlier frame tended to wallow in higher speed freeway sweepers. My 07 was scary. New 12 is much better.
Larger tire gives more capacity if you plan to ride double or fully loaded.
Always go with the latest model you can afford. Going for the cheaper bike usually results in less satisfaction.
Cop bike will have bigger motor, and more power is always nice.
Like my current 103 much better than previous 96"
Would say that about $1,500 extra per model year is reasonable to pay for the later bikes.
Newer bike has the much better gearing, that gives you throttle reponse in 6th gear. Less shifting.
Earlier frame tended to wallow in higher speed freeway sweepers. My 07 was scary. New 12 is much better.
Larger tire gives more capacity if you plan to ride double or fully loaded.
Always go with the latest model you can afford. Going for the cheaper bike usually results in less satisfaction.
Cop bike will have bigger motor, and more power is always nice.
Like my current 103 much better than previous 96"
Would say that about $1,500 extra per model year is reasonable to pay for the later bikes.