IMHO, when you buy a bike that has had engine work done to it, you're asking for big problems.

 

With my limited knowledge, I would not go 08 or down unless it is really cheap and your not touring. It's hard to give an opinion without knowing price?, dealers or individuals selling? Most dealers don't want you to have any major issues. I would buy anything at the right price.

 

LOL! I guess riding a 99 thru 48 states and repeating on an 08 is not considered touring? Funny how when the 09 changes were made, all of a sudden the earlier years became crap when they were fine up until then.

 

You clearly don't pay attention to the forum. The MoCo doesn't build any bike that runs properly or does what you bought it for unless you put thousands and thousands of dollars into it. Come on Man...pay attention.

That being said, I toured on a 2008 Street Glide, despite the collective wisdom of the Forum stating it couldn't be done. So, I support your statement that you toured on your '99 and '08 (mostly because I was an eye witness!).

OP: You need to provide more info. I wouldn't be scared of the miles if the bike was maintained. The 09 does have improvements compared to the '07. I put nearly 49K on the 2008 without major issues and have 23K on my 2012. The new frame and wider tires are a significant improvement from prior years - just as the '14s have improvements compared to my '12. Just like most industries, HD does update and improve it's bikes, while maintaining it's heritage. Yes, it's a modern take on old tech, but that's what we love about them.

 

OP-I guess you do not need to consider any changes over the years, get the cheapest one, you'll never know the difference.

 

As long as they are serviced and done right, these motors will easily go over 100,000 miles and longer. I do all my own work so I trust no one. Get on bike trader and find one with low miles so you know that no tard screwed it up. Bikes are everywhere now for sale. Even if you have to drive 200 miles to get one, it will be worth it.

 

OMG, I didn't say there haven't been improvements - my comment was a direct reply to the person who said to only buy the 07 if not planning on touring - which implies that one could not tour on an older frame style.

 

Best thing is for prospective buyers to do whatever they have to do to get a test ride.There's some great info here but not always a whole lot of objectivity.

It's all personal preference,back when the '09s came out I was all set dump my '08 RoadGlide (wanted a batwing) for a new UltraClassic or StreetGlide.Test road an '09 StreetGlide and hated the 180 rear tire before I even got out of the parking lot,hell it was halfway towards being the fat 200 rear tire on my old Nightrain and felt like it.....Great for going straight but lazy on the turn in for curves.I doubt most that are crowing about the new frame ride hard enough to know anything...what most are perceiving is the fat back tire.

I don't like motorcycles that feel "planted" but that's me,I like 'em agile and easy to flick around at speed,that's what makes my day.I purposely tracked down an '08...the 6 gallon tank and Brembo's were all I needed.

 

I may have missed it, but were any prices for the two mentioned? 60K not really a deal breaker.....especially if it has UPGRADES that would be wanted and or added later.
If you are at a dealer....do not give asking price....and if you do, get a warrany thrown in.
Get financing before going to the dealer, unless the dealer gives you money OFF to purchase. (Then refinance as soon as you hit the door!) CASH is king.



Chuck

 

Hey all, thanks for all the good advice. The 07 is priced at 11,200 and the 09 is priced at 12,300. The on has tons of upgrades over $10k worth. All work was done by Harley.