07/08 glides
Cruiser
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 168
Likes: 3
From: Corona, Ca
I have an 08'. It's my second one. 1st was an 08 EG police version conversion for civilian use. Had the 103", which I loved. Had 12,400 miles on it and paid $13,800. No problems at all with the exception of servo connector issue. I came across a great deal on a 08 SG with 6,700 miles on it, great color and an upgrade to a 103" for $15,000. Didn't hesitate. Great price, color and exactly what I was looking for. I love my bike and will make mods and repairs as needed. Everyone's opinions here are pretty much spot on. I would focus on an 08 and above. You'll definately get a better bargain with an 08 as opposed to an 09 and above. Good luck! Post back letting us know what you bought and reason.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 506
Likes: 7
From: Charlotte, NC
Bought my 07 with 14K now after 2.5 years have 38K and have changed cams, exhaust, shocks. I have had a few switch issues, rear brake switch went bad twice, change primary cover seal but nothing else. Maybe I'm lucky but so far so good.
I agree go with '09 or later, if you can.
I put 30k on my 2011 in 3 years...
Did a stage 1, intake, K&N filter, true duals, mufflers.
Nary an issue. Not one. Did the brake switch recall, only because it was free, but there was nothing wrong with it.
Did a stage 1, intake, K&N filter, true duals, mufflers.
Nary an issue. Not one. Did the brake switch recall, only because it was free, but there was nothing wrong with it.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 241
Likes: 2
From: Bristol TN
I got a 08 RG and would not trade it even for a 2015. The new bikes from 07 to 15 all have the auto primary chain tensioner in my book I think they are junk. In my book the single piston cam chain tensioners do not perform like I think they should and they still put junk inner cam bearings in the new ones. The lifters are junk. All still have a pressed together crank that needs addressed. Lots of costly thing that can possibly cause a problem. All this stuff has been installed in my 08 and I would have to do the same thing to a new one before I felt like it was a dependable ride. Do you have to have all this changed NO! But I want this stuff changed. Done spent the money on the Baker P/C adjuster,Zipper dual piston C/C adjusters,SE inner cam bearings,08's had a descent lifter but I put different ones in. Power vision,cams,exhaust, all that stuff I would have to buy again and why would I want to do that again.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 680
Likes: 224
From: Buhl, Idaho
'08 FLHT 93k on the clock. few relatively minor probs over the years, but nothing too bad. Stage 1 and some other stuff. Every year i get a road trip in thats anywhere from 3500 to 7500 miles. Bike has never let me down to where I needed major work Knock on wood and all that. Over all it has been very enjoyable to ride. Paid for when I brought it home, so no payments. I like that.Biggest prob on a trip was a flat tire (rear) Discovered it after a lunch break. I carry a good plug kit and a compressor, so I was lucky. Fixed it and rode off into the sunset.Anyway, like has been said, buy what you like and can afford. It's all the same wind. Enjoy and ride safe.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 19,974
Likes: 6,071
From: Florida
I will never own any touring bike later than '07, because IMHO, the TBW was the absolute worst thing the Co. has come out with in years--problematic, unreliable, hard to swap bars, terrible "lag", & a very "disconnected" feel from the motor. I like the instant feel of cables, which is why I went for an '07 King...first year 96" motor & 6-speed trans, yet still retains throttle cables. All other problems can be adressed, except you are stuck with the TBW. No thanks.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 575
Likes: 4
From: SouthWestern Ontario
I agree that changing to a TBW bike is going to go against the grain for me. It seems inevitable though. Time to move up to a bike with cruise and a few other niceties.
My '07 FLHP has been a blast to modify and ride over the years and I never left anything alone long enough for it to break down or give me any trouble. Its been flawless. I can't bear to sell or trade this bike in and will just keep it in the stable to keep the new one company.
My '07 FLHP has been a blast to modify and ride over the years and I never left anything alone long enough for it to break down or give me any trouble. Its been flawless. I can't bear to sell or trade this bike in and will just keep it in the stable to keep the new one company.