Buying a 'Glide... which one? whch year?
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 35
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From: Worcester, MA
Buying a 'Glide... which one? whch year?
Hello all, I am new to this site and as I have had luck with other forums for other things I figured I'd give this a shot. I am in the market for a late model touring bike. I'm looking for advice on which model years are best(or worse for that matter) and hopefully some pros and cons on the different models. Currently I am riding a 1985 FXEF Superglide.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Moline, IL
what your budget? are there requirements you have for a bike? wanting a full out dresser? or more sporty style of the street glide? any late model touring bike will be great upgrade from what you have now. if your budget allows i would suggest 09+ model at least (new frame design). 12+ comes stock with 103'' engine. do you like the bat wing faring or the fixed fairing styles? i have had both and liked both but love my road glide a lot more, don't see me going back to the bat wing. look around on craigslist in your area usually lot of good deals. def since the 14 models have came out.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 839
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From: Virginia
Hello all, I am new to this site and as I have had luck with other forums for other things I figured I'd give this a shot. I am in the market for a late model touring bike. I'm looking for advice on which model years are best(or worse for that matter) and hopefully some pros and cons on the different models. Currently I am riding a 1985 FXEF Superglide.
2007 bikes - new hydraulic cam tensioners fix the problem in older bikes.
2008 bikes - kind of a transition year. Several upgrades including throttle by wire and larger tanks.
2009-2013 bikes - new frames, new brakes (vastly improved), 6 gallon tank from 2008 carries over into the new bikes, larger back tire. The improved handing is significant and these are great bikes. If funds are tight, these bikes can be had for very reasonable prices.
2014 bikes - Rushmore series improvements are vast. Upgrades to the front suspension, redesigned fairing, new Infotainment system with GPS and large touch and voice enable screens. The Ultra Limited's and CVO's come with the twin cooled motors. Linked brakes improve upon the 2009 upgrades. Several recalls early on, but all seems well now. Personally, there are enough improvements in these bikes that this is what I'd recommend if you can afford it. The Ultra Limited is probably the best bang for the buck.....nicer wheels, painted inner fairing, twin cooled motor, etc.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
Your Super Glide is an Evo. Evo 80" touring Glides were sold up to 1998, followed by the twincam TC88 until 2006, then the TC96 to date. Along the way there have been 95", 103" and 110" models in addition, so you can see there is plenty of choice!
You have asked what is known as an open question, which isn't easy to answer. You would do well to visit a local dealer or two to see what they have in stock and ask us specific questions about a given bike.
You have asked what is known as an open question, which isn't easy to answer. You would do well to visit a local dealer or two to see what they have in stock and ask us specific questions about a given bike.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 51
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From: Illinois
09 up is probably a good choice if not going new. Just have to be honest with yourself. Buy new with a warranty and just ride or older and mod to your liking or just in between? I chose 06 street glide with cams, gear drive, exhaust, intake and ECM stuff already done. I work on my stuff and I'm adding newer, larger wheels and brembo's then mod to my taste. I like no or cheap bike payments and know I like to mod so a new ride is not for me.
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From: Sacramento, CA.
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Kennesaw, GA
12 and newer touring are all 103 cubic inch motors. I believe you could order a 103" in 2011 as an upgrade however.
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 42
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From: Indiana
I appreciated dgreen's post regarding this subject.
The only thing I would add is if you are doing any distance riding look for cruise control. I can remember when you had to go to the ultra to get cc as stock.
I don't know the current models that it is standard equipment but someone may be able to add this information. I had cc added to a 97 tour-glide and it was expensive. I currently have it on my 12 Streetglide ad I believe it was stock on this year and model.
The only thing I would add is if you are doing any distance riding look for cruise control. I can remember when you had to go to the ultra to get cc as stock.
I don't know the current models that it is standard equipment but someone may be able to add this information. I had cc added to a 97 tour-glide and it was expensive. I currently have it on my 12 Streetglide ad I believe it was stock on this year and model.