Real differences between rushmore & 09-13 bikes
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: Devon, UK
Here's an N=1 trial! I traded an '06 RK Classic for a '14 EG Ultra Limited. Apart from the fact that the RK is the prettiest bike in the world, the EG is superior in every single way and well worth the extra pennies (and it was a f**k lot of pennies!).
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,614
Likes: 27
From: Toms River, NJ
Botton line, YES the bike has been improved. Are the worth the money... NO but we will pay it anyway..... Only person that can make this choice is you. Is a 09-13 a great bike... YES and if you aren't going cross country or ride 50K a year, why not save the 10K and enjoy a fine bike ??? I have a 2012 with many upgrades, bike runs great and is paid off... I look at the new 14-15 all the time but haven't pulled the trigger yet and don't plan to for a long time. If I start to have trouble or Harley comes out with something more then a radio I will be heading to the bank.
Be Safe JIM
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,219
Likes: 63
From: westland Michigan
To the OP ride test ride one and see if the enjoyment out weighs the cash going out flow if it does then buy one if not then get a 13 and save a few bucks. Test ride a few years and see which one you like the best. Only way to truly know what you like. 
Batman
Batman
There are a lot more upgrades than "just a radio".
Are they worth the asking price? Absolutely.
Do an apples comparison to everything else on the market, HD is right in the ballpark.
Those who can't afford it, or, more likely, whose wives have their "boys" in a little velvet sack in their purses, say they're not worth it, or slam those of us who "do what we want because we can", out of.... envy, I guess.
If you don't want one, don't buy one, I don't care... but let's look at some facts:
2012 FLHTK MSRP (color) $24,814
2014 FLHTK MSRP (color) $26,939
$2,125 difference in MSRP over 2 years, not really an exorbitant amount, especially when you start factoring in what you get.
Cams
Higher Compression pistons/heads
Twin Cooling
Full Infotainment, including GPS
49mm forks
Larger saddle bags with 1 hand lock mechanism
Extreme reduction in helmet buffeting with re-designed fairing
TourPak capacity that is 1.5 (YES, one and a half) times larger
TourPak comes with premium hinges
Daymaker headlight/passing lights standard ($900 right there....)
I could go on...
Are they worth the asking price? Absolutely.
Do an apples comparison to everything else on the market, HD is right in the ballpark.
Those who can't afford it, or, more likely, whose wives have their "boys" in a little velvet sack in their purses, say they're not worth it, or slam those of us who "do what we want because we can", out of.... envy, I guess.
If you don't want one, don't buy one, I don't care... but let's look at some facts:
2012 FLHTK MSRP (color) $24,814
2014 FLHTK MSRP (color) $26,939
$2,125 difference in MSRP over 2 years, not really an exorbitant amount, especially when you start factoring in what you get.
Cams
Higher Compression pistons/heads
Twin Cooling
Full Infotainment, including GPS
49mm forks
Larger saddle bags with 1 hand lock mechanism
Extreme reduction in helmet buffeting with re-designed fairing
TourPak capacity that is 1.5 (YES, one and a half) times larger
TourPak comes with premium hinges
Daymaker headlight/passing lights standard ($900 right there....)
I could go on...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,036
Likes: 19
From: Savage, MN
I agree with the above there are some great differences and that's one reason why I choose to go new vs used. The other reason is people are not giving away these bikes (at least here in MN) used FLHX bikes 11 and newer are going for like 17k or more from what I have been seeing. I called on a 2013 with like 5k miles on it stock other than speaker upgrade and was asking 19k not saying he will get it but there are others up for sale in the same situation. I was looking at a used bike for 18k+ or a brand new one for about 23k special version it was worth the extra cash IMO. The others I seen online for sale that had decent upgrades to them wanted at least 50 cents on the dollar back for their upgrades. Oh and last but definitely not least is the new rims are WAY better than the older models, that for me was major on choice.
Last edited by WG2011; May 12, 2015 at 02:27 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Most folks don't realize the new Harleys have the CAN bus system. It makes it easier for manufacterurs to add more computer driven systems, but harder for the garage mechanic to mod the bike.
Beary
Beary
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 267
Likes: 19
From: south
Botton line, YES the bike has been improved. Are the worth the money... NO but we will pay it anyway..... Only person that can make this choice is you. Is a 09-13 a great bike... YES and if you aren't going cross country or ride 50K a year, why not save the 10K and enjoy a fine bike ??? I have a 2012 with many upgrades, bike runs great and is paid off... I look at the new 14-15 all the time but haven't pulled the trigger yet and don't plan to for a long time. If I start to have trouble or Harley comes out with something more then a radio I will be heading to the bank.
Be Safe JIM
Be Safe JIM
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,286
Likes: 3,430
From: Idaho Panhandle
I would not trade my '10 for a 14-15 Street Glide Special or Ultra...now a Road Glide...we we'd have to talk, especially a '16 Road Glide Ultra. Can Bus, pain in the *** bus.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,614
Likes: 27
From: Toms River, NJ
Its not that my wife is holding my money or *****.... The facts are in the next few years there will be more improvements .... so then sell all the 14 15's and buy them .... Good idea but why sell/ trade in a good bike so often ??? I guess that the bike is my hobby not my only means of travel and I don't have a lot of money to throw around I feel this way. For those would can buy a new bike every few years, God Bless, you are very lucky and should enjoy your life to the fullest.