Hey Guys,

I'm a woman from New Zealand, learned to ride in AZ in Nov 2016. Coming back to the States Sept to Dec 2017 to ride through AZ, UT and CA. Will buy a bike and most likely keep it over there for more trips.

I'm 5'8", 140lbs and just average strength. Have done under 10000mi I would guess, since I started riding, or about that. I'd love to get a Street Glide and originally I was going to ask whether that was too much bike for me but I've read a couple other threads in here and they all say no, provided I'm careful when parking and backing up. OK so sounds like I will go for a big bike then!

So now my question is - with a $10K budget for a bike, which means I can't get a new tourer, what years should I be looking for? And what years to avoid? For example should I avoid anything before 2006 or are they OK etc etc etc?

Any and all input / tips / wisdom would be welcomed! Thanks so much

 

With your budget, I would start looking at 2009 models. They would have the 96ci motor and the new frame for its time. I was looking last summer for a Road Glide and found a 2009 for a tad over your budget. Started at 12.5k, It ended going for 10.5k.




And I think its awesome your already planning a long term love affair with riding. It will be a great adventure

 

it is not out west but a friend of mine is selling a 2006 street glide with 25000 miles for 9500. so I would say you can find 06's in your budget.

 

Best $200 I spent on my bike is the "Ride like a Pro" class in Albuquerque NM. Its a day class and they teach you slow speed handling and maneuvering. Anyone can handle a big bike at speed but its the parking lots where you need to not to be fighting the bike. 1st thing they teach is how to pick up an electra glide by yourself. You could do it easily.

B

 

2006 was the first year of the Street Glide, but I'd recommend staying with 2007 and above due to the cam tensioner issue. If you buy one out here, you're gonna be hard pressed to find a 2009 model within yer budget.

 

I would echo Kermie's statement. 2009 is the the "updated" frame that was used thru 2016. In fact, I think the frame on the new 2017 M8 has only very subtle changes. The Pre-2009 frames had some issues that are worth researching.

If you can't find a 2009 in your budget, I think 2007 is probably as far back as I would go. The 2007 was the first year for the 6-speed transmission in the FLHX. I think that 2008 was the first year for ABS brakes.

If you budget situation were to change...the 2010 is the first year of the 18" front wheel (2009 is 17" front wheel)...and 2012 is the first year they put the 103" motor in as a standard motor (the 103" was an option in 2010 and 2011).

Good luck in your search!

 

I will look into something like that in PHX, thanks for that, good idea. I have been on a lot of bar patios in PHX and seen wobbles when people are parking, any help in that area would be great!

Renata

 

Wow thanks so much, this is great info that I'd never be able to dig out on my own! My budget may go up by then, I'm not sure - the exchange rate for me here is pretty tough although not as bad as a decade or so ago.

Yes Kermie I am absolutely hooked on this riding gig! I'm not sure why I didn't go after it until I was 40! Must have been the midlife crisis kicking in huh

Much appreciated,
Renata

 

I might have to stretch the budget a bit at the time! I've seen a few under budget but they have quite big mileages on them, I don't know enough to know if they just go and go and go, what do you think?

Renata

 

Heres a few in Phoenix. There were a couple more 06s as well. You shouldnt have a problem finding an 07 in your price range

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/mcy/6081574283.html
https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/mcy/6096407596.html
https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/mcy/6093383814.html
https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/mcy/6068806473.html