A Dealer here in KC still has new 16's, that's what I would be looking at if I was in the market

 

Several things I've noticed, going from a '12 Limited to a '16 Rushmore Classic......

The big one is the 49mm front end. It is more stable, and if you want to really improve your ride... you have an excellent, top-shelf cartridge option from Ohlins, that is not available to the 41mm forks.

You have the canbus system. A blessing and a curse... but overall I believe it is a big plus. Example of a blessing: if you have a problem with the switchpaks on the handle bars, because of the canbus wiring, it is a snap to replace them... Example of a curse: if you have a problem with the switchpaks on the handle bars, because of the canbus system, they are one-piece units and you have to buy the whole switchpak even if just one switch is malfunctioning.... However... if you want to change handle bars, the canbus makes it way easy....

The HO 103 runs as good, if not better, with a Stage I & tune, than my '12 103 ran with Stage II w/SE255 cams...

The Boom 6.5 is a really much better stereo than before in terms of sound. I like that I didn't need to buy an iPod interface to use my iPod. Then I learned I could just use a USB thumb drive with music on it, and the stereo plays it like my old stereo played the music on my iPod w/the interface.

There are also a bunch of little things;

The vent doors on the lowers are a better design.

The comms plug-in for the passenger is more sturdy, as the plug is mounted into the speaker case, instead of a spring loaded plug stuck in a plastic clip.

The saddlebag latches are better/easier to use.

I like the size/convenience of the GPS built-in to the 6.5 Boom screen versus my previous GPS, a fairing mounted Garmin. AND... no need for an optional interface to hear the directions if you want to.

When on the rare, long trip without my wife, I can call her on my phone through my headset... don't use it a lot, but didn't even have the option before.

I had a dealer make a software change to keep my drive lights on with high beams, instead of buying a harness jumper or rewire them myself, like before.

I'm sure there's more but that's just off the top of my head...

 

If money is no issue, check out the new Venture. I saw some video on it yesterday. Quite an impressive ride!

 

I have had an 09 that i racked 50k on. I currently have a 10 and a 17. All have been as reliable as any car i have owned. Do some things break from time to time? Sure. I can say that nothing has been major though. Get one that has been well maintained and you will be fine. I would be looking at an 09 and up.

 

If your biggest concern is reliability HD probably isn't what you want in a bike. Buy a Goldwing but if your into tradition and a bike with some soul get a new M8. Love mine and have no issues at this time. If something happens of course I would be pissed but not going to let worry of what might happen ruin my fun.

 

I am still riding my 10' SG, that I put a stage 3 on it brand new. It still runs perfect, and it is hard to let go. All my buddies have bikes that are 1-3 years old, we ride together a bunch and I am never left behind. Still has plenty of power and looks....

 

I think that thinking is antiquated at best. Too many Harley's I know personally and on this site that rack up 10's of thousands of trouble-free miles, from 50,000 - 100,000 miles with no major work whatsoever.