Modding 2008 Street Glide vs Newer Model
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,090
Likes: 243
From: Maine
I love my 08 and still don't feel the need to go newer. I have a pretty short riding season here in Maine and I usually do a mod or two every Winter.
You'll hear a lot of BS about the 08 being an odd ball year but the truth is, there is nothing odd about it.. It is the last year of the older frame with the newer 6 gallon tank and seat mount, newer axle size and brembo brakes....shocking right? You get to choose direct swaps for the newer wheels and many more seat choices. I have the progressive touring link, 944 shock and montubes and the bike rides great. I already have a 107" with ported heads S&S header, so power is better than a new one. I've also upgraded the stereo,speakers, and added new bars
So mod away! You're already 10 years into having a classic bike!
You'll hear a lot of BS about the 08 being an odd ball year but the truth is, there is nothing odd about it.. It is the last year of the older frame with the newer 6 gallon tank and seat mount, newer axle size and brembo brakes....shocking right? You get to choose direct swaps for the newer wheels and many more seat choices. I have the progressive touring link, 944 shock and montubes and the bike rides great. I already have a 107" with ported heads S&S header, so power is better than a new one. I've also upgraded the stereo,speakers, and added new bars
So mod away! You're already 10 years into having a classic bike!
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 307
From: Houston, Texas
Some one correct me if I'm wrong or missed something but there are just a few things that people called it a bastard but most of them are minor. They introduced a few things that where coming on the new frame but adapted to the old. As mentioned, the biggest thing is the seat mounting change. When buying a seat, you need to make sure it will fit an 08. I just bought a brand new Mustang seat for mine that fit perfectly but it said 08 & up. Some seats will say 09&up. There are some seats that just wont fit right. Again, that's really the only thing you need to worry about. I've never had a problem finding parts of any kind. I think it was the first year with the 6 gallon tank and also at the time people freaked out because it was the first year of the throttle by wire. Old school people went crazy over that change. The front wheel bearings are crap so change them with every tire change for piece of mind. The 08 was just a weird year between the old frame and the new frame and had some firsts. Then the 09's came out with the new frame, wider tire, 103 engine, etc. No one wanted the old frame anymore and suddenly the used market for anything 08 and older went into the toilet.
Since your bike is paid for, hell ya, mod it up. Spend your money making it your own and ride the crap out of it.
Something to keep in mind if you even care. If you have any thoughts that you might sell it in the future, do it now before you make any modifications. The money you are thinking about putting into the bike will do nothing to add to the value. This is true of any bike though. Old or new. The market price for an 08 street glide is what it is. The money you put in the bike in mods does absolutely nothing to raise the value and in some cases, can lower it. In my mind, that's the best reason to keep it and mod it since it's already paid for. Then when you're ready for a new bike, keep it and have two!!
Since your bike is paid for, hell ya, mod it up. Spend your money making it your own and ride the crap out of it.
Something to keep in mind if you even care. If you have any thoughts that you might sell it in the future, do it now before you make any modifications. The money you are thinking about putting into the bike will do nothing to add to the value. This is true of any bike though. Old or new. The market price for an 08 street glide is what it is. The money you put in the bike in mods does absolutely nothing to raise the value and in some cases, can lower it. In my mind, that's the best reason to keep it and mod it since it's already paid for. Then when you're ready for a new bike, keep it and have two!!
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 13
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
Since your bike is paid for, hell ya, mod it up. Spend your money making it your own and ride the crap out of it.
Something to keep in mind if you even care. If you have any thoughts that you might sell it in the future, do it now before you make any modifications. The money you are thinking about putting into the bike will do nothing to add to the value. This is true of any bike though. Old or new. The market price for an 08 street glide is what it is. The money you put in the bike in mods does absolutely nothing to raise the value and in some cases, can lower it. In my mind, that's the best reason to keep it and mod it since it's already paid for. Then when you're ready for a new bike, keep it and have two!!
Something to keep in mind if you even care. If you have any thoughts that you might sell it in the future, do it now before you make any modifications. The money you are thinking about putting into the bike will do nothing to add to the value. This is true of any bike though. Old or new. The market price for an 08 street glide is what it is. The money you put in the bike in mods does absolutely nothing to raise the value and in some cases, can lower it. In my mind, that's the best reason to keep it and mod it since it's already paid for. Then when you're ready for a new bike, keep it and have two!!
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Some one correct me if I'm wrong or missed something but there are just a few things that people called it a bastard but most of them are minor. They introduced a few things that where coming on the new frame but adapted to the old. As mentioned, the biggest thing is the seat mounting change. When buying a seat, you need to make sure it will fit an 08. I just bought a brand new Mustang seat for mine that fit perfectly but it said 08 & up. Some seats will say 09&up. There are some seats that just wont fit right. Again, that's really the only thing you need to worry about. I've never had a problem finding parts of any kind. I think it was the first year with the 6 gallon tank and also at the time people freaked out because it was the first year of the throttle by wire. Old school people went crazy over that change. The front wheel bearings are crap so change them with every tire change for piece of mind. The 08 was just a weird year between the old frame and the new frame and had some firsts. Then the 09's came out with the new frame, wider tire, 103 engine, etc. No one wanted the old frame anymore and suddenly the used market for anything 08 and older went into the toilet.
Since your bike is paid for, hell ya, mod it up. Spend your money making it your own and ride the crap out of it.
Since your bike is paid for, hell ya, mod it up. Spend your money making it your own and ride the crap out of it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,895
Likes: 121
From: Southern WV
I went from an 08 SG to a 13 RGU. I really didn't see a huge difference. The 08 stock gearing is a little high and it's the first year for the cush drive sprocket. The biggest difference I saw was rear tire life. Lucky to get 7k on the rear of my SG but the 13 is double that. I could drag the floorboards at will on either bike. I do love the RGU's stability at highway speed though.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 514
Likes: 263
From: Appalachia
New here but not new to bikes. I currently have a 2008 Street Glide 100% stock with 8k miles on it. I was wanting to do a performance build with the bike (built motor, trans, full suspension, brakes, etc), but talking it over with a few people I was told I would be better off going with a newer model for a performance build.
I understand that in 2009-2013 the frame was updated and the rear tire was increased from a 150 to a 180 and of course in 2014 the Rushmore bikes came out. I'm wondering how much the newer frame, tire, and Rushmore changes lend themselves to a better build.
Also I noticed most performance builds are Road Glides. Any particular reason the Road Glide is chosen more often over the Street Glide.
I understand that in 2009-2013 the frame was updated and the rear tire was increased from a 150 to a 180 and of course in 2014 the Rushmore bikes came out. I'm wondering how much the newer frame, tire, and Rushmore changes lend themselves to a better build.
Also I noticed most performance builds are Road Glides. Any particular reason the Road Glide is chosen more often over the Street Glide.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,114
Likes: 67
From: USA
Good Advise.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 276
Likes: 3
From: Canton, MI.
<<<built motor, trans, full suspension, brakes, etc>>>
What kind of budget do you have...?
I have an 08...and at the 40k mark decided to do a build...wish I would have done it sooner! Very happy with it...still a work in progress...
Doing 2 more mods this winter...then hopefully be done...
new swing arm from RBC...the lobe adjusters on the current swing arm/axle tend to loosen up when I hot-rod causing me to adjust my chain frequently...
new ohlin 30mm-49mm fork front end from Howard...
As crazy as it sounds...I'm already looking forward to the snow so I can get this done...lol
good luck and have fun!
smat
What kind of budget do you have...?
I have an 08...and at the 40k mark decided to do a build...wish I would have done it sooner! Very happy with it...still a work in progress...
Doing 2 more mods this winter...then hopefully be done...
new swing arm from RBC...the lobe adjusters on the current swing arm/axle tend to loosen up when I hot-rod causing me to adjust my chain frequently...
new ohlin 30mm-49mm fork front end from Howard...
As crazy as it sounds...I'm already looking forward to the snow so I can get this done...lol
good luck and have fun!
smat
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 2,896
From: Oklahoma
Unless you have a sentimental attachment to this bike, do a little research into what that bike plus your mod budget would buy and test ride that vintage machine. If you want more power, the newer machines have a bit more. If you want to mod just so you don't have a stock bike and will mod whatever you have, that changes the equation. Ride the newer machine to find out for yourself if there is a big enough difference to answer your question. Other people's opinions can give you a list of things to think about, but ultimately it is what will make YOU happiest, AND it is YOUR money.