Modding 2008 Street Glide vs Newer Model
 

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.

IMHO, the cost of moving up to a newer bike would probably deplete all the money you have to build the 2008. I'd build the bike you have, and be happy.

I've ridden the newer framed, bigger back tire, etc. bikes, and (TO ME) they're not that much improved that would cause me to go in debt to get one.

09 and up is the better choice. Go ride one and you will know the answer for your self.

I hope you just bought that bike. If it only has 8,000 mile on it, you don't ride it enough to spend that kind of money on it for a performance build. :)

The 08 is a bastard year in some respects but I love my 08 Road King Classic. I bought it new and have 132,000 plus miles on it and will keep rebuilding/repairing it until it can't be done any more. If you like the bike, go for your performance build. The basic engine is the same from 08 through 13. There is no reason you can't build your 08 up. At 112,000 I bumped mine up to a 103 and cams. I didn't want a performance build since it's my commuting bike, I wanted a tank that would last another 100,000 plus miles but there was no reason I couldn't have had it stroked out to whatever. My indy would have loved me if I had $$$.

Other people have mentioned the newer frame. I also have a 2013 Limited. It's slightly stiffer but in my opinion, jumping back and forth between bikes, it's not that big of a difference. I don't have a frame stiffener on my 08 like a True Trak. I haven't felt the need but it's an option for you if the frame doesn't like the HP you add.

Good luck and have fun with it.

I have an 08 Ultra that I bought brand new and haven't had a problem yet. I also thought about getting a newer bike but this one is paid for and I know exactly how it handles

Haha! Agreed! It was actually my dad's. He bought it used in 2010 with 2k miles on it and only put 5k miles on it 8 years and it was just sitting in his garage collecting dust. I figured I could put it to good use and after a few whiskies he finally agreed.

As much as I'd like a newer bike I don't want a payment. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't trying to polish a turd before I started throwing money at it. I have rebuilt older bikes in the past and found that some of them are just plain pains in the ass. I don't want to spend extra money doing frame work and things like that. If it's not a good foundation for a build I'll just leave it stock and enjoy it for what it is.

This is my first touring model so I'm learning as I go. I have owned sportsters and dynas in the past.

Can anyone elaborate on it being a "bastard" year?

Build what you want with what you have vs. taking on debt ... just my .02 cents.

In 08 they went to the newer seat mounting, metric axle bearings and a few other little things. I had an 08 and liked it, rarely did I wish it was a newer bike.

That said, I just was forced into getting a new bike and settled on this particular 11 which does make many accessories easier to find for the newer frame.

IMO - Build what you have.