Modding 2008 Street Glide vs Newer Model
#1
10-03-2018, 02:24 PM
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.
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.
Last edited by Drunky; 10-03-2018 at 02:25 PM.
#2
10-03-2018, 03:01 PM
Aside from not being a bastard year (one year only parts) an ‘09 up frame is stiffer and mounts the swing arm better. In ‘14 the front forks are stiffer and mounted better. While a “track bar” will help the rear “ wobbles” and the front fork mounting can be upgraded if I was thinking of building a “performance bagger” it would start with the Rushmore platform. The frame mounted RG fairing takes the weight off the forks to give lighter/quicker handling plus less wind induced handling problems.
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#3
10-03-2018, 04:26 PM
Grand HDF Member
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.
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.
#5
10-03-2018, 07:08 PM
Road Warrior
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 $$$.
Other people have mentioned the newer frame. I also have a 2013 Limited. It's slightly stiffer but in my opinion, jumping back and forth between bikes, it's not that big of a difference. I don't have a frame stiffener on my 08 like a True Trak. I haven't felt the need but it's an option for you if the frame doesn't like the HP you add.
Good luck and have fun with it.
The 08 is a bastard year in some respects but I love my 08 Road King Classic. I bought it new and have 132,000 plus miles on it and will keep rebuilding/repairing it until it can't be done any more. If you like the bike, go for your performance build. The basic engine is the same from 08 through 13. There is no reason you can't build your 08 up. At 112,000 I bumped mine up to a 103 and cams. I didn't want a performance build since it's my commuting bike, I wanted a tank that would last another 100,000 plus miles but there was no reason I couldn't have had it stroked out to whatever. My indy would have loved me if I had $$$.
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.
#6
10-03-2018, 08:17 PM
#7
10-03-2018, 08:58 PM
Road Master
Personally I’d build the 08. My biggest reason for always buying older low mileage bikes is one, I like to do what I want to them and not worry about bringing a 23k bike home and pulling it apart wrecking my warranty, but mainly, freakin insurance. I pay 320 a year for full coverage plus accessories with a 500 deductible.
Its 4-5 times as much for a 2018 model. The bike payment isn’t terrible, insurance is just a huge *** kicker to me.
Personally I’d build what you’ve got. As much as I love that new car/bike smell, I’ve not bought a brand new motorcycle since 2003 and haven’t bought a new 4 wheeled vehicle since 2006.
Its 4-5 times as much for a 2018 model. The bike payment isn’t terrible, insurance is just a huge *** kicker to me.
Personally I’d build what you’ve got. As much as I love that new car/bike smell, I’ve not bought a brand new motorcycle since 2003 and haven’t bought a new 4 wheeled vehicle since 2006.
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#8
10-03-2018, 09:17 PM
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 ***. 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?
Last edited by Drunky; 10-03-2018 at 09:24 PM.
#10
10-04-2018, 05:35 AM
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.
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.