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Bagger dilemma

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Old Oct 27, 2018 | 08:15 AM
  #1  
Camwerkz's Avatar
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Default Bagger dilemma

Hi guys ...
could I get some input here?

The background of my intent to get a bagger is to ride 2 up touring. I have a Heritage softail in the garage, but that is purely for meet ups and not-so-long distant rides.
I'm saving some money for a 2011 103ci street glide.
However, there came a 2004 88ci Ultra classic which is within my budget.
Both are completely stock condition, except that the 103ci is about 12000 bucks more.

I will be going to view the 2004 ultra classic this coming week. I'm not sure about the mileage but the engine is verified to be in "great" shape.
Cosmetics and performance is of course, no where near the 103ci street glide I guess.
Considering the 6-speed in the 103ci and its displacement, I believe the glide will beat it hands down.
However if the 88ci is within budget except for performance some cosmetic, would it be "wiser" to pull the trigger to get this ultra classic? or save and get the 103ci ?

I believe some guys will tell me that $12k can bore the 88ci to a bike faster than the 103ci and things like that, however I'm not really looking into performance at the moment. Just some nice riding.
Some thoughts and personal experience would be nice.
Thanks guys
 

Last edited by Camwerkz; Oct 27, 2018 at 08:18 AM.
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Old Oct 27, 2018 | 08:24 AM
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I have a 2000 ElectraGlide with the TC88, and always thought the performance was just fine. Not a hot rod by any stretch, but good enough. Then I picked up an '09 Heritage with a 103 conversion. Now I'm not as happy with the 88 as I thought I was. I'm told that cams will wake up the 88, so that may happen this winter.
 
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Old Oct 27, 2018 | 08:28 AM
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I notice you are in Singapore so your selection might not be as plentiful as other places. That price difference seems really high.

You really need to find out the miles, condition and history as much as possible on both bikes. A 2011 that has been trashed might not be as good as a 2004 with low mileage and well cared for.

That being said... there were a few changes made in the 2009 model year that you will get with the 2011 bike.
 
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Old Oct 27, 2018 | 08:39 AM
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Guessing most will push you towards the 'new frame' of the 09+ models.

To answer this question really depends upon how many miles are on that 2004. Why go look at a bike w/out knowing that up front? and if its not 'in the ad' you read, its prob high mileage. Not that its a deal breaker, but....if you're going to spend the time and $$....
2004 also has the cam tensioner issue, again the mileage dictates your direction but at some point (assuming you keep the bike awhile) you'd need to open up the cam chest to inspect and eventually replace parts.

You're in Singagpore? May want to put that into your location above. I mention that as the "6th gear" on a newer bike isn't that great if you're in a hilly or mountain area. It can be useful on the Interstate, but....
Have done tours in the mountains where 6th was worthless, and around where I am Interstate is the only place I use it, if that.
 
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Old Oct 27, 2018 | 08:49 AM
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Originally Posted by houstonhdguy
That being said... there were a few changes made in the 2009 model year that you will get with the 2011 bike.
Hey
thanks for getting back.
the reason for that price difference was, the owner for the 2004 UC couldn’t pay up the bike and defaulted.
So the bike was hulled back to the shop and whatever payment difference left is being consigned out to the public.

that kind of price will never happen in the history of Harley 2nd hand sales here, hence I am wondering will I be disappointed with the UC or better off with the 103ci street glide.
well, still doing some research first.

Btw,
The 103ci street glide has a mileage of about 15000mi.
 

Last edited by Camwerkz; Oct 27, 2018 at 09:18 AM.
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Old Oct 27, 2018 | 09:10 AM
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Originally Posted by F150HD
Guessing most will push you towards the 'new frame' of the 09+ models.

To answer this question really depends upon how many miles are on that 2004. Why go look at a bike w/out knowing that up front? and if its not 'in the ad' you read, its prob high mileage. Not that its a deal breaker, but....if you're going to spend the time and $$.....

Have done tours in the mountains where 6th was worthless, and around where I am Interstate is the only place I use it, if that.
what you said here really make sense.
im actually gonna View it this week to check out mileage and servicing records, etc
no commitment made so far.

as for the touring wise, no hills or those sorts as of now. Basically interstate traveling.
sounds like saving up for the 103ci would be a better choice. Will still check out the 88ci first.

thanks for the replies
 
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Old Oct 27, 2018 | 09:13 AM
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I'd be leary of the 04 just because it got repo'd. If someone isn't making payments the chances of them doing routine maintenance and taking good care of the bike are pretty slim. Just look them both over very carefully...prior care is huge.
 
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Old Oct 27, 2018 | 09:32 AM
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You say the 04 is less expensive because it has been repossessed? Is it undervalued at its asking price? If so you might consider getting it and continue to save money towards a newer bike. Then, when you've saved enough extra, sell the 04 (hopefully for a bit of profit) and get a newer bike.
That way you can ride until you can afford a newer model.

Just a thought...
 
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Old Oct 27, 2018 | 10:57 AM
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Originally Posted by ORradtech
You say the 04 is less expensive because it has been repossessed? Is it undervalued at its asking price? If so you might consider getting it and continue to save money towards a newer bike. Then, when you've saved enough extra, sell the 04 (hopefully for a bit of profit) and get a newer bike.
That way you can ride until you can afford a newer model.

Just a thought...
That would be a good idea for the OP.
 
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Old Oct 27, 2018 | 11:39 AM
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For 2 up, I can about bet your partner will much more appreciate the tour-pack. I know mine does. Additionally, the rider will appreciate the hard lowers, especially when the weather turns south (gets wet).
 
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