Contemplating future upgrade
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2018
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From: Kalifornia
Contemplating future upgrade
So looking well ahead but trying to gain knowledge. I am pretty much clueless as to the letter/model designation. If and when I do, I will be considering and Ultra or similar. I will want one for 2 up riding, with the trunk and comfy queen seat for momma.
So, are there bad years? Will most likely be looking at 2007 and later. Newer is better but money will be the main factor. Would love to keep the sporty but having both probably won't be an option.
When did the big twins get fuel injection? Any major upgrades over the years to consider? I know about the M8 engines, but most likely those will be out oy price range anyway.
Thanks and happy riding.
So, are there bad years? Will most likely be looking at 2007 and later. Newer is better but money will be the main factor. Would love to keep the sporty but having both probably won't be an option.
When did the big twins get fuel injection? Any major upgrades over the years to consider? I know about the M8 engines, but most likely those will be out oy price range anyway.
Thanks and happy riding.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Kansas
2008 and newer for frame improvements. 2014 and newer for Rushmore improvements. Plenty of reasonably priced 2014 ultra limited bikes with low miles out there. Amazing to me how many bikes don't get ridden.
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Joined: May 2012
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From: Brentwood
2009 and up have the new frame. You get a 180 rear over the 130. 08 and earlier are subject to getting wobbles at high speed and on fast sweepers. There are upgrades that eliminate the problem but 09 was a great upgrade.
Love my 09 it was a step up from an 01 Fatboy.
Love my 09 it was a step up from an 01 Fatboy.
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Joined: May 2018
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From: Viet Vet, crossroads
For me, I would choose according to my engine choice.
The wobble is usually lose swing arm bushings and an EZ fix.
You can even put latter swing arm on an older frame .....
A 3rd link is probably mandatory for the perfectionist on all of them.
The engine is what you have to deal with.
Simple--EVO, esp with a carb.
Not so simple- TC
M8?
choices.
The wobble is usually lose swing arm bushings and an EZ fix.
You can even put latter swing arm on an older frame .....
A 3rd link is probably mandatory for the perfectionist on all of them.
The engine is what you have to deal with.
Simple--EVO, esp with a carb.
Not so simple- TC
M8?
choices.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2018
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From: Kalifornia
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From: Granville New York
When the time comes , buy the bike you like the most and dont worry about the "buy this year or don't buy That year because of some b.s." .If you let that determine your choice you might as well by a brand new bike then immediately have everything stock taken off it and replaced with stuff from the aftermarket. Determine a budget then shop in that price range...lots of untouched, low mileage garage queens out there.
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Joined: May 2012
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From: Carlsbad, CA
2014 was the Rushmore upgrade to touring models. The big changes were:
- models with lower fairings got “wet heads”. These are water cooled heads in the exhaust valve area. Mostly for rider comfort, very little actual motor cooling
- changed to the upgraded audio with built in navigation..
- models with lower fairings got “wet heads”. These are water cooled heads in the exhaust valve area. Mostly for rider comfort, very little actual motor cooling
- changed to the upgraded audio with built in navigation..
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From: Kalifornia
Yea just was wondering if there were "lemon" years or models.
One other thing, looking at some of the threads on power, I see some of the numbers reported are not much different than my sporty. I have heard that before, and am sure the newermodels have lots more. I see advertised torque numbers of those well over 100lbs. The older bikes seem in the 80's range.
How well do these perform with those numbers? Is it more about ride comfort on those? I know it HAS to be better than the sporty. The guy I bought my '07 1200L from got a Fat Boy and says power seems the same or less. He was surprised. Not sure what year.
I am not a guy that needs 100hp just want to know if me and momma decide to ride in mountains the bike will be up to it, in something other than first or second
. I know torque is what pulls you up hills. I fully understand engines and power levels and their functions, but not sure what the "big boys" run like.
I love the sporty and might end up staying with it, but want momma to have a good experience on the back.
One other thing, looking at some of the threads on power, I see some of the numbers reported are not much different than my sporty. I have heard that before, and am sure the newermodels have lots more. I see advertised torque numbers of those well over 100lbs. The older bikes seem in the 80's range.
How well do these perform with those numbers? Is it more about ride comfort on those? I know it HAS to be better than the sporty. The guy I bought my '07 1200L from got a Fat Boy and says power seems the same or less. He was surprised. Not sure what year.
I am not a guy that needs 100hp just want to know if me and momma decide to ride in mountains the bike will be up to it, in something other than first or second
. I know torque is what pulls you up hills. I fully understand engines and power levels and their functions, but not sure what the "big boys" run like.I love the sporty and might end up staying with it, but want momma to have a good experience on the back.