A little background before the question. I had a '15 Limited. Liked it but traded it in to get a '16 Tri-Glide so wife would be happy on the back. Wife is happy, but does not ride enough with me, so I want another touring bike for when I ride without her. Don't want to pay for a new bike when there are so many much cheaper used bikes on the market. Looking at another Limited or RGU with less than 10K miles; plenty out there. I've already had the '15 and '16 Rushmores and like them. I know the '18 has a bigger motor, new suspension, etc. I plan on keeping it a long time so I am not worried about resale value. Here's the question: The price difference between a '16 and '18 is roughly $4K if not more. Is the '18 worth $4K more than a '16 of the same model with the same mileage? Why or why not? (Please don't get sidetracked about which model I am looking at or new vs. used. Those are not the issues for me.) Thanks.

 

Man, that's a real good question. I have a 2018 Ultra, and I love it. It's my first touring bike so I really can't compare it..I know it handles better than my '05 fatboy, but isn't faster than my '99 FXR (I don't think anything is). The thing with the new '18 is you get the new M8 motor...some are having issues, some aren't. The 103 TC is a good motor, and they pretty much had it dialed in at that point. You'll probably find a '16 touring bike with more upgrades already added, so you should take that into consideration as well..Try to find one that has already had $1000's dumped into it. Then make your decision from that.

 

Taking a look at your local dealer's website I would be surprised if you can get an '18 just $k4 more than a '16! I suspect your choice is already made.....

 

grbrown, you may be right. The '18 may be more than $4K over a '16. I know the M8 and suspension upgrades would be nice, but I won't know the difference since I won't be comparing them but just riding what I brought. Kind of worried about M8 engine issues, too.

 

Why wouldn't you compare them? Before you buy anyway. Personally I'd be doing test rides on both models before I started to narrow down my search. That alone should give you an idea if the 18 upgrades are worth the difference to you. Once you know what you want then search for the best deal on that model.
As for the M8 issues, it will have a warranty, assuming nothing has been modded to void it, and fairly lengthy extensions can be purchased. At worst a repair would be a slight inconvenience since you'll have another bike to ride.

 

ORradetch, I wasn't clear. I will certainly ride both and compare them. I may decide the difference is worth it. But once I buy the bike, I will keep it and not look back so if I get an '18 I won't care how the '16 rides and visa versa.

 

 

I've seen '16 Limiteds with less than 10K miles going for $16,500 to $17,000, maybe less. '18's are running $21-23K.

 

Had the 103 TC in a dyna (stage 1) and now the M8 in a Touring bike. Stock.

I would not want the TC in the heavier touring sled if I could get the M8. The motor differences are apparent to me, even with the extra weight and I'd never be happy without the grunt of the M8.

If I could swing the extra $$ - no brainer, M8 all the way.

 

The 18 is a better bike by far.