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-   -   '16 or '18? (https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touring-models/1269227-16-or-18-a.html)

UltraV 01-29-2019 11:33 AM

'16 or '18?
 
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.

Stingray702 01-29-2019 11:37 AM

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.

grbrown 01-29-2019 11:47 AM

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.....

UltraV 01-29-2019 12:12 PM

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.

ORradtech 01-29-2019 01:10 PM

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.

UltraV 01-29-2019 01:37 PM

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.

Sixgunjr 01-29-2019 01:44 PM

My.2cents.
I just sold my 2016 ultra for a 19 road glide special. My 16 was a very reliable, strong running machine. I had upgraded Progressive 944 shocks. My 19 shocks, I turned it out 2 turns.( My weight 185)So far with the 114 and the suspension this bike rides much smoother and better than my 16 with the upgraded shocks. The motor is so much smoother and much more torque than my 16. One more thing the transmission on a 19 shifts like butter. The 16 was not bad but it is so much smoother on this new 19. Seems like the gears just fall into place. I’m not sure how much difference the 18 to 19 is but for the 16 to the 19 it’s huge for me.
How much are you seeing 18s go for?

Btw- I know you can easily get 2 grand knocked off the price of a new one. I just did it.
I bought a Scorched Orange RGS 2500 off MSRP,free first service, dealers cost for all parts wanted, stage one, tour pack. Full 5 year warranty1500 bucks.



UltraV 01-29-2019 02:19 PM

'16s or '18's
 
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.

teal379 01-29-2019 02:19 PM

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.

kojak 01-29-2019 04:05 PM

The 18 is a better bike by far.


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