Upgrade or update?
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 55
Likes: 21
From: Aurora, il
Upgrade or update?
In 2019, I bought a 2014 Ultra Limited. It had V&H pipes some extra lighting, and a new seat put on when I bought it. Had 40k miles on it. I believe everything else was stock. I have since put on about 10k miles, stage 1 with a Fuel Moto air cleaner and tune.
I am now trying to decide what to do next. It will need tires next year, the suspension doesnt make me all that confident in the fast corners, and the stereo could be louder. The neck bearing needs to be replaced also.
So, some ball park figures (some are pulled out of my rear) I dont have the space to work on the bike, so it would be the dealer or an independent mechanic doing the work. And I have bad luck working on things, I seem to break more things that I fix, so I am ok with paying someone.
tires- $400-500
Rear suspension- $1200
Front suspension and repair- $2000?
New speakers and amp- $1500.
This gives me a bike that I am comfortable on, I am familiar with, and I like the 2 tone paint. Done over the winter, $5000-ish and free storage, gives me a refreshed bike for the spring. But I have no idea on how the bike was used before me, and what repairs are looming.
Or I can trade it in on a low mileage (or new) 114 cu Limited. I would have to probably do pipes and stage 1 on the new bike, but I would know how the bike was treated at low miles. The suspension would be newer, the stereo would have XM, and the power would be way more than now.
Am I dumb for taking a sizeable chunk of money and throwing it at a 8 model year old, 50k mile bike? Or take that money and use it towards something newer?
I am now trying to decide what to do next. It will need tires next year, the suspension doesnt make me all that confident in the fast corners, and the stereo could be louder. The neck bearing needs to be replaced also.
So, some ball park figures (some are pulled out of my rear) I dont have the space to work on the bike, so it would be the dealer or an independent mechanic doing the work. And I have bad luck working on things, I seem to break more things that I fix, so I am ok with paying someone.
tires- $400-500
Rear suspension- $1200
Front suspension and repair- $2000?
New speakers and amp- $1500.
This gives me a bike that I am comfortable on, I am familiar with, and I like the 2 tone paint. Done over the winter, $5000-ish and free storage, gives me a refreshed bike for the spring. But I have no idea on how the bike was used before me, and what repairs are looming.
Or I can trade it in on a low mileage (or new) 114 cu Limited. I would have to probably do pipes and stage 1 on the new bike, but I would know how the bike was treated at low miles. The suspension would be newer, the stereo would have XM, and the power would be way more than now.
Am I dumb for taking a sizeable chunk of money and throwing it at a 8 model year old, 50k mile bike? Or take that money and use it towards something newer?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,530
Likes: 546
From: Wayne County, PA
How old are you? Is the 14 a bike you want to keep a long time, maybe as a bike you can use until you don't/can't ride anymore? 50k miles isn't that much and every bike new or old needs maitenance. Maybe you have the new bike itch, that's fine too. But my guess is you would probably spend money on a better suspension on either bike, new or current one. Harley baggers age well and let's be honest, they don't look drastically different year to year. One question is get a new one or do engine work on the 14 if power is really an important factor as well.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 361
Likes: 386
From: CO
Honestly, you could go either way, but if you like the bike you have then why ditch it? You'd be throwing a chunk of money at it, but when it's done you'll have the bike you want and that suspension and stereo will be better than what the new one would come with. Crack open a few beers and think it over. Do you want a new bike or do you want to make this one the best that it can be? Anything can break. New bikes included. Maybe add a little to your bill and have them go through the current bike checking for wear and reassure yourself that you're good to go. The cost of a new bike + a stage one is NOT cheap.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,442
Likes: 1,429
From: pensacola fl
I was in a situation like yours back in May, but I was out of town 500 miles away from home. Had a mechanical issue and a couple other things that needed to be fixed and the dealer didn't know if they had the parts, They would have to open the primary up and verify. Bike was a 2009 Rg
I had a ton of money in the bike and everything was done to it that I wanted done. Had a check at home to pay it off when we got back. Wife and I decided that it was best to trade it in on a new one. Love the new bike but I still don't know if it was the right decision. Every time I ride the new one I think of the old one.
As a pure money decision, it was probably wrong to get rid of the old bike. If the mechanical issues would have happened at home I would have not got rid of it. It is what it is though
I had a ton of money in the bike and everything was done to it that I wanted done. Had a check at home to pay it off when we got back. Wife and I decided that it was best to trade it in on a new one. Love the new bike but I still don't know if it was the right decision. Every time I ride the new one I think of the old one.
As a pure money decision, it was probably wrong to get rid of the old bike. If the mechanical issues would have happened at home I would have not got rid of it. It is what it is though
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 9,833
Likes: 8,739
From: Edmonton, Alberta
Couple of things to consider - if you get the new (or nearly new) bike you'll still have to upgrade the suspension (especially the rear, as it's not much better than your current bike) and the sound system (same story there).
As for power, yes the M8 has more, but it's not "way more". You could easily exceed the power and torque of a stage 1 M8 by doing a stage 2 upgrade on your current bike.
As for power, yes the M8 has more, but it's not "way more". You could easily exceed the power and torque of a stage 1 M8 by doing a stage 2 upgrade on your current bike.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 10,807
Likes: 7,446
From: OH
[QUOTE=charheep;20289106]In 2019, I bought a 2014 Ultra Limited.
. But I have no idea on how the bike was used before me,
Or I can trade it in on a low mileage 114 cu Limited. but I would know how the bike was treated at low miles./QUOTE]
Not sure line 2 is exactly accurate
. But I have no idea on how the bike was used before me,
Or I can trade it in on a low mileage 114 cu Limited. but I would know how the bike was treated at low miles./QUOTE]
Not sure line 2 is exactly accurate
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,703
Likes: 909
From: SE Michigan
Once the new factor wears off crappy rear suspension will still be there.
I went from an anemic Stage 1 05 88CI Ultra to my current 19 limited. Not even playing the same sport..lol.
Your choice is MUCH more difficult than mine. Really depends on how much you like your current ride, that is what should guide you.
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Based on the timeline you provided, you're getting in about 5000 miles a year. At that rate of adding milage, the bike you're on should go the next decade without needing something serious, and you're already comfortable on it. I'd throw the money into what you have and know.
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Club Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 4,549
Likes: 5,887
From: Syracuse NY
FWIW- I have a '16 FLHTK and am still tweaking it. (I have the upgrade disease)
But it's close to the way I like it. I did an engine upgrade to a 110 c.i. for $6k. Suspension upgraded and lowered for $1200. Front & rear.
Ect., ect., ad nauseam. I think this bike will last me till the end........
Unless I win the lottery.
Your decision is a coin toss.
But it's close to the way I like it. I did an engine upgrade to a 110 c.i. for $6k. Suspension upgraded and lowered for $1200. Front & rear.
Ect., ect., ad nauseam. I think this bike will last me till the end........
Unless I win the lottery.
Your decision is a coin toss.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 577
From: memphis
Really depends on how much you like your current ride vs a new one. those two things and the pocketbook. that is what should guide you.
good luck with the decision..should be pretty easy if you just want a new bike. your estimated costs for keeping the bike seems to be inline.