Differences between '07, '08, and '09s?
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From: Virginia
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From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
I also agree on a 2009 and newer. Some of the touring bikes came with cruise.
If you can afford a 2011, some of the touring models came with a 103 motor that Harley called a PowerPak. It had a 103 motor with ABS and security. All 2012 models came with the 103 motor.
You mentioned a fairing, but as a food for thought, I would also consider a RK...again. Some on here may not consider the RK a true touring bike, but I disagree. I have a '13 King and I can add a detachable batwing, lowers, and tourpak and it's very capable. Remove all those and it's a dang great cruiser. But I'm sure you already knew that from your '06.
Good luck in your hunting.
If you can afford a 2011, some of the touring models came with a 103 motor that Harley called a PowerPak. It had a 103 motor with ABS and security. All 2012 models came with the 103 motor.
You mentioned a fairing, but as a food for thought, I would also consider a RK...again. Some on here may not consider the RK a true touring bike, but I disagree. I have a '13 King and I can add a detachable batwing, lowers, and tourpak and it's very capable. Remove all those and it's a dang great cruiser. But I'm sure you already knew that from your '06.
Good luck in your hunting.
Last edited by RKZen; Jan 1, 2023 at 08:13 AM.
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,269
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From: Idaho Panhandle
‘09 to Rushmore ‘16.
In 2009, 6/6/96 on a better frame. 6 gears, 6 gallons, 96/103 engine, plus ABS and cruise that is as good as a modern car. I tour, so these features made our riding a pleasure. ‘09 to Rushmore are the greatest air cooled Harley’s. Was it perfect, No. Close, Yes. (You want to point out oil coolers, go ahead.)
220-240 cruising range. With a stage one, much more responsive. Tracks well, corners well, stops well and with the stage one slip ons, sounded well.
From my ‘47 knuckle in the mid sixties, to now, I believe the ‘09 through Rushmore will stand the test of time as their best overall BT years.
Im not against the Milwaukee 8, just that it is a modern engine with modern design flaws. It was their first tech designed engine. Oh, the 96/103 used computers, but it was designed by men who used a computer as a tool, not a god.
The TwinCam 88 was good, but not good enough until you fixed it.
So, while no poll, my vote goes ‘09 to ‘14-‘16. If you just want a motorcycle that loves the open road as much as you do, then I think these years are your best bet. I’m not old school nor anti tech, rather I appreciate the advantages of this era of form and function. For me, the last years of good corporate leadership. And even the tee shirts were better Quality!
Okay, I’m buried in snow, finally finished my coffee and this is my only social media outlet, so I get long winded. Happy 2023 to you all. See you in the black hills, I’ll be the one on the black Harley!
In 2009, 6/6/96 on a better frame. 6 gears, 6 gallons, 96/103 engine, plus ABS and cruise that is as good as a modern car. I tour, so these features made our riding a pleasure. ‘09 to Rushmore are the greatest air cooled Harley’s. Was it perfect, No. Close, Yes. (You want to point out oil coolers, go ahead.)
220-240 cruising range. With a stage one, much more responsive. Tracks well, corners well, stops well and with the stage one slip ons, sounded well.
From my ‘47 knuckle in the mid sixties, to now, I believe the ‘09 through Rushmore will stand the test of time as their best overall BT years.
Im not against the Milwaukee 8, just that it is a modern engine with modern design flaws. It was their first tech designed engine. Oh, the 96/103 used computers, but it was designed by men who used a computer as a tool, not a god.
The TwinCam 88 was good, but not good enough until you fixed it.
So, while no poll, my vote goes ‘09 to ‘14-‘16. If you just want a motorcycle that loves the open road as much as you do, then I think these years are your best bet. I’m not old school nor anti tech, rather I appreciate the advantages of this era of form and function. For me, the last years of good corporate leadership. And even the tee shirts were better Quality!
Okay, I’m buried in snow, finally finished my coffee and this is my only social media outlet, so I get long winded. Happy 2023 to you all. See you in the black hills, I’ll be the one on the black Harley!
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,723
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From: Bates County MO
If you prefer the skinny tires & old frame, look @ 07-08. 2007 Cop bikes got the 103, ABS, & cable drive TB. 2008 police was 103 w/ETC, ACRs, upgraded ABS, 6 gallon fuel tank. Both had 18MM narrow band O2 sensors.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 2,419
Likes: 2,858
From: Southeast
A LOT of great info!
I was uncertain about the 96/103 switchover, so thanks for that. Truth be told, my TC88 does okay by me but I wouldn't toss out a 96 or 103 for eatin' crackers in bed (if ya know what I mean).
One of the bikes I've been looking at is an '09 Road King that already has a fairing. It's a little bit more than the '07 RK with a similar fairing, but it has lower miles and personally, I like the color of it better than the black '07 RK.
The style of the frame isn't really a deal breaker either way, save for the benefits/improvements in ride and handling. I also noted the exhaust changed in '09 I believe. Didn't the cats go into the head pipes in '09 where the two cylinders come together?
Y'all are making a great case for the '09 and up bikes! Exactly what I was looking for!
Thank you!
I was uncertain about the 96/103 switchover, so thanks for that. Truth be told, my TC88 does okay by me but I wouldn't toss out a 96 or 103 for eatin' crackers in bed (if ya know what I mean).
One of the bikes I've been looking at is an '09 Road King that already has a fairing. It's a little bit more than the '07 RK with a similar fairing, but it has lower miles and personally, I like the color of it better than the black '07 RK.
The style of the frame isn't really a deal breaker either way, save for the benefits/improvements in ride and handling. I also noted the exhaust changed in '09 I believe. Didn't the cats go into the head pipes in '09 where the two cylinders come together?
Y'all are making a great case for the '09 and up bikes! Exactly what I was looking for!
Thank you!
Last edited by Tcrafty; Jan 1, 2023 at 12:53 PM.
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