Electra Glides to avoid?
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Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 50
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From: Cedar Rapids, IA
Electra Glides to avoid?
Hi! I'm looking at getting an Electra Glide for some long distance touring that my Dyna Street Bob just isn't built for. I'm looking at, so far, years from 2003 to 2017. That's because that's what I've found close to me . Are there any models or years that are best avoided? Thanks!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,711
Likes: 3,437
From: SW WA.
I'd avoid the 2003 if it hasn't been gone through.
My good buddy bought one new and the engine grenaded at 21K miles because of the cam chain tensioners falling apart.
The early TC motors were all subject to that possibility but 2003 they made a lot of bikes because everyone wanted a 100th anniversary bike.
It was also the first years for the cast crank vs the '99-'02 with the forged lower end and Timken tapered main bearing.
I had a 2000 for 20 years/200,000 miles,did new tensioners and cam bearings at 40K then at 100K swapped to gear drive cams.
The lower end on those early TC bikes are good candidates for the GD swap because of the better lower end.
I'd also shy away from a 2017 first year M8 if the oil pump and fluid transfer issue hasn't been addressed,I have a 2019 and it had the transfer issue but was solved with the vent fix.
The late TC bikes with the 103 and a good choice and coming down in price with the M8 being out 8 years now.
My good buddy bought one new and the engine grenaded at 21K miles because of the cam chain tensioners falling apart.
The early TC motors were all subject to that possibility but 2003 they made a lot of bikes because everyone wanted a 100th anniversary bike.
It was also the first years for the cast crank vs the '99-'02 with the forged lower end and Timken tapered main bearing.
I had a 2000 for 20 years/200,000 miles,did new tensioners and cam bearings at 40K then at 100K swapped to gear drive cams.
The lower end on those early TC bikes are good candidates for the GD swap because of the better lower end.
I'd also shy away from a 2017 first year M8 if the oil pump and fluid transfer issue hasn't been addressed,I have a 2019 and it had the transfer issue but was solved with the vent fix.
The late TC bikes with the 103 and a good choice and coming down in price with the M8 being out 8 years now.
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Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 4,027
Likes: 6,286
From: SoCal
Ive had an 06 Ultra & now an 07 Ultra.
If I were looking to buy today, these are the things that would direct my choice.
08+ has a 6 gallon tank. This doesnt seem like a big deal, until everyone else youre riding with also has a 6 gallon tank.
08+ has larger/better Brembo brakes. Better stopping is always better.
14+ has the larger/better stereo w/ a screen for your maps right where it should be without adding a phone mount to the handlebar.
They also have better aftermarket radio options w/ touchscreen, BT, CarPlay, Android Auto, etc.
08+ all use the same seat fitment/attaching methods so there are more options out there for alternate seats.
08+ has Throttle By Wire which may or may not matter to you.
09+ has a wider swingarm to accommodate a bigger rear tire.
14+ has larger diameter front forks, making for a smoother ride.
08+ most likely has ABS which was a very rare option before 08 and not available prior to maybe 05/06.
08+ has a larger frame than prior years.
09+ has a larger frame than the 08.
07+ has a 6 speed gearbox
There are a few other improvements/changes across your model range too, like pulley sizes and gear ratios.
There are also some parts that are becoming either difficult to find and/or very expensive on the older models, such as the cruise control module.
Theres still a large aftermarket industry making pretty much whatever else you might end up needing, but finding a shop that can/will still work on the older bikes is also getting more difficult.
Oh yeah, I would avoid the 2008 model if at all possible, as it is a one-year only for many items to accommodate the transition to the 09+ frames.
Id be looking for a 2013 or a 2014 if I were buying today. The biggest noticeable difference between these is the single-hand bag latches on the 14 (which you can certainly put on the older models), and the fairing shape and radio.
If I were looking to buy today, these are the things that would direct my choice.
08+ has a 6 gallon tank. This doesnt seem like a big deal, until everyone else youre riding with also has a 6 gallon tank.
08+ has larger/better Brembo brakes. Better stopping is always better.
14+ has the larger/better stereo w/ a screen for your maps right where it should be without adding a phone mount to the handlebar.
They also have better aftermarket radio options w/ touchscreen, BT, CarPlay, Android Auto, etc.
08+ all use the same seat fitment/attaching methods so there are more options out there for alternate seats.
08+ has Throttle By Wire which may or may not matter to you.
09+ has a wider swingarm to accommodate a bigger rear tire.
14+ has larger diameter front forks, making for a smoother ride.
08+ most likely has ABS which was a very rare option before 08 and not available prior to maybe 05/06.
08+ has a larger frame than prior years.
09+ has a larger frame than the 08.
07+ has a 6 speed gearbox
There are a few other improvements/changes across your model range too, like pulley sizes and gear ratios.
There are also some parts that are becoming either difficult to find and/or very expensive on the older models, such as the cruise control module.
Theres still a large aftermarket industry making pretty much whatever else you might end up needing, but finding a shop that can/will still work on the older bikes is also getting more difficult.
Oh yeah, I would avoid the 2008 model if at all possible, as it is a one-year only for many items to accommodate the transition to the 09+ frames.
Id be looking for a 2013 or a 2014 if I were buying today. The biggest noticeable difference between these is the single-hand bag latches on the 14 (which you can certainly put on the older models), and the fairing shape and radio.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,328
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Not just latches, the bags are totally different. I converted my 2012 to the Rushmore bags and it involves some minor modification to the front mount with a drill and grinder, and it was somewhat difficult to get the bags rekeyed to match the bike but they do now.
I don't think there is any year Electra Glide to avoid, but if you have budget, the 2014 and up would be my choice if I were out there looking. It really depends on what you have to spend and what is important to you.
For me, those features were ABS and cruise control. Were I shopping now, I might add to that list. If I was just riding to work, even fuel injection would be optional.
Last edited by downzero; Apr 24, 2024 at 08:58 PM.
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Cruiser
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From: Florida & Michigan
This! Get a RoadKing Standard/Classic . If you want to tour throw a quick removable rack for t-bags or a tour pak on it. This way you get the best modern FLH harley ever made. Not to mention the best looking too
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Fixed it for ya
