When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I agree the 14+ bikes would be the better choice if you can swing it. However, if you have to have one now, the FLHTK had the 103 motor, ABS, and security. The FLHTCU came with the 96 motor, and both have cruise control.
In 2012 all the touring bikes came with the 103 motor if that means anything to you.
If you poke around on cycletrader, you'll find 2014+ Ultra Limiteds with less than 30k miles for just around 10k. The Rushmore platform (2014+) is a huge improvement. You may have to travel to get it though.
There are none around here at that price (northern Va) unfortunately
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.