2008 or 2009?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,456
Likes: 3,723
From: backwoods
As for resale by the time you sell it, it will be around 20 years old either way.
Plus neither bike is all that expensive. I never got confirmation with my rushmore but liked the stereo. Bastard to pick up
Plus neither bike is all that expensive. I never got confirmation with my rushmore but liked the stereo. Bastard to pick up
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 2,895
From: Oklahoma
I believe 2011 was the first year the redesigned compensator (referred to as the SE compensator, or SE style) was installed across the full line by the factory. While the first 2 or three designs had problems, they were all better than the old style comps. Any pre-'11 96 or 103 that has not h d the compensator update, will also require a new rotor to go along with the new comp making the job a bit more expensive.
IN '07, cush drive was optional, in 08 it became standard. The design of the 07 and 08 cush drive is unique, along with the rear pulley being 66 teeth, In 09, a redesigned cush drive and a 68 tooth rear pulley became standard. I believe that design is still in use. In my experience, the 68 tooth rear pulley improved both drivability and fuel economy.
I believe the smaller rear tires on the 08 and previous are less expensive than the tires for the 09 and newer machines. Today's tire prices are eye watering.
IN '07, cush drive was optional, in 08 it became standard. The design of the 07 and 08 cush drive is unique, along with the rear pulley being 66 teeth, In 09, a redesigned cush drive and a 68 tooth rear pulley became standard. I believe that design is still in use. In my experience, the 68 tooth rear pulley improved both drivability and fuel economy.
I believe the smaller rear tires on the 08 and previous are less expensive than the tires for the 09 and newer machines. Today's tire prices are eye watering.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,202
Likes: 792
From: Kansas City, Missouri
"I believe the smaller rear tires on the 08 and previous are less expensive than the tires for the 09 and newer machines. Today's tire prices are eye watering."
Didn't the rear tires last longer on the 2009 and up touring bikes? I had a 2008 ultra and it's a one year model. The 2008 has a cushier ride but the new frame on the 2009 handles much better.
Didn't the rear tires last longer on the 2009 and up touring bikes? I had a 2008 ultra and it's a one year model. The 2008 has a cushier ride but the new frame on the 2009 handles much better.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 3,847
Likes: 999
From: Southern Virginia
I would definitely advise to get the 09, that new frame is more stable, especially as it ages. I had a 2010 and yes I did have to replace the compensator sprocket. Didn't catch it in time and it trashed the starter drive. If you ever hear a clunk when you shut the motor off and it gets hard to start when hot it is failing. Not a tremendous expense, just something to be aware of.
I really liked my 2010 especially in the looks department.
I really liked my 2010 especially in the looks department.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 122
Likes: 35
From: Munich, Germany
I had a 07 Ultra, which had the same frame as the 08 MY. And I`m still riding my 09 Ultra, so I`m able to compare bikes and frames.
First, the wider rear tire simply looks much, much better (is more expensive, though).
Removing the rear wheel to change tires was pretty much the same (pita).
The new frame (09 and up) is stiffer and more stable at higher speeds. I did not notice, that the low speed handling has become worse with the 09-frame.
Some parts on the older frame scraped way to early, which was really very annoying.
I think a bike with the ugraded frame will be easier to sell.
If the bikes you are considering have ABS, it would be wise to check, if the owner has changed brake fluid periodically every two years. Here in EU, there was an recall, where Harley checked the ABS and replaced the fluid with the "Platinum"-version for free.
First, the wider rear tire simply looks much, much better (is more expensive, though).
Removing the rear wheel to change tires was pretty much the same (pita).
The new frame (09 and up) is stiffer and more stable at higher speeds. I did not notice, that the low speed handling has become worse with the 09-frame.
Some parts on the older frame scraped way to early, which was really very annoying.
I think a bike with the ugraded frame will be easier to sell.
If the bikes you are considering have ABS, it would be wise to check, if the owner has changed brake fluid periodically every two years. Here in EU, there was an recall, where Harley checked the ABS and replaced the fluid with the "Platinum"-version for free.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,033
Likes: 991
From: Ohio
I own a 2008 SG and a 2009 Ultra. Buy the 2009 bike. The 2008 has some one year parts that will no doubt become obsolete soon. The 2009 rides better with the upsized rear wheel and tire, last longer, etc. The 2009 also gets off the side stand easier, I assume due to the wider rounded rear tire.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,476
Likes: 3,003
From: Charleston, SC
I'd go with at least a 2010. That's the year they changed out 5th gear from straight cut to helical to remove the high pitched supercharger like whine which was annoying to some...
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,456
Likes: 3,723
From: backwoods
My 2007 has straight cut 5th. It's not a big deal. Harley riders complaining a noise??
6th gear is over rated, especially in early 6 speeds. I have both.
My 2015 with a 103 I use 6th more.
A lot of this is ticky tack Mickey mouse BS which bike do you like color and set u.p? Price? Which is closer? Lower mileage? Either way bunch of middle aged bikes
Again I do not like new frame it is cramped and heavy not that I didn't ride it
6th gear is over rated, especially in early 6 speeds. I have both.
My 2015 with a 103 I use 6th more.
A lot of this is ticky tack Mickey mouse BS which bike do you like color and set u.p? Price? Which is closer? Lower mileage? Either way bunch of middle aged bikes
Again I do not like new frame it is cramped and heavy not that I didn't ride it
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,310
Likes: 2,446
From: Eastern NE
Another vote for newer (2009+)...good upgrades, but resale on 08 vs. 09 is coin-toss so...invest in the newest you can find. Don't limit search to dealerships. There are many sweet "garage queens" out to be found (Craigslist, FB Marketplace, etc.)...you may be surprised on the deals you can score from private parties. Good luck w/ the hunt.