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Iagree with gunrunner. I love my 05 Custom. I have thought about maybe getting an 08, Anniversary Ultra but I would never part with my 05. The 88 is a sound motor, plenty of get up and go and 5 speed is fine for how and where I ride. Whatever the value is, it is my scoot and as long as it is not for sale value is subjective. Happiness is only found through God, everything on earth will rust away, BUT a nice Harley will keep you grinning pretty good.
Having an '05 Ultra and doing both 'around town' and 'highway' traveling, I'd say that the only thing I would want on it that is not on the newer bikes is that 6th gear. Having the bike paid for makes me forget about any further NADA price adjustments, and the 88 is virtually bullet-proof. Yeah, some others outrun me from the light, but with the full Stage 1, I'm doing okay. Just returned from a 9 day vacation on the bike in the Rockies and averaged 42 mpg fully loaded, with passenger, and additional bag on the tour pack. (That was at elevation... amazing how the mileage drops when you get back to sea-level!) And like I said, the only thing that would have been nicer was that drop of about 600-800 rpm with a 6th gear.
I bought mine back in may of 2004 with the intent of keeping it for a long,long time. Now about 3 1/2 years later I plan one keeping it for as long as I can ride it. I like some of the new things that HD has done sence 04 but I can tell you this, I wouldn't trade my 04 RK for a new 08 strait across. My 04 has alot more value to me then what NADA say's it's worth.
Id stick with an 88. Besides, the hd 6 speed is just that, a plain old 6 speed. Save the cash and get a real 6 speed, one that incorporates overdrive. thats my plan with my 06 SG.
I have an 03 FLHRCI (Road King Classic) 100 year model and just love it.
In my not so humble opinion, the only thing the 08 offers, that I can't do on my 03 (or at least not simply) is the anti-lock brake. Everything else, and probbly that too I can get my 03 setup for and pay less money.
go the the used ones, look long and hard - bite when you feel it.
...gene
Thats what us harley guys do. We add mods and performance products to get the bike just the way we want it and then trade it. I know I do, lots of good used bikes out there.
I just picked up a 2005 FLHPI with 3200 miles, ABS, a fresh paint job, and a badlander seat to replace the cop seat. All for $12,900.
All the police departments are turning in the lease bikes now and there are some real good deals to be had out there. I looked all over Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina for a couple of months and found several deals.
I would go used. After a year of watching classifieds, ebay, and cycletrader, I just caught an 06 EG Classic at a nearby independent dealer. Pristine condition, black,6k miles, with 8 months left on factory warranty for $16,000.He gave me a good trade-in on my 02 SuperGlide that was getting to be a high miler. I knew I couldn't swing a new 08, and after reading here about the first year problems with the 07s, this seemed like the way to go.
I just picked up my 06 street glide with 5,000 miles. the bike already had some things done to it like highway pegs, exhaust, intake, passenger back rest. I bought this bike on ebay for $2,500 dollars less of what an 06 is actually going for.This motorcycle is flawless not a dent or scratch on it 100% perfect.The 88 inch motor is already proven to be reliable and consistent. With the money I have already saved I could ride this bike and sell it in a year or two and at worst case scenario break even. My brother in law has an 07 street glide with the 96 inch motor and six speed and it is a bit faster than mine but I dont want speed on my hog I want it to bereliable. When I want really "fast" I ride my hayabusa.... hehehehe
Hey Bro don't wait any longer. After looking all over I bought my 06 Ultra for $17 G. Like some people are saying used bikes come with extras most of the time. Mine came with helmets, HD cover, flags, new antennas, "live to ride" accessories and extra, extra chrome, over $2,500. The guy also gave me all the original parts he had changed. I'm very pleased. Keep on riding
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