Decisions, Decisions 09's
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Pastor John writes a really good post. If my dealer would offer something close to what I paid for my 02 RKC, I would probably have an 09 right now.
Personally I'm looking for the bike I want to keep for the next 10 years. My 02 RKC is a great bike with no problems, but I spend a lot of time in heavy traffic every day and find myself wanting ABS and a fairing. While there may be some bugs to work out of an 09, I think it has all the improvements I'm wanting for a bike that I will keep for 10 years.
I would enjoy reading a new subject of Pastor John evaluating his Road Glide after owning a RKC since that is where I am at right now.
Beary
Personally I'm looking for the bike I want to keep for the next 10 years. My 02 RKC is a great bike with no problems, but I spend a lot of time in heavy traffic every day and find myself wanting ABS and a fairing. While there may be some bugs to work out of an 09, I think it has all the improvements I'm wanting for a bike that I will keep for 10 years.
I would enjoy reading a new subject of Pastor John evaluating his Road Glide after owning a RKC since that is where I am at right now.
Beary
Supporter
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,724
Likes: 234
From: Altoona, Pa.
Just got a 09 Ultra a week ago and love it. As to the heigth, you might consider the seat work by Mean City Cycle. They can remove the crap padding and replace it with memory foam and drop you an inch or so. Just a thought. Although I must add, the stock seat doesn't feel to bad. Doing a long trip tom and wednesday, so that will tell the real story. BTW, the seat work is only around $140 plus shipping.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: Kansas
I was in the same boat, keep or buy new. My was not paid for, but was low enough that by selling it out right to a buddy, I had enough money to do some new stuff, 103", blacked out front end, powder coat a few things and new color. I did not want to get ride of my 03 Road Glide, but saw a better vision with what I could do with the 09 road glide. Also, after spending some time in Iraq and really seeing your life flash before your eyes you learn real quick life is short and enjoy what you can. So I say go new, and remember you had to dial in your current bike to get it to "fit" why not doing it again, this time you might go in a different dynamic direction.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,202
Likes: 792
From: Kansas City, Missouri
gotta ask yourself- Do you want a 09 ultra? Can you afford the payments? Do you want to git rid of the old scoot? If yes trade, if no keep the 04 and ride. Sounds to me like the 04 fits you well, if your'e not having mechanical problems with it, KEEP IT. Its a unstable economy and cash is KING. There will always be new bikes available though the trade in on yours may decline but not as much as the value on the new bike will. Good luck.
I have been going over this dilemma myself and I haven't even rode an 09 yet. It is soooo tempting after reading all the praise on here.
The way I see there is quite a bit new with the 09's. Namely the frame. I am a little hesitant about a brand new frame that hasn't had tens of thousands of real world miles put on it yet. You never know. There could be severe problems with the stiffness of the frame over time. Breaking welds, flexing or bending or whatnot. I've got enough to worry about over the long-term with my 08. Having the IDS, fly by wire, and still fairly new six speed. I'm gonna see how well mine holds up as well as the 09's and maybe in 5 years I'll feel confident enough in the reliability of the upgrades to trade up.
The way I see there is quite a bit new with the 09's. Namely the frame. I am a little hesitant about a brand new frame that hasn't had tens of thousands of real world miles put on it yet. You never know. There could be severe problems with the stiffness of the frame over time. Breaking welds, flexing or bending or whatnot. I've got enough to worry about over the long-term with my 08. Having the IDS, fly by wire, and still fairly new six speed. I'm gonna see how well mine holds up as well as the 09's and maybe in 5 years I'll feel confident enough in the reliability of the upgrades to trade up.
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