Wow...I really appreciate all of the replies!

All of you have basically enforced to me that I really need to settle on what I actually want (uh...I suppose that's one of those "duh...that's obvious!" statements!).

One thing that drives my thoughts are that, I have never been a "chase the new model" kind of guy ONCE I have settled on and purchased something. I tend to keep any vehicle, whether a car or motorcycle for a decade or often more once I have made the decision to get it. I definitely don't have that "get a new model every couple of years" mentality which allowed automobile leasing companies to become money pits! When financed, I have always thought it best to at least fully "own" any vehicle once paid off for at LEAST as long as it took to pay for it in the first place before starting the merry-go-round back up! So I guess that is one reason I want to really dwell on what choice I make for what will most likely be a long-term ownership (or perhaps it might be a "love affair" hopefully with a new ride!).

So again...thanks...I'm sure I will continue to stew on it for too long but will eventually get the ball rolling!

 

It all depende on the $. If the 09 is only $1000.00-$1500.00 more buy it. If however there is $5000.00 to $6000.00 difference between the 2 years and ALL options are equal, there is just NO way that a "frame change" and a "bigger" tire is worth that much money to me. Note I said to ME! The 09 Ultra is a great bike, however the 08 is surely no piece of junk. Best of luck to ya!!

 

go to the dealer and ride both, only you can tell yourself what you want

 

All the more reason to get the latest "new and improved" version and with the 09 Touring bikes, there's MUCH that is new and improved. IMO

 

Your dealer better wake up the days of paying over MSRP are GONE when you can go to a dealer and find any model in any color on the floor. Even if the 09s are better than the 08s there's no way people are going to pay 4-5 K over MSRP.

 

From what I have read, HD has had a lay off this year and has also cut back on production. Profit projections are also down and all this reinforced by a really crappy economy too. However all that being said, inventory may be lean on Dealer showroom floors or warehouses but that doesn't mean that HD cannot take and fill orders. To the contrary, they are glad to be getting dealer orders (your and my bikes) but some dealers seem to be using this "lean inventory" scenario and reverting to the "old" days of making you think that MSRP or even a premium should apply. Nonsense!

 

I look at it this way, To put a 180 tire on the pre 09's is about $2000.00 Appox. Then you may need a stabalizer $300 or more. Also better motor mount system / or so they say. Exhaust, Heat Shields and rear Trunk mount also Brembo Brakes. I just think if you add up all the upgrades (fixes) that most people do, you are better off with the 09. JMO
Good luck

 

One of my best friends, whom I have a lot of respect for, and who has a lot of HD experience, just traded his RKC on a an 09 Ultra. He test rode 07's and 08's before he bought his new bike. His opinion is that there is enough difference between the 09 and older models that he's glad he waited it out and bought the 09. Keep searching for the 09 that you want; rather than regret not buying one, just be a little more patient.

Good luck.

 

As everyone else has said, get what you want. Also this late in the riding season a little bit of patients will go along way to finding the ride you want.

 

depending on where you live. An order probably makes the most sense. There will not be many Ultras in stock in the metro areas. Your farm town HD shops will have them, but bigger markets will be sold through. (I know I am) DO NOT WAIT UNTIL SPRING. There will be a lot of unhappy riders this spring without new bikes. Harley has restructured the order process for dealers. You will not see the glut of Harleys as in the past.

Where are you? I might know the local shop.