made the mistake of going by the dealership yesterday and looking at a new sg and the problem is I have extra money. So do I buy a 09 and start adding on or do I keep my 03 (sig picture is old I now have a detachable batwing)and put the money into it ( baker dd6, wider swing arm, new paint, some more engine work ect.) so I guess the question is are there enough legitimate changes on the 09 to warrant a new bike and the cost that go with it .

 

But your current bike will still have the same chassis and brakes, you need to drive an '09 then make your dessision.

 

the brake part is easy and I am about to add a stabilizer to my frame. I didn't talk to a sales person and it has been since 2004 since I shopped. back then the local dealerships wouldnt let you test ride untill they had money in hand.

 

That sux they won't let you ride, Sheldon's in Auburn Mass. has a test fleet. You can try pretty much any bike.
And you are right, you can add most of the new stuff but, the cost will add up too. I have a Tru Track on my Road Glide and it's almost as good as the new chassis. But when you add that and power, brakes, and whatever else you want it's a lot of dough. It may be worth it to you though. It'd be better if you could try an '09 and make an informed dessision.

 

If you're happy with your bike I'd keep it and do the upgrades. There is always something new coming out that will entice you.

You'd be better off keeping your money in a safe place in the event the economy really goes in the crapper worse than it already is.

 

If the cost between the 2 options are even remotely close I would go with the 09.

 

To me it would come down to miles.. how many miles you have on your ride ?..is it paid for?..will you have to make apyment with intrest in a bad economy?....From what i understand the 96 engine is limited at 70 mph & above without dropping down a gear...so maybe keep your ride & do a build for betteer hp & tq than the 96...alot of questions to think about...just try & think about all the diffrent ins & outs..

 

Yep going to a different shop today that wasn't open when I bought my current bike the other upside of keeping my 03 is insurance and tag tax (ga charges a yearly tax on vehicles based on the kbb value) is on a 2003 not a 2009 my tax last year was around $250

 

not entirely true, and that has been changed on the 09 as well, but so what? you aren't gonna drive 35 in 5th either

good suggestions given earlier, especially about the money. it sucks to give up not having a payment. now, if you have enough extra money to pay for the bike outright, that starts tipping the scales in favor of the new bike. you can add a ton of stuff to your bike but in the end you still have an 03. some dealers will let you rent a bike and if you buy apply the rental fee toward purchase. thats always an option.

if you do decide to buy, i'm looking for a batwing fairing for my custom

 

It sounds like you aren't really happy with what you have now since you are debating on spending thousands on it. Do you think you are are gonna be happy with a new bike and not have to spend thousands on it also?

Personally, I don't think the '07 improvements are worth trading if you are staying in the same family of bikes.