I need some convincing
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,529
Likes: 606
From: Raleigh NC
I had my choice between '08 and '09 and after evaluating the changes made for '09 I went with the '08. I keep hearing so many people say "the changes made are such an improvement" but I don't see it that way. Someone convince me what changes improved the bike! I like the bigger rear tire, that I can say, but the rest not at all. And please don't get mad if I rebut.
YOU did your resaerch, and got the bike you wanted... at the price you wanted... WHY??? on God's gray earth, would i want to convince you , you made an error
Congrats on the new bike, now just go enjoy yourself
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,282
Likes: 2
From: Broadview Heights, OH
I moved up from an '07 SG to an '09 Ultra. While I liked the changes in the '08's when they came out, ABS and a 6 gal tank weren't enough to get me to upgrade. The frame changes, exhaust re-routing, ABS relocation, etc., on top of the 6 gal tank and ABS, throttle by wire, convinced me that now was the time to upgrade. I also felt that I would get the most for my trade now, before more '08 and '09 bikes hit the used bike market.
As others have said, you've made the choice that felt right for you, enjoy it!
As others have said, you've made the choice that felt right for you, enjoy it!
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 1
From: Pittsburgh, PA
I wasn't looking to start any trouble, I was just very curious why some chose the '09 over the '08. Here is the reason I went the other way.....the '08 has the 6 gallon tank , fly by wire throttle and the idle temperature management system which the '09 has. The things I did not care for on the '09 were the additional weight is substantial, the new exhaust which puts all the heat on the same side of the bike and imho looks bad, the higher seat height due to the higher frame height to accomodate that new exhaust, lower ground clearance due to that exhaust, the mid frame heat shields look terrible and wont hold up well and shouldn't even be needed if the new improved exhaust addressed the heat issue. So I guess what I am saying is the new exhaust killed the deal for me, it is in no way an improvement and the additional changes made to accomodate it are a negative also. But I will say this.....if I didn't buy when I did and did not have the choice of the two years I would of got the '09 and still be as happy as a clam with it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 522
From: Dutchess County, NY
The year after I bought my 05 FXDI the 06 got the six speed and beefier forks. While I would have loved the six speed I have been very, very happy with my 05.
I hope to get an 09 FLHX this spring but if I had bought an 07 or 08 I would not have traded for the 09.
There is some talk of whether HD will survive this economic downturn. If by some unfortunate turn of event HD does go under I definitely WOULD NOT want an 09 as it will be the only year with the new frame and parts!!!
I hope to get an 09 FLHX this spring but if I had bought an 07 or 08 I would not have traded for the 09.
There is some talk of whether HD will survive this economic downturn. If by some unfortunate turn of event HD does go under I definitely WOULD NOT want an 09 as it will be the only year with the new frame and parts!!!
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 335
Likes: 0
From: So. Calif.
I test drove 08 and 09 Road Kings and Ultras. I first decided on the 09 RK, then changed to the '09 Ultra. I like the taller seat and the better handling, but i am going to have to shave the top of the windshield a bit.
