Anal, Selfish or Confused (Street Glide-Ultra Glide)
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,383
Likes: 3
From: Texas City, TX
Need your opinions. Yes, I have tested the bikes. Here is my situation. The MoCo is getting better and better at improving the bikes every year. So I want to purchase a bagger (Street Glide or Ultra Classic). After reading and researching the 2009 line up, I am all stressed out about which year should I purchase. 2006 (no six speed and no 96ci), 2007 (six speed with 96ci but no Brembo brakes), 2008 (six speed, 96 ci and Brembo brakes) or 2009 (six speed, 96ci, 180 rear tire and new FRAME with the best ride available by the MoCo).
Let me now of your experience with both models and please don't tell me that it is a personal decision since I am stressed. Otherwise, I would own two Harleys. GIVE ME YOUR BIASED OPINION!!
Thanking you in advance for you feedback.
Let me now of your experience with both models and please don't tell me that it is a personal decision since I am stressed. Otherwise, I would own two Harleys. GIVE ME YOUR BIASED OPINION!!
Thanking you in advance for you feedback.
You say you've already test ridden the bikes so you've got to have some idea which one you'd prefer? Unless you're just totally wedded to the Street Glide, my decidedly biased opinion is that you should bite the bullet and go for the Ultra Classic. It's got all the bells and whistles and it'll be cheaper to temporarily remove things like the tour pack and fairing lowers than it will be to add them to the Street Glide if you should choose to do so later. Come on guy, just do it!!
Ride Safe,
Steve R.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 672
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, Pa.
Comes down to price, best deal with the lowest miles. The 06 will probely be the best deal because of the 5 speed and the 88ci everybody wants the bigger motor Think I would go for at least an 07, has the 6 speed and the 96. Also the 06 I believe fuel injection was an option so watch if you really want that. Up till the new frame in the 09 the 07 and 08 can be made to handle a little more equal, with a bagger brace or similar device, with the 07 also add the IDS kit. I have an 08 streetglide and to date haven't had a need for the bagger brace, but I did expercience the wobble once ( that really was enough, scared the sh%& out of me.) I didn't need/want all the bells and whistles the ultra had. The streetglide has the streamlined look I like, and coming from a non touring bike the lower suspension was still a better ride. Good ride infact, hard to believe the ultra, or classic has a better ride with the added inch of suspension. The brembo brakes work no denying that but has it own problems with squealing lots of posts, cured mine with lyndall pads, only an occassional squeal now, not having the brembo brakes wouldn't be a deal breaker for me, once you get use to what ever you have and learn there limitations that is the way you'll end up riding.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 6,913
Likes: 87
From:
They are all good. You say you can afford any of them but want to be responsible. Go with the newest and forget being responsible. If we married riders were totally responsible we would never have bought a scoot. Between an Ultra and SG that really is your choice even though you do not want to hear that. If you don't care about looking cool, get the Ultra because it has everything on it. But that SG is one very, very cool looking ride. Like I said: they are all good. 
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,505
Likes: 379
From: Florida
Went thru the same thoughts and really didn't want any loans etc. Found an 06 EGC with 895 miles on the clock and as brand new! The best part was the price. Inlcluding driving, tolls, fuel and some food for the drive along with trailer rental, I've got a total of about $13200 and change in it.
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At this point in time I would be tempted to wait until August-September and get a good deal on a leftover 09. Unless of course you can't wait. At which point I would say go with an 09 now.