Dilemma: 08 or 09 SG
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 53
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From: Colorado
Dilemma: 08 or 09 SG
Hello everybody!
Great to run across such a HUGE forum full of knowledge. I've been lurking around a bit, but now I'm looking to the real owners to find out what I should do since I'm now stuck on the fence!
Here is the biggest part of the dilemma. Do I take a nice 2500 discount on a 08 Street Glide that is equipped the way I want it, or do I take the 1000 discount on the 09 equipped the way I want it?
What I'd like to find out is whether or not the 09 will make me that much happier than the 08.
I'm expressing the following concerns with the 08. I've read there is pretty substantial heat issues with it. Honestly. I live in Denver. Would this really create a problem at 90 degrees and below?
And second, I keep hearing of this handling difference. Is the 08 really bad handling or is it one of those things where no one noticed ANY problems until they saw what the 09 could do???
Last, I've heard the 08 SGs feel a lot different than the 09s on grooved pavement or poor pavement. True? Not true?
If there isn't really any kind of serious problems, I'd prefer to save the coin and get the 08. But if the 09 is the only way to go, then I'll do it.
Money isn't the main issue, but at the same time, don't want to throw 1500 extra if I don't have to.
Thanks in advance for the help and direction!
Mike
Great to run across such a HUGE forum full of knowledge. I've been lurking around a bit, but now I'm looking to the real owners to find out what I should do since I'm now stuck on the fence!
Here is the biggest part of the dilemma. Do I take a nice 2500 discount on a 08 Street Glide that is equipped the way I want it, or do I take the 1000 discount on the 09 equipped the way I want it?
What I'd like to find out is whether or not the 09 will make me that much happier than the 08.
I'm expressing the following concerns with the 08. I've read there is pretty substantial heat issues with it. Honestly. I live in Denver. Would this really create a problem at 90 degrees and below?
And second, I keep hearing of this handling difference. Is the 08 really bad handling or is it one of those things where no one noticed ANY problems until they saw what the 09 could do???
Last, I've heard the 08 SGs feel a lot different than the 09s on grooved pavement or poor pavement. True? Not true?
If there isn't really any kind of serious problems, I'd prefer to save the coin and get the 08. But if the 09 is the only way to go, then I'll do it.
Money isn't the main issue, but at the same time, don't want to throw 1500 extra if I don't have to.
Thanks in advance for the help and direction!
Mike
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,368
Likes: 14
From: Yokohama
When it comes time to sell you'll lose far more than $1,500 in resale value on the '08 compared to the '09.
Get the '09 and you'll never have to second-guess your decision.
Get the '09 and you'll never have to second-guess your decision.
Last edited by Twinrider; Jan 21, 2009 at 08:58 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 90
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From: Seattle
+1 on the 09
Get the 09. No comparison. Whole new bike frame and that alone is worth the coin. Read Motorcycle Consumer News article in their December issue they review the 09 changes on a Road Glide. The new frame rides like it's on rails.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 578
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From:
I have an 08 EGC. Sweet bike, but she does run hot. I don't know how much cooler the 09 will run, but I'm sure the exhaust reroute had to help. I will say this, although I have not rode an 09, I do wish I would have waited. The frame stiffening alone is enough to make me want an 09. The way you describe things, I would have to save even more on an 08 to get me to buy it. I envy you this dilemma, I should have such troubles...
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 517
Likes: 0
From: Nebraska
I test rode an 09 Street Glide. It was not even the same bike as my 06 Street Glide was. Dude, it is only $1500 compared to $20,000 you are gonna spend on this bike. Do it right the first time and get an 09.
It drove SSSSSWWWWWWWEEEEEETTTTTTT!!!!
It drove SSSSSWWWWWWWEEEEEETTTTTTT!!!!
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,878
Likes: 17
From: The Desert SouthWest
Definitely an '09 the changes this year were significant and it's a wonderful machine in every way. I'm 100% satisfied with my RK.
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Joe Kucinski
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,718
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From: Punta Gorda,FL
I see most of the answers to get a 2009 are from owner's of a 2009. I own a 2005 Softail, so I have no bias one way or the other. I wouldn't trade in a 2008 SG just to move up to a 2009 SG, but if I had to choose which one to buy, the only logical choice would be the 2009 SG.
If the choice was between a 2008 or 2009 Softail or Dyna model, It would make sense to get a 2008 if you get a good enough discount, but there are too many upgrades on the 2009 Touring models to even consider a 2008.
The 2009 SG has the new generation touring frame, rerouted exhaust, to reduce some of the heat, the 6 speed gearing is a lot more useful, wider rear tire and the 2009 model will always be worth more then the 2008 when and if you sell it.
Tom
If the choice was between a 2008 or 2009 Softail or Dyna model, It would make sense to get a 2008 if you get a good enough discount, but there are too many upgrades on the 2009 Touring models to even consider a 2008.
The 2009 SG has the new generation touring frame, rerouted exhaust, to reduce some of the heat, the 6 speed gearing is a lot more useful, wider rear tire and the 2009 model will always be worth more then the 2008 when and if you sell it.
Tom