Keep the 96.Just my biased opinion though.

 

price seems a little high going into winter, depends on the trade. Nothing wrong with an '07 as long as it had all the late end of model year downloads witch is more than likely. One big advantage is the lighter weight of an '07, UC is 808 while the newer frames and 6 gallon tank and ugly servo motor add up to 852 lbs. since '09.

 

When it comes right down to it they're almost all good in there own way,some of my retro-grouch friends are riding cycles that are decades old.Buy what ever you like,the only real mistake is in paying an unrealistic price for it.

 

I know it's starting to sound like a broken record, but keep the '96 unless you can get an '09...

 

My old 07 ultra was as good as my 010 ultra in it's own way.
I miss my 07 but like the anti lock brakes on the 010.
07 rode better, as in smoother. Put 50,000 with no issues at all.

 

I think you can do better on the price on the 07.
As far as 09 and up the new frame is great but the pre 09s are still good bikes.

 

Going from the '96 to the '07 you will pick up the 96 cu in motor and the six speed transmission which will make a difference in performance. If you ride two up the '09 and later models give you the new frame with more room for the passenger and some other improvements. So the decision depends on what improvements you need or are looking for. You can get a better idea on local prices by checking Craig's List and other sources, but a dealer is always going to be more than a private seller.

 

Like you, I made the mistake of going to the dealership - in my case, just to get a spare headlight bulb for my 2001 FLHT. I got my new bulb alright, along with the new 6th gear and the new 6th gallon of gas that comes with an 09 Ultra. I LOVED the '01; my 1st Harley, carbureted, Stage 1 with Screamin' Eagle slip-ons (the old ones, not the newer EPA mandated ones) and Willie G. skulls all over it. But the '09 - WOW! Probably my best "impulse buy" ever. I don't know anything about the 07s, but I'm happy with my 09.

 

Keep the '96 and upgrade your suspension. The Evo is a great and reliable motor. They also built the lower end right back in those days. After 2002 the lower end stinks and is a real weak link if you ever plan on upgrading the top end to give it some oomph. Your '96 will handle a good 96 inch upgrade to the top end and run circles around the new TC96's.

On the other hand you could trade it in on a new CVO 110. From what I understand they have fixed the issues with the early 110's.

PM me if you want to some good info on how to upgrade your suspension to make it much better than any stock HD. Been there done that.

B

 

If you feel good about the deal and want the bike, go for it! If you listen to all the people who bought the "new frame" they'll tell you you'll be sorry. Obviously your not like the majority on here, and don't have the latest and greatest, so the 07 will be a nice upgrade. If you can get it at a price you feel good about, why not? I've had my 08 for 3 yrs, "shitty" frame and all, and have 0 complaints.

Harley, like any other company, improves on what the have. They didn't make junk for 105 yrs and then all the sudden make a new frame and become the love of everyones life.

Good luck and buy what makes "you" happy, nobody else.