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'07 and '08 were transition years. 6 speed trans came in '07, 6 gallon tank in '08. '09 brought the new frame and improved gear ratios for the trans, basically completing the changes. Changes for '10 and '11 were minor.
Set out to buy my first Harley in early 2009. I had plans to buy used as I too did not want to spend a lot of money. After doing some research and talking to several Harley owners, riding a friend's '07 Street Glide and having rented both an '09 SG & RG, I decided to go new with the '09 Road Glide; yea that ugly bike.
Have not regretted it for 1 second. Of course as far as not spending money; that went out the window VERY quickly. I have enough tied up in that bike now to retire on if I could sell for what I have in it.
As a crotch rocket rider (I have a ZX-11 and a ZX6R) you won't be satisfied with the 96 ci engine's performance. Go 103 (or more) or don't go at all.
I have a 2010 Road King (103), which I prefer to Glides. But that's just taste.
Great. smooth bikes
I'm basically repeating what others have said at this point: '07 got 6-spd, '08 got 6 gallon tank, 09 got the brand new frame. '09 or newer is very important if you can, and it sounds like you can. '10 made a 5th gear noise disappear. Some people actually said they like it to help them know they are in 5th and most say the noise dissipates a lot with synthetics. Mine is almost gone with synthetics. Drawback on the '10 is exhaust. I think everyone hated 2 into 1 exhaust on a bagger. '11 allows you to get a larger motor which is always a good thing, especially since you are used to a sport bike.
I say definitely get the ABS.
Possibly a HUGE reason to go used is that someone has already started putting a bunch of money into it that they couldn't get out of it. 'Course that is only good if you like the things they did.
not to be too much of a jerk, but you might want to take note of the name of the forum you just joined ( "HD" forum). I suspect you may have one or two not so nice replys headed your way.
That being said, my co-worker bought a Cross Country earlier this year and he loves it. I almost had him on the Street Glide but he has this habit of going against the grain.
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