time to pull the trigger: '11 vs '12 streetglide
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Dalton, Georgia
I found 2012 with cruise abs and security in athens ga out the door for 21,700.00 other dealers wanted between 23-25K. Shop around as i did and save couple grand. 2012's are better than 2011's as previously stated.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 610
Likes: 53
From: Kennesaw, GA
I bought a 2012 in Ember Red Sunglo and love it. Great color. The 103" has more torque than my previous 96" and is worth it. Had ABS on my 08 and made sure I did not waste the money this time. I was not impressed with it on my 08...
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 326
Likes: 2
From: York, PA
Only real difference if you are thinking 103 is color and one year. Other than that they are identical. My 2011 is the Power Pak option and I absolutely LOVE the ABS, cruise, and security. I am a basic black and chrome guy so I can't comment on any other color but if it is done up right, I think all the colors look pretty good.
As far as this heat thing, I never see this issue, even in traffic this summer. The new bikes have a rear cylinder shut off. All you do is roll the throttle forward until the green light comes on in the tach and when you are sitting still, the rear cylinder shuts off. Saves the motor from building up to much heat. Also, if you go with different exhaust and ECU upgrade (PCV, SERT, Cobra, V+H, etc) the heat goes down because you are losing the cat with the exhaust exchange and adding more fuel to the motor which actually helps cool the big boy down.
I agree with the other posts. If you are going to go with either year and do any kind of distance riding, get the cruise. ABS is a no brainer IMO because it is proven to be safer (in almost all situations) than non-ABS brakes. Security is self explanitory.
As far as price, when I was at the dealer to buy mine, the 2011 was more expensive than the 2012. I can't remember if it was because of options or not because the deal I got on my 2011 was just to good to pass up. If they want to move the bike (which every dealer does), they will move on the price some.
Good luck on your decision and show us some pics of what you get and when you mod it.
As far as this heat thing, I never see this issue, even in traffic this summer. The new bikes have a rear cylinder shut off. All you do is roll the throttle forward until the green light comes on in the tach and when you are sitting still, the rear cylinder shuts off. Saves the motor from building up to much heat. Also, if you go with different exhaust and ECU upgrade (PCV, SERT, Cobra, V+H, etc) the heat goes down because you are losing the cat with the exhaust exchange and adding more fuel to the motor which actually helps cool the big boy down.
I agree with the other posts. If you are going to go with either year and do any kind of distance riding, get the cruise. ABS is a no brainer IMO because it is proven to be safer (in almost all situations) than non-ABS brakes. Security is self explanitory.
As far as price, when I was at the dealer to buy mine, the 2011 was more expensive than the 2012. I can't remember if it was because of options or not because the deal I got on my 2011 was just to good to pass up. If they want to move the bike (which every dealer does), they will move on the price some.
Good luck on your decision and show us some pics of what you get and when you mod it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56,052
Likes: 88,847
From: Western South Dakota
No right, no wrong.
No need for further discussion.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Agree with most of the previous replies, kind of down to personal tastes for the most part and what kind of deal to you find. I like the 103, plenty of power there.
I can tell you from my experience- I was NOT looking for the security option, ABS or cruise control when I was at the point of buying. But I got a pretty good deal on my 2012 with low miles that already them on it.
For me- jury still out on the ABS. It's OK, nothing bad I can say, just new to me. I really like the security system and have come to really enjoy having cruise control. I'm am very happy having these options now that I have tried them out & would prefer having them going forward on any future bikes.
I can tell you from my experience- I was NOT looking for the security option, ABS or cruise control when I was at the point of buying. But I got a pretty good deal on my 2012 with low miles that already them on it.
For me- jury still out on the ABS. It's OK, nothing bad I can say, just new to me. I really like the security system and have come to really enjoy having cruise control. I'm am very happy having these options now that I have tried them out & would prefer having them going forward on any future bikes.
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Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 44
Likes: 1
From: Baltimore
[QUOTE=ngaraiderman;8819055]I found 2012 with cruise abs and security in athens ga out the door for 21,700.00 other dealers wanted between 23-25K. Shop around as i did and save couple grand. 2012's are better than 2011's as previously stated.[/QUOTE
Don't know how you came up with the 12 is better then the 11 there identical depending on what options you choose especially if you get the power pak option in the 11.
Don't know how you came up with the 12 is better then the 11 there identical depending on what options you choose especially if you get the power pak option in the 11.
