Never thought I was a procrastinator...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,520
Likes: 3,953
From: Vermont
Any brand new bike will ride better in one's mind than your current bike. The only true way to tell is to take a brand new 08 and a brand new 09+ and ride them and compare. If I test rode a never ridden left over 08 right now I'm sure I would say it rides better than my 08. On the flip side, you can test ride a used later model bike with higher mileage and see if it is an improvement.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 575
Likes: 4
From: SouthWestern Ontario
...But I look at the years of customizing on my RK (its a really sharp looking bike if you like chrome) and its set up perfectly for me in every respect, versus the stock SG and its like going back in time 5 years and much more money than I can afford to spend again on doing the same customizing.
What do you guys think? Is the '13 (I guess '09+) touring platform really that superior to the 08's?
What do you guys think? Is the '13 (I guess '09+) touring platform really that superior to the 08's?
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...-a-how-to.html
I wouldn't hesitate doing this again! The bike rides/handles like a dream. The occasional wobble I had before the mod has never resurfaced but I did install a Progressive stabilizing link while I was at it.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
From: CALIFORNIA
I went from a 08 streetglide to a 12 streetglide wanted the 180 rear tire and 18 inch front. Oh yea the 103 was nice too. Well to be honest I love it handles awesome and love the look *** end too. If you are the happy with your bike then keep it but..... if you are wanting more ..... well I guess you know the answer. To be honest I have never looked back
I went from a 02 FLHTC to a 2012 FLHTCU, classic to ultra 10 years newer. I love my 12, it is awesome! 103 has the right amount of power, rides so nice and smooth. I know its 10 years difference in my case, but I would do it again. If you got the money, I would do it and not look back.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 451
Likes: 3
From: Laurel,Ms USA
I've kicked myself over and over after letting my 04 highly chromed and customized ultra go towards an 09 ultra. Left alot of $$$ on that bike that I have respent on the 09. If I had it to do over I'd keep upgradeing the 04. For what I use mine for (geezer gliding), no need for a later model.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,306
Likes: 2,443
From: Eastern NE
I think the defense budget could survive a few more hits + our economy needs your $$$. Go for the new FLHX!!!
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 39
From: San Diego
You could also buy a used 09 that someone else had modified and meet this thing 1/2 way.
I went throught the same thought process with my 07 Street glide, but with not so many modifications.
Bought a new 12 Street glide, and was able to transfer many of my bolt on's to the new bike. Mostly Chrome goodies. Many items would not fit, as the new bike is wider in the rear and needs new 4X removable gear.
New bike is much more solid. Handles a bit better and has a better engine, that will not need as many mods to perform well.
You can put this thing off for a while, but sooner or later you need to make the leap to the next generation frame.
I went throught the same thought process with my 07 Street glide, but with not so many modifications.
Bought a new 12 Street glide, and was able to transfer many of my bolt on's to the new bike. Mostly Chrome goodies. Many items would not fit, as the new bike is wider in the rear and needs new 4X removable gear.
New bike is much more solid. Handles a bit better and has a better engine, that will not need as many mods to perform well.
You can put this thing off for a while, but sooner or later you need to make the leap to the next generation frame.
