Thinking about moving up to an 08 with the 96 inch engine and 6 speed trans. And oh ya , it may be the B engine. Any issues or concerns here? Thanks in advance.

 

Concerns with what? Need a little more clarification here.

 

Sounds like a Softail instead of a Touring model?
The balanced motor is not used in the Touring line up.

 

If your gonna "move up",you should go to at least an '09' so you'll get the new frame along with the 96".

 

Did they do a new frame for Softails?

 

Mainly with the model year engine, and right it will be in a soft tail frame. Looking to go lighter and lower.

 

Yup...go with a 09' frame so you can come back here and post how tall the 09' is compared to your buddies 08' , lol. or that the crank is all wobbly compared to your buddies, lol....

I kinda like my 08' FLHX with the 09' reworked rear fender and 180 tire.

 

They did not.

 

Its amazing how many people go on and on about these 09 and later frames, lol.

I havent head anything good about them at all, more trouble in some cases.

A couple of Harley techs I used to work with have told me they are crappy and they dont like them at all.

The only "improvement is a better rear motor mount for some stability.

Unless you can name a few specific reasons that the 09 and up frames are "better" why keep telling people to buy one and stay away from 08 and later years?

I am pretty sure there are thousands of 08 and later owners who are perfectly happy with their bikes and wouldnt think of upgrading for the "new frame".

Its misleading to people who dont know much about the bikes and are shopping or getting started.

Upgrading to a newer motor and 6 speed is a significant change from the 88" 5 speed and worthy of an upgrade, but the frame?

The only advantage I have heard and it isnt even an advantage to most is you can do a drop seat mod with the new frame, but most people wont do one anyway.

I understand you can also add an improved motor mount for stability to the older bikes if you are concerned.
I could see going on and on if the ride was severely different or obviously improved to anyone who rides one for comparison but I havent heard anyone make that claim and the 09 and 10's I drove, (dozens of them) were no more stable than the 07's and 08's I also drove.

I just went though this for a month or two before buying another Road King, after talking to a lot of Harley mechanics and guys I know and trust and driving a ton of bikes I went with an 07 since the difference in price was significant and I was able to get a lot more engine and other components for less.

I too wanted to upgrade from the 88" 5 speed, the gearing to me seemed to create a need for 6th on highways, I was always looking for 6th when traveling on my 04.
After driving my Kawi Drifter for two years (90" 5 speed) I saw that the gearing made all the difference, 5th gear on that kawi was all you ever needed, no need for 6th as compared to my Road King.

Anyway good luck with your decision I think you will like the engine upgrade, I wouldnt be concerned with the model year after 06.

Lump

 

The difference in handling between my '08 and '11 is SO dramatic that I can't even imagine going back. Low speed, high speed, cornering, twisties, sweepers, etc.

When I picked up my '11, I literally dropped off the '08 after riding it to the dealer and jumped on the '11 riding it home. The whole ride home I was kicking myself for not just waiting for the '09's to come out when I bought the '08.

I suppose one could have a preference either way, but you're definitely going to have a clear preference. It wasn't anything "simple" like going from a 80/5 to a 96/6 - That's a different motor/trans. My 08-to-11 change was a 96/6 to a 96/6 -- But it's a completely different machine in the comfort & handling department...