Don't rely on a forum to buy a bike for you! Take your wife for a ride on BOTH of them. She'll let you know. You'll probably know which one too, even without her opinion!

 

thanks all for the quick responses. I have already rode the FB and it did ride nice, i scheduled to ride the RG this afternoon. is the mileage something i should be concerned about?

 

If that's your OL leaning into the camera on sig pic...I'd be more worried about bra strap tension...

Seriously, 30K on 05 touring's very low and it all maint is up-to-par it's a great ride!!!

 

30,000 on a 05 is nothing to worry about other than the possible need for cam tensioners. If you like the bike get them to throw in the upgrade to the SE Hyd Tensioner so you wont have any maintenance problems in the future and then since they will have the cam chest open pay for a set of SE 204 cams and have them installed at the same time , you can kill to birds at once - wear item and performance.

 

I don't mean to add another issue to the decision but... Like others have said, if it is a Road Glide you want then you probably will be unsatisfied with purchasing something else. But I would do everything I could to try and get a 2009. I understand if it is out of your budget, but if not, the frame change is significant.

 

i def appreciate the advice. not to sound too unknowledgable but what changes were made?

 

Frame, 6 gallon tank, rear tire is wider, 96 inch motor, exhaust routing, 6speed trans.

 

I had a Fatboy last year. Bought it because I thought it was a good compromise coming from my Dyna and a tourer. It was NOT a good compromise. While the Fatty is a great bike, it did not meet my needs for longer trips and 2-up riding.

Any bike can be made to meet your needs and that's one of the many great things about Harleys, but it cost $$$$. And many times, that $$$$ can be used to just purchase what you want up front. I learned that lesson the harder way. Oh well, I just appreciate my King even more now.

 

This. All leads to a more enjoyable ride especially long rides. There is an old thread on the 2009 frame: https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...e-upgrade.html

It is so much more manageable / responsive.

 

There are two potential issues with the '05; leaking valve guide seals and the cam chain tensioners. The seals may have been replaced under warranty (it was a known issue and I believe there was a dealer bulletin). The tensioners, especially with that low mileage may still be problematic. The dealer can check HDNet to see if either potential issue was addressed.

There's nothing soft about a Softail, especially a lowered one. If you have any desire to tour, go with the Roadie.