Hello. I have been riding a sportster for several years but now want a bike I can tour a bit on. I love the Streetglide's look but don't know much about them. Are there any years that are better than others and what kind of price is getting a good deal?

Thaks for any info.

 

the FLHX is stripped down version of the touring electraglide(s) with some custom touches.
the rear shocks are 12" vs 13" for most touring models, slimmer seat. no spotlights, some badges taken away, some stuff added.

all touring models of the same year are essentially the same but for amount of plastic hanging on them and speakers or no.

you'd do best to determine budget and work from there.

there was a major frame change in 2009 which many of us consider the 2nd coming.


up to 2009 the FLHT electraglide standard was offered, a stripped down no radio, no tourpak, bare aluminum motor model which could be a great deal $$$ if you like to do your own custom work.


mike

 

My previous bike was a '07 Softail Custom.

I can't speak about any of the other years, but my 2014 SGS is a fantastic bike. I guess the outstanding handling is the first thing I noticed. Couple that with performance improvements for the '14 MY and all the bells & whistles available and you have one fine touring bike.

 

Mike summed it up real well. There aren't any bad years but most years they make an improvement.

07' got 96 CI and a 6speed
08' got ABS, 6 gallon gas tank, and TBW
09' got new frame and wider rear tire
10' got cat (bad), quieter 5th gear, lost center taillight, 18 in wheel?
11' Was 103 optional in '11?
12' got 103' and 103''s get an oil cooler.

I've got a '09. Nothing has happened since to make me want newer, except stuff I'd be improving anyway. TBW, ABS, and new frame can't really be added later on.

 

The first year model, 2006, had the old style cam chain followers that can deteriorate or wear out and cause MAJOR engine problems when they do. That year engine needs to be either updated to the new hydraulic follower system and oil pump, OR, better yet, if the crank runout is under .006", converted to gear drive...which is my preferred method. This is an expensive proposition, whether you do the work yourself or have it farmed out... If your mechanic has a reasonable shop rate, it won't be that much more for the labor, especially if you spring for the adjustable pushrods. There's LOTS of information in this and other forum, no need to go over that project yet again, do some research on it. The next year model had the updated engine. You still have to be cognizant of the wear on the plastic followers, but it's not as major of an issue. My 2006 has very little wear on the plastic followers, for the moment, I'm not messing with them, but up the line, I'll be either converting to gears or updating, as described. Otherwise, you have to find something in your budget that works for you. Be aware that the Street Glide is the hottest selling motorcycle on the planet right now, and good deals are hard to find. My Glide was involved in a wreck where it went thru a bob wahr fence, and had cosmetic damage, so it wasn't a stretch for me to do the work myself, including paint. I was just in the right place at the right time, and the previous owner was a good friend of mine. Those deals are pretty rare!

 

Ah, yes, also the other major changeover was the six speed...How important an issue that is depends on the speed you want to travel. I usually travel at 65-70 MPH, the engine is at a skosh under 3,000 RPM, that's a very comfortable level for the engine and well within it's optimum powerband. I've been riding these hogs for a long time, and that's a normal level for what I'm used to. There's some debate whether clicking into a higher gear is good for the engine...lugging an engine and applying power when the RPM is too low is more damaging than running at a higher RPM...some folks report frequent downshifting into fifth when travelling at the speeds I travel...would that be bad for your riding? Only you know. For me, I MUCH prefer my venerable five speed, trouble free, and it works well for me. If you're a newer rider, you might be wanting a higher gear as you travel down the road. If you're one of those folks, then I'd definitely opt for a 2007 or newer, and in fact, if you had a choice between the '06 and a later one, price factored in, I'd opt for the newer one, just considering the expense in updating the engine.

 

2014 sgs is a relatively big revision/upgrade year.
If you can afford a new bike, you get all the previous upgrades plus a HiPo engine 76 hp, 104 torque, 19 inch front wheel with improved lighter alloy mags, 49 mm forks ( beefed up front end), navigation/boombox radio with mp3 componant, (no cd player), simplified/improved dash, painted inner fairing, abs, alarm, cruse control standard, improved touring seat for two, 2nd cylinder cutoff at idle (cooler), oil cooler, multy compound tires low profile, premium ride shocks, and more ( cant remember it all). If you buy new you get the two year warranty also.
For the extra money up front you probably will gain it back when you sell.
Good luck with your decision
Ferd

 

Mich→What are you looking to spend? Do you usually leave a bike the way it is or do you like to put a lot of money into making it yours?

I've stopped myself from getting into a '14 pissing match 4 times in as many minutes, but can't seem to help myself, so here I am. I'll likely regret it:

'14 has definitely brought more changes than any other year Harley ever. Nothing really specific to the SG but to all the batwings. I spent A LOT of time wrapped up in the changes. The good vrs. the bad. Started a very popular thread about it that ended up being insanely large. Here are some standouts for me personally:
→Infortainment: My phone has the best GPS/Navi/Maps in the world. After 5+ years with it, I used Navi for the 4th time just yesterday. Not a selling point for me. I want to know where I am going ahead of time when on a trip. If I get lost on purpose I'll figure out where I am later. I still use CD's that I would loose. I wear a half helmet all the time so the BT stuff is useless. So as exciting as a big screen is I've decided I'm glad I don't have it.
→The new braking system is exciting. Definitely an improvement for safety. As I understand it though it forces you to stay with stock wheels and tire size. I don't want to be limited to stock wheels.
→The wind scoop is a big one. I still think it is ugly but I bet aftermarket will figure out how to make it look a lot better. I think functionally it is great and for functional reasons I wish I had it. Maybe aftermarket will even figure out how to get it to the rest of us.
→Beefier triple trees is also real nice and would be very expensive to do on a previous year. Wish I had that.
→I like the hydraulic clutch (that had a recall already), but that is something I can (and may) do myself.
→bags open easier: I've already bought better side bags to fix that. I'll buy the new chopped TP when I repaint.

At least a half dozen things mentioned above were on previous years. If you have the money, and don't want bigger wheels then do it. If you wear a half helmet, see if you can opt/delete the whole entire stereo system.

 

thanks for the replies people. I am not sure what my budget is yet, bikes up here in Canada cost a lot more than they do in the states. A lot of great information though and | will use it now to continue doing my research.

Thanks again.

 

Mich I went from a 2008 Nightster to a 2011 Street Glide.
Night and day difference. SG handles better and is way more fun.
I always think of the SG as the Nightster or Iron of the touring world.
Stripped down, lowered, and very cool.

I'm pretty sure they upgraded the seat in 2011. My stock seat is very comfortable.
I can ride all day with no discomfort.
Also in 2011 I think they removed the rear tail light and went with the turn/stop/tail setup like the Nightster and Iron.

Good Luck!!