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Old Nov 29, 2013 | 06:54 AM
  #11  
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Originally Posted by dswansbiker
Your rear tire life will be at least twice as long with an 2009 vs the 2008. I never got to 4k with the old rear tire, now I am getting 8k on my 2011. Many who ride easier than me are getting well over 10k. That adds up over time.
Not even close to being true.I use Dunlop Elite 3s on my '08 Ultra and get 17-18000 miles on rear tires. i got 16000 on the original Dunlops as well.
 
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Old Nov 29, 2013 | 06:59 AM
  #12  
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Originally Posted by dswansbiker
Your rear tire life will be at least twice as long with an 2009 vs the 2008. I never got to 4k with the old rear tire, now I am getting 8k on my 2011. Many who ride easier than me are getting well over 10k. That adds up over time.
I took my last rear tire off my 08 at 12,000 and had quite a bit of tread left, was leaving on a 4,000 mile trip so wanted fresh rubber.
 
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Old Nov 29, 2013 | 07:19 AM
  #13  
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Originally Posted by Jim Dawson
Not even close to being true.I use Dunlop Elite 3s on my '08 Ultra and get 17-18000 miles on rear tires. i got 16000 on the original Dunlops as well.
Jim,I was talking about MY personal experience, not your mileage. I just happen to be hard on tires. Actually I always was on the wear bars by 3K but would sometimes push them to 4k.

My point was meant to be plain and simple, 2009 and up rear tires last longer than the 2008 and prior.
 

Last edited by dswansbiker; Nov 29, 2013 at 07:38 AM.
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Old Nov 29, 2013 | 07:31 AM
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Originally Posted by jus2anoyu
Keep in mind that 2008 was a "odd" year as it had a bigger tank, but won't utilize 2009 up seats, nor will 97-07 seats fit.
seats for a 2009, 10, 11, etc. fit fine on a 2008. earlier seats won't.
 
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Old Nov 29, 2013 | 07:43 AM
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[QUOTE ] won't utilize 2009 up seats[/QUOTE]

Parts and Accessories catalog says late model seats fit 08-14.
 
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Old Nov 29, 2013 | 08:51 AM
  #16  
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Somebody up above said that they didn't like the 09!!!!!!!!! Preferred the 08?!!!!!! It'll be hard to find many people who say that. Definitely go 09 or newer.
 
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Old Nov 29, 2013 | 09:22 AM
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Put 50k on my 08's before I traded up. The ride is more plush on the 08. Never experienced the dreaded bagger wobble. Front wheel, tank, brakes, seat and lots of other parts are the same. Newer bikes are stiffer, handling is more precise and rear tire wear is better. If you can swing one with the 103, it is a definite improvement over the 96.
 
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Old Nov 29, 2013 | 11:32 AM
  #18  
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08 added the Cush drive rear hub, final drive 2.79-1. ABS Brembos. '09 year, major new frame, 1 inch belt, exhaust reroute under frame to left side, new bigger tires. '10 year, new O2 sensors and location, catalyst under right foot, trans revised to helical 5th gear, final drive changed to 2.875-1
 
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Old Nov 29, 2013 | 11:44 AM
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You know, if I were the OP, and I was considering between the two frames, I think it would honestly just come down to value, not the older frame versus the newer. Yeah, you'll see a lot of give and take between the two, but if I found an earlier model that I personally knew that had lower miles, a better price, and was just a better deal all the way around than a later model one, that would be a no-brainer. After all, they will all do the same thing, for me personally...If the wallering of the earlier model one bothered me, simple deal...get a tour link, fix that problem. Otherwise, shop value.
 
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