Trade up time ?!
"Project RUSHMORE bikes pass faster, stop quicker and see farther at night, thus inspiring rider confidence. Each model features the new Twin-Cooled High Output Twin Cam 103 or the High Output Twin Cam 103 powertrain both with fuel injection, Reflex Linked Brakes with ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System), and Daymaker LED and Dual Halogen lighting."
the water cooling is only part of project rushmore - the non water cooled are included as well.
I am not at all impressed with my Street Glide like I thought I would be. It's a nice bike don't get me wrong but no where near worth what I paid plus all the extras.
My next one will be like above, used with thousands of dollars poured into it with zero miles on it at a great savings, just like the next guy that buys mine. Look at the Bikes For Sale section on this site. lotta good people selling good bikes.
I can't comment on the newer bikes EXCEPT those that have the linked brakes and understand them absolutely love them.
HOWEVER, now that the '14s have EPA stamped mufflers, you may have issues if you modify the exhausts. Seems that the hand controls are better as well.
I simply think 2007 owners and or buyers should be aware of the known crank issue:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...t-problem.html
I may be misinformed; a dealer friend told me a couple years ago that Harley's extended warranty company was eating a unacceptable amount of motor claims due to crankshaft issues in 2007 and 2008 bikes. He stated that Harley made improvements in the 2009 model year and that crankshaft issues generally went away on bikes that were not really beefed up. On the CVO forum they had a lot of crankshaft failures reported in 07 and 08. the issue postings dropped off in 09. It was my understanding that the 110" motor had more problems due to the added power over the 96" motor.
Again, I may be misinformed but I would bet that the crankshaft's used in the 07 and 08 twin cam motors were changed on later model years, not saying that the cranks used on the 14's are the best, just better than 07 and 08. Not putting down 07 and 08 bikes. I do think it adds to the reasons to trade-up, at least to a 09 and newer model.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...t-problem.html
I may be misinformed; a dealer friend told me a couple years ago that Harley's extended warranty company was eating a unacceptable amount of motor claims due to crankshaft issues in 2007 and 2008 bikes. He stated that Harley made improvements in the 2009 model year and that crankshaft issues generally went away on bikes that were not really beefed up. On the CVO forum they had a lot of crankshaft failures reported in 07 and 08. the issue postings dropped off in 09. It was my understanding that the 110" motor had more problems due to the added power over the 96" motor.
Again, I may be misinformed but I would bet that the crankshaft's used in the 07 and 08 twin cam motors were changed on later model years, not saying that the cranks used on the 14's are the best, just better than 07 and 08. Not putting down 07 and 08 bikes. I do think it adds to the reasons to trade-up, at least to a 09 and newer model.
I am not at all impressed with my Street Glide like I thought I would be. It's a nice bike don't get me wrong but no where near worth what I paid plus all the extras.
My next one will be like above, used with thousands of dollars poured into it with zero miles on it at a great savings, just like the next guy that buys mine. Look at the Bikes For Sale section on this site. lotta good people selling good bikes.
There are a few downsides to waiting a few years and then buying used. The value of your present bike will drop in value. I traded in a 07 SE Ultra last September on a 14 Limited and received Book value. That kbb book value has dropped close to $1,900 since. Further, as more people sell or trade their present bike to buy a 14 the market becomes loaded-up with older pre-owned bikes, hence, further value lost. I think we are already seeing this happen. If anyone is really happy with their current bike, I would never recommend buying a new model, unless money is no object. If on the other hand a rider is looking for more comfort, better handling, braking, etc. you cannot upgrade the old bike and achieve the same result. It's better IMHO to bite the bullet and start enjoying all the upgrades.
As you stated; you can save a bundle buying a pre-owned 09 through 13 right now. They are real nice bikes as well, I just ask myself, why did so many upgrade to a 14? I know why I upgraded from a 07 to a 14 and don't regret a single dollar. I am not getting any younger, who knows if I will even be around in 3 or 4 years. Life is short.
I have learned more since my last post; thanks to cvoharley.com. The part numbers changes indicating a part change. I am not saying Harley did a great job on the later crankshafts, they did make changes? I assume to address the weakness issue? This shows the part numbers and years they served. Why would you keep changing the part numbers unless something changed?
Flywheel Assembly Kit part numbers:
2007, 2008, 2009 P/N 23729-07
2010 P/N 23729-07A (Not sure what changed)
2011, 2012, 2013 P/N 23723-07B (Changed to bushingless rods)
2014 P/N 24100021 (No idea what if anything changed for 2014)
Hopefully, in time we will know all the answers.
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