For you guys that have ridden Harley's for years, I was wanting to know how engine heat from a 2008 Electra Glide Ultra Classic compares to a 2011 Electra Glide Ultra Classic when it comes to the passenger. I can see the pipes are routed under the riders on the 2011. The reason I am asking, is because I am looking at these bikes and can't decide on which one to go with. The 08 has less than 3,000 original miles and the 11 has under 9,000. The 08 cost $1,000 less. I am not worried about the age differences because of the extended warranties I can get when a buy a bike. Any advice from the experts would be appreciated. Thanks

 

11 has the new-er style frame which is preferable along with all of the innovations of the 09 and that would be my choice over the two.

 

To me its about the same. I'd get the 2011. Its got the new frame and it handles better and is more stable at higher speed. The 2011 will be worth more when you sell or trade it.

 

Most will agree that as the engines cubic inches have increased, so has the heat. My '04 Dyna with the 88" motor did not put out as much heat as my '07 Ultra with the 96". However since both of these engines (the '08 and '11) are the same, the only difference in heat that I can imagine would be from the catalytic converter that will be on the '11. For that reason alone, I suppose the '11 would put out more heat than the '08. In theory at least.

However, the '11 has the new frame design which started with the '09's. For the extra $1000, all other things being equal, why would you not go with the newer bike? Having said that I will tell you, I've ridden the newer frame bikes and didn't perceive any real difference in handling.

Oh, and welcome to the forum. If you do buy one of those bikes and become a regular on this forum, a word of advice, hold on to your wallet.

 

 

Like others have said...go with the 2011. It has the newer frame and a few other significant upgrades. All for only $1000 more? If you can afford to, I would go with a 2012. It has a few things standard that were options on the 2011s.

 

Most definitely the 11

 

I would go with the 2011 just because it is newer. The 2008 even with 3K will need tires due to their age. Are you able to test ride either one?

 

'08 is a bastard year.

They made a few changes from the '07, then did a complete frame re-design in '09.

I would stay away from the '08 if at all possible to buy '09 up.

 

2011. Yes, the 2008 is all by itself.