Keep or try and trade
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 102
From: Central Illinois
I have thought about trading my bike for a newer used bike but there is just too much risk with a used bike. Who knows what problems you could be stuck with. Imagine getting one of these $15,000 plus bikes and finding out the flywheels are scissored, or it uses oil or blows it out the air filter. Or maybe the trans bearings are going or there is some electrical gremlin. Or maybe its a bike that was wrecked, repaired and then traded off. That "good deal" can become an expensive nightmare.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,051
Likes: 161
From: Between Chicago & Milwaukee
The new frame with the (imho) StreetGlide influenced larger diameter front wheel and fat rear tire that appears from '09 forward definitely has a different feel to it.Depends on personal preference....One rider's perception of greater stability can be seen by another as less responsiveness.
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Greer SC
The more I read and think about it, I will just keep the 05 and a few more years maybe get something else. Would like to have the 6 gal tank and 6th gear. But at least mine is paid for and it just took me on a 3700 trip. Thanks for all the comments and suggestions.
Semper Fi
Semper Fi
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,863
Likes: 55
From: Sedalia,Missouri
Enjoy your 05, I think you made a wise decision. Not all of us have the disposible income to trade often. I know some guys that trade bikes before they need their original tires replaced.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 469
Likes: 3
From: Arizona
Ten days ago I passed up on a 2007 Ultra with 1,352 miles on it for 12k. I hemmed and hawed for several days because it was a two tone green color. Really strange color combo. Someone else snagged it and I'm kicking myself now. Moral of the story is wait for a good deal and be ready to jump on it when it comes along. Stay away from the dealer on used bikes.
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 992
Likes: 2
From: TN
Had to go and get a floorboard insert today at the local dealer. They had a 08 ultra for 15990 with 22,000 miles and a 10 ultra with 12,000 for 16990. I have a 05 ultra with about 44,000 miles. But mine is paid for just wondering if it is worth trying to trade up or just keep mine. Lets see what everyone says.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,976
Likes: 49
From: Northern California
Most of the improvements from the 2009 and the 2014 versus the pre 2009 bikes CANNOT be noticed by the average rider, Most parrot what they hear from others and again MOST cannot even ride a pre 2009 anywhere near the limits of the machine capabilities.
Of course any new machine is going to "feel" better and who would ever admit they did not actually notice much difference after plopping down a bunch of money or signing a promise note to the bank???
Is the ABS safer= yes of course it is.
More power= yup.
Of course any new machine is going to "feel" better and who would ever admit they did not actually notice much difference after plopping down a bunch of money or signing a promise note to the bank???
Is the ABS safer= yes of course it is.
More power= yup.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 465
Likes: 5
From: Cleveland, Ohio
I was in the same boat you were. I had a 2006 FLHR with 28k miles on it. It was paid for.
I traded it in on a 2008 UC with 18k miles on it. I got the deal down to 14.5k for the bike. They gave me 8k for my trade-in.
The 6 gal tank and 6 speed trans is something I wanted ever since I had the FLHR.
But that's all relative of what you want in a new bike and how you feel about taking on the debt.
I traded it in on a 2008 UC with 18k miles on it. I got the deal down to 14.5k for the bike. They gave me 8k for my trade-in.
The 6 gal tank and 6 speed trans is something I wanted ever since I had the FLHR.
But that's all relative of what you want in a new bike and how you feel about taking on the debt.
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