| Author | Message | ||
     Dwardo |
I decided I need a Road King or a Glide to go along with the M2 and the Norton. I'm way to cheap to buy a new one, so my question is, what are the significant improvements made in the last several years? I'm not that familiar with these bikes and I'd be happy to buy a bike several years old if it had low miles and was stock. What I'd like to know is if they were significantly improved at some point in time. I don't mind a carburetor at all so maybe FI isn't that important an improvement. Opinions? | ||
| Dynasport |
I'd have to do some research that you could probably do as easy as I could to learn the years these improvements took place, but in the last several years the bike has gone from 88ci to 96ci, from a five speed to a six speed transmission, the tank has increased in size for a greater touring range. At some point HD also implemented an electronic cruise control so it is easier and cheaper to add. The stereo has also been improved. I know this is of limited use without the model years provided, but I don't track these bikes well enough to remember those details. By far the biggest improvement seems to have been the new frame, but that was this year (2009) and I doubt you will find one terribly cheaper than new right now. Good luck. I think I'd end up with the Road Glide if it was me. (Message edited by dynasport on April 05, 2009) | ||
| Madduck |
In the midwest, any bagger is hard to get. the 09's aren't as popular, seems a lot of Harley faithful don't really like the stiff suspension and the ABS brakes. Big changes to take for people that have been riding essentially the same bike for 30 years. More power and smoother were all good, race tuned suspension and complicated maintenace braking system not as good. I would love an 09 but my 07 Street Glide fits me well and runs great. Altho I have gotten several rather attractive offers to swap for an 09 from people wanting to go backwards. | ||
| Strokizator |
In '07 I sold my 1995 Road King after 13 years of trouble free riding. Between '94 and '06, the changes were just incremental so if you find a good deal on an earlier model you won't be giving up much. '07 and up they went to an even bigger engine and the 6speed tranny. Of course '09 is a whole new ball game. I wouldn't worry about whether it had a carb or FI. I put a Yost power tube on the stock CV carb and it ran flawlessly and got good mileage (high 40's). | ||
| Shupe |
84-98 - Evo 80 inch Electraglides = 760 lbs 88-06 - TC 88 inch 07 - TC 96 inch, 6 speed 09 first all new frame since 1980, but 860 lbs. Supposedly much better handling. Some, like me, feel a stock Evo is the most dependable motor HD has made. I have a 97 EG Classic I bought new, 65k, still runs great, motor has never been opened up. | ||
| Citified |
I wouldn't touch anything older than 09 after having ridden it, handles like a dream. But, if you don't spoil yourself with the new fame then an older one would be fine. in 07 the 6 gallon fuel tank came out. the 08 is kind of a bastard child not sure the differences but people say to stay away. Evo models are bullet proof, later TC88s are dead reliable also. I have heard of crank run-out problems in the TC96 and the TC110 blows. I personally would get an 04 to 06. | ||
| Nevrenuf |
totally agree on the 04-06. have an 04 ultra and compared to the 01 that i had prior, it is a great handling bike for an ultra. mainly because the seat is lower than it was on the 01 and being vertically challenged a little, i have no problems whipping it around "almost" as much as i can with the m2 or xt. the haven't sat on an 08 but the 09's are higher in the seat. and as far as touring goes, there is no better way to go. if your worried about power, then get the big bore kit in it. we had that done on the 01 and it was nice to have. | ||
| Marks3tbillet |
2002 is best twin cam, last year timken case bearing, first year Delphi fuel injection. 2003 started cheaper bearings, 2004 started cast instead of forged crank. 2005 had many oil burning heads, 2006 is okay. 1999 had some bad cam bearings, 2000 also. 2001 okay if carbureted. Nothing wrong with Evos that I know. I love my '99 twin cam but I went gear drive when fixing the cam bearings. | ||
| Dwardo |
Thanks, guys. That gives me something to go on. Anybody have any Norton Commando parts? |
