Electra Glides to avoid?
#31
04-25-2024, 01:39 PM
#32
04-25-2024, 01:49 PM
#33
04-25-2024, 02:03 PM
Grand HDF Member
The following 2 users liked this post by hd4evr2008:
07UltraGuy (04-25-2024),
Beemertrash (04-26-2024)
#35
04-25-2024, 05:50 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
#36
04-25-2024, 07:02 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
I’ve had an ‘06 Ultra & now an ‘07 Ultra.
If I were looking to buy today, these are the things that would direct my choice.
08+ has a 6 gallon tank. This doesn’t seem like a big deal, until everyone else you’re riding with also has a 6 gallon tank.
08+ has larger/better Brembo brakes. Better stopping is always better.
14+ has the larger/better stereo w/ a screen for your maps right where it should be without adding a phone mount to the handlebar.
They also have better aftermarket radio options w/ touchscreen, BT, CarPlay, Android Auto, etc.
08+ all use the same seat fitment/attaching methods so there are more options out there for alternate seats.
08+ has Throttle By Wire which may or may not matter to you.
09+ has a wider swingarm to accommodate a bigger rear tire.
14+ has larger diameter front forks, making for a smoother ride.
08+ most likely has ABS which was a very rare option before ‘08 and not available prior to maybe 05/06.
08+ has a larger frame than prior years.
09+ has a larger frame than the 08.
07+ has a 6 speed gearbox
There are a few other improvements/changes across your model range too, like pulley sizes and gear ratios.
There are also some parts that are becoming either difficult to find and/or very expensive on the older models, such as the cruise control module.
There’s still a large aftermarket industry making pretty much whatever else you might end up needing, but finding a shop that can/will still work on the older bikes is also getting more difficult.
Oh yeah, I would avoid the 2008 model if at all possible, as it is a one-year only for many items to accommodate the transition to the 09+ frames.
I’d be looking for a 2013 or a 2014 if I were buying today. The biggest noticeable difference between these is the single-hand bag latches on the 14 (which you can certainly put on the older models), and the fairing shape and radio.
If I were looking to buy today, these are the things that would direct my choice.
08+ has a 6 gallon tank. This doesn’t seem like a big deal, until everyone else you’re riding with also has a 6 gallon tank.
08+ has larger/better Brembo brakes. Better stopping is always better.
14+ has the larger/better stereo w/ a screen for your maps right where it should be without adding a phone mount to the handlebar.
They also have better aftermarket radio options w/ touchscreen, BT, CarPlay, Android Auto, etc.
08+ all use the same seat fitment/attaching methods so there are more options out there for alternate seats.
08+ has Throttle By Wire which may or may not matter to you.
09+ has a wider swingarm to accommodate a bigger rear tire.
14+ has larger diameter front forks, making for a smoother ride.
08+ most likely has ABS which was a very rare option before ‘08 and not available prior to maybe 05/06.
08+ has a larger frame than prior years.
09+ has a larger frame than the 08.
07+ has a 6 speed gearbox
There are a few other improvements/changes across your model range too, like pulley sizes and gear ratios.
There are also some parts that are becoming either difficult to find and/or very expensive on the older models, such as the cruise control module.
There’s still a large aftermarket industry making pretty much whatever else you might end up needing, but finding a shop that can/will still work on the older bikes is also getting more difficult.
Oh yeah, I would avoid the 2008 model if at all possible, as it is a one-year only for many items to accommodate the transition to the 09+ frames.
I’d be looking for a 2013 or a 2014 if I were buying today. The biggest noticeable difference between these is the single-hand bag latches on the 14 (which you can certainly put on the older models), and the fairing shape and radio.
#37
04-25-2024, 07:22 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
I am not sure I would recommend 2008. Are seats hard to find? Only year with old frame and 6 gallon tank. Though myself, I kind like old frame, and 6 gallon tank is plug. I am cramped on the new frame, atleast on mine. But I also realize the benefits of blue tooth and saddle bags out weigh the frame. Hopefully the come out with a new new frame.
#38
04-25-2024, 08:19 PM
How about that narrow, cush drive rear wheel, or the rear ABS line, or several seat brands that don't fit 08, but fit the 09+ for starters?
#39
04-25-2024, 09:40 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
#40
04-26-2024, 01:58 AM
Club Member
Sounds like you need to test ride some bikes if you have not already. The first few years of new engine designs are like beta with bugs to be sorted, but those things can be dealt with if they haven’t been already, so not a deal breaker, and could be a good bargaining chip if you like the bike. All of those issues are addressed in depth on this forum.
I would also consider M8 bikes. I have a 107 M8 Softail and that engine is very good and very fun and the mapping, FI, TBW is excellent. I bought it because I found it for a pretty good price so it was a safe way for me to satisfy my curiosity about the M8. That being said, my ‘97 carbed Evo Road King is my favorite bike, eventhough it’s a bit underpowered. Good luck with your search!
I would also consider M8 bikes. I have a 107 M8 Softail and that engine is very good and very fun and the mapping, FI, TBW is excellent. I bought it because I found it for a pretty good price so it was a safe way for me to satisfy my curiosity about the M8. That being said, my ‘97 carbed Evo Road King is my favorite bike, eventhough it’s a bit underpowered. Good luck with your search!