Still quite new in here, just after an opinion.

Got my eye on a 2008 or a 2010 or 2011 Ultra classic.

I know there was a frame change in 2009.

The 08 and 10 both have 96ci and six speed and the 2011 is a 103ci.

Is the frame change so dramatic and in front of the 08 and is the 103ci once again a big step up.

I sorta cant see that the 08 frame could be that bad somehow.

You valued opinions welcome

Cheers

Kappy 

I'd go 2011 without hesitation. Stiffer frame, larger engine displacement which you can notice so therefore important for a heavy tourer, and newer bike. Unless there is a big diff in cost go the 2011.

Does that make my '99 a piece of crap?.........works OK for me.

Not a bad question for someone to ask if their new to harley's , and buying a used touring model ..
Yes they improved frame ,(and a few other things ), on the 09 up touring models , Google to see what the major changes were ..

The 08 and earlier tourers had a tendency to have a wobble problem at high speed cornering , a true track stabalizing system seems to fix that.. That being said , I have heard the newer models can also benefit , handling wise, with a true tack or similar system ...

No doubt it will come down to price and mileage and if you know the bike or not .. Do your research and then only you can make the decision ...

The way the market is at the moment , you should be able to do a great deal on either bike you mentioned ...

A couple of simple questions to ask regarding both bikes would be,,, What mods have been done, stage 1 etc ?? Does it come with a turner ? and what type? Service history ??

If you can put in the extra bucks, and all the boxes are ticked ,, the 2011 , with 103 at the right price, would be my pick !!!

Then again , why dont you pony up and snap up a 2015 run out when the 2016 are on the floor !!! Now ya talking !!!!!! Good luck what ever you do !!

Back in 1989 till around 1994 I rode what I believe was a FXRP and can't recall any of the handling issues mention.

Seems a bit doomy gloomy.

If I understand the issue mentioned apparently appears when pushed hard, Yes.

May have to stick 2010 and younger.

Saw a nice 2015 CVO today didn't bother to ask price.

Go the '10 , better frame , and not much seat of the pants feel difference between a stock 96 and 103 , in my books .

The pressure, the pressure 

Looks like the 2011 103ci has aluded me.

Think I'd be happy with a 2010 or even the anniversary 2008.

Just a a liitle OCD can someone advise the biggest reliable upgrade one can do without having to go to a shop or dealer.

More to be revealed, just exploring info.

$$$$$ a only few weeks away and then it will happen.

Get the '10 .

Am I being picking?

Recently I have been researching several Ultra's and getting pissed of at the way they are advertised.

2010 Ultra classic, $xxx, turns out actually a 2008 build first registered 2010.

2013 Ultra Classic $xxxxxx, turns out 2012 build, 1st Registered 2013.

My understanding is the compliance plate dictates the the age, no matter how many K's or how good it is it will always be what ever the plate states.

Classic case you buy a Harley say in January 2014 with a build date 12/13 the dealer passes it off at a 2013 price, when you go to trade have a guess what you get a 2012 price.

So why can't people just be real.

End of gripe.

Oh BTW would 61000K on a 103ci be anything to be concern with and what would an upgrade on a 96ci be likely to set me back and is it a realistic expense that I could do my self.

A 2008 bike is a 2008 bike but it can be a 2009 model if it was made sept 2008 onwards when the next years models start to be manufactured. But it is never a 2010 bike regardless of when it was first registered.

So with your examples for 2012 and 2014 bikes, the bikes are probably being sold by correct model year. The "year" should be the model year, not the manufacture year, not the compliance year, not the first rego year. And model year can sometimes be one year later than manufacture year as indicated above.

A well looked after twin cam should be fine with 60,000 on the clock and even more so for a tourer many of which have highway kms on their mileages. Having said that I wouldn't buy one with that many kms on it. I'd be looking for one under 20,000 kms at most.