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16 vs 17, 103 vs 107

37K views 47 replies 26 participants last post by  Croxy 
#1 ·
In the market for a new bike, could save $4k on a 16. is the 17's worth it???
 
#2 ·
Ridden Them?

Ride them and then decide!
I own a 15 (103) which is a great bike, however, that 107 is worth the difference out of the box. No update on the mufflers needed (500$). The lower idle (priceless and historic) as well as the increase in performance. Well worth the money.
 
#4 ·
When you consider what most people spend on upgrades, I would say yes. I own both a '16 and '17, but the '17 is a Road King. It is a better bike. It is the latest greatest. Suspension is better. Tranny is better. Engine is better. Is it $4000 dollars better? Only you can decide that.
 
#9 ·
Actually there isn't any proof that the 107 engine and tranny is better then the 103's engine and tranny, it will take a few years to prove that there is a improvement in quality in the 107.
I personally would wait a few years and let HD get the bugs out, a good example is when HD came out with the TBW (Throttle By Wire) in 2008, HD had problems with the TBW system up to 2010 and their only fix was to put dielectric grease on the TCA plug, but in 2011 the better fix was introduced by HD by re-pinning the TCA plug with silver coated pins, it took 3 year models to fix this TBW problem.
Buy what you can afford, but the 103 engine has more performance and aftermarket part options available at this time.
 
#5 ·
When they came out with the 'rushmore' bike I had wanted to upgrade from my 2013. I'm glad I didn't do so and waited. This is my third Road Glide (10, 13, now 17) and it is a huge improvement over the previous models right out of the box. Having said that, I'm sure the '16 was an improvement also.

I originally was in the market for a '16, figuring the same as you, that I would be saving a chunk of change. When I considered my total cost, ultimately the little bit I would have saved, which really wasn't that much frankly, I knew I would be happier in the long run with the '17. No question, I would have been kicking myself if I didn't go this route. It doesn't mean you will though so nobody can make that decision for you. The fact that it's a concern for you though is food for thought.

One complaint I have.....I was riding home in 40 degree weather a few nights ago and I missed that blazing heat from the '13's exhaust :smile:
 
#6 · (Edited)
I traded at 2016 RGU for a 2017 RGU. Had 20K on the 2016. It served me well and I could have rode it longer.
The right deal was sitting in front of me. I wanted the new engine and that influenced my trade. No regrets with doing it.
The TC will be around a long time like the EVO but it has been replaced. Agree or not HD made a major move with the M8. Buying a discounted new 2016 may not be the deal you think it is if dollars is all you are looking at. On the other hand if the 2016 will fit your needs for a long time to come it can be a good option. Only you and you bank account can make the call. I ride a lot the M8 is a major change IMO for the good.
I know many b--- about the TC I put a lot of miles on each one 2007 RG. 2011 RGU, 2013 RGU , 2016 RGU only 20K on that one. And now the 2017 RGU the 17 is a major change.
 
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#7 ·
Given the number of people trading 2016s in for 2017s I'd imagine you can get more than $4k off buying a used 2016. I had a 96" motor in my last glide and a 103" in a Street Bob and I liked them both. I love the new M8 107" motor and if the price of the bike doesn't make you uncomfortable then ride them both and decide but if for any reason, near full price on a M8 makes you cringe...do not go ride one.
 
#8 ·
You may save 4K on the older bike at purchase, but when you go to trade it in a few years... man, that's going to suck.

Plus, you will not get to enjoy all of the improvements. The Engine alone is worth it, never mind the suspension which is fantastic for the first time ever.
 
#37 ·
You may save 4K on the older bike at purchase, but when you go to trade it in a few years... man, that's going to suck.



Plus, you will not get to enjoy all of the improvements. The Engine alone is worth it, never mind the suspension which is fantastic for the first time ever.


So my 2007 is worthless now?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
#10 ·
I myself would buy the 16. As i said before i went several times to trade in my 16 for a 17 and everytime left. I was not happy enough riding it or at least enough to trade in the bike i worked so hard to make mine. I have raced the m8 about a dozen times now and won 90 percent of the time. Both bikes had the same work done as well. So what drives me nuts is when you see someone make a post stating how much more powerful the new engine is. Bottom line is they are both slow lol they are quick for what they are and thats it. Dont get me wrong the m8 is a awesome bike but just not for me.

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#11 ·
Do you know how long you plan to keep it, and how much of a loss you'ld be willing to take when you decide you want something newer? I ride a 16RGU, and love the bike. I also had a 17RGS loaner for two weeks and it was a BLAST to ride. As much as I like my 16 I know I'll be trading it in, in the next few years. I also realize its value will drop, even more so because it's a twin cam. The hype over a new design needs bugs worked out might have merit, but in today's world I won't let that dissuade me. Even my 16 had a few recalls already. Water pump went out on it recently, but that design has been out since inception of the Rushmore watercooled bikes, a feature I waited for that I now no longer trust. Go for the 17. Buy once, cry once.
 
#12 ·
Personally, I am just going to keep my 2015 RGS for now. I have seen too many times when a new engine/drive train comes out, on anything, that after the first year or two the truth about reliability and performance comes forth. Some were disasters.

Just a few examples, outside of the MoCo:

Remember the early V4 Hondas of the 80s? Bad ass but with shitty oil systems and supply to the cams.
BMW touring bike rear drives? Some caught on fire.
1980s Oldsmobile "diesels"? What POSs!

It pays to wait.
 

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#13 ·
Well I'm sure having a new M8 Roadglide is great but IMO not great enough for me to start all over again.
I just can't ride a stock bike and not having all the options out there available would be the deal breaker for sure.
I'm very happy with my 2015 RGS & the 103 is a proven engine.
Full stage one with maybe some cams and I'm good to go.
My 2015 RGS already has over 43,000 miles and yes a few things needed to be fixed, but that's what my warranty is for.
Very happy with my sled and you really can't go wrong with a 2016 or M8 2017.
If you want to truly make your bike your own, then go with the 2016 RGS.
The saving money up front part means nothing to me.
One way or another you lose so trick out the bike and ride the hell out of it and don't worry about re-sale later.
Good luck in your decision.
Swomack
 
#15 ·
If you are buying new, no way would I go with the '16 unless the price is a deal breaker.

I looked at a '16 RG CVO wth very steep discounts. Rode that one and a '17 RGU. The '17 RGU now sits in my garage. I know that I would be kicking myself later if I would have been lured by all the bells and whistles on last year's CVO. The new bikes are amazing. I did a stage 1 on the 17 and I am golden for some time to come.

Dude, get the '17!
 
#16 ·
There is a FUCKTON of '16s and older on the market now and dealers are trying like hell to get rid of them - My suggestion is ride them both and then think about the long haul.....what do you want out of the bike? - You'll never get that Harley Sound out of a '17 and keep your warranty due to the Cat.....just not possible - The '17 is Jap Bike smooth (Motor, Trans, Susp) and many say that is not what a Harley should feel like......but who are they to tell you what your bike should feel like

They are not REALLY dealing on the '17s as they do not have to - Hell, getting a screaming deal on a '15 and using the saved money to make the bike what you want is a route to consider too........but I am partial to bad ass built to fuck '15s though
 
#17 ·
I think it really comes down to what kind of Harley rider/owner are you. If you like improved performance and doing some mods yourself, then a 15 or 16 may suit you better since there is numerous options from the aftermarket to go crazy on. However, if you are the type that just wants to ride and not worry about performance gain mods then the 17 may suit you better. Keep in mind that only mods you can legally do to the 17 is Harley exclusive EPA approved parts and we all know Harley is a lot more expensive than the aftermarket. Another way to look at the choice of 15/16 or the 17 is the test ride. I own a 15 RGS with stage 1 upgraded air cleaner, de-cat exhaust and an FP-3 tuner. Performance is much improved over stock. I test road the 17 M8 RGS and thought there was only slightly more low end torque in 1st and 2nd gear, after that I felt there was no difference in my bike and the M8 engine. You didn't mention if you were a 2 up rider, if so the stock low end torque could make a difference to you on the M8. Also, the stock seat on the RGS is a PITA, literally. That has not changed on the 17 RGS but the improved suspension does make the 17 feel better in the butt. I was comparing RGS models, if you are looking at the Ultra's the seat is different. Also, I put a Sundowner seat on my 15 so I don't feel the difference in the suspension as much as others do.
 
#20 ·
You say that the dealer will discount the 2016 by $4,000. That is not enough. I bought a 2017 RGS in Laguna Orange (the hottest color for 2017) and the dealer discounted that bike by $2,200 off MSRP, and gave me a high dollar for my 2013 trade-in. So if your dealer will take off the same $2,200 then you are really only getting $1,800 in savings. Then also consider that RGS depreciate $3,000 in their first year, so your dealer would have to discount that bike an additional $1,200 (1800 + 1200=3000) to make it worth it.

Another thing to consider is how long do you typically keep your bike? If you keep it 10 years or longer then don't worry as much about depreciation because in 10 years you should have gotten your money's worth out of that bike. If you keep your bike for 5 years or less then you will want to consider how much your bike is gonna be worth in trade in. As each "big improvement" from HD comes out (103 TC, then Rushmore, now the M8) the previous designed bikes then suddenly take a BIG hit in depreciation. Just ask anyone trading in a pre-Rushmore bike.

On the M8s the aftermarket companies have not really produced much to make them faster. In a year I predict we will see complete exhausts, cams, ported heads, etc. Then we will really see what the M8s are capable of producing in the HP/TQ departments. So if you really need a bike that you can tune like crazy and get over 100hp/120tq out of right now then go with a 2016. I can wait for the aftermarket companies to catch up. When everyone's 2 year warranty from the MoCo runs out on the 17s then you will see everyone really making major engine modifications to their bikes.

I felt the improvements on the 17s are well worth the money. 4 valve per cylinder engine. Quieter shifts. Far better handling while stock with better shocks. To replace the shocks alone on a 16 will cost you $1,000 -1600. Primary is narrower, and less clunk when shifting.

IMO definitely go with the 17 and negotiate your best deal. Plus you can buy the best color that has been offered in 5 years...Laguna Orange.
 
#21 ·
IMO definitely go with the 17 and negotiate your best deal. Plus you can buy the best color that has been offered in 5 years...Laguna Orange.
When I decided to get the '17 Road King for the full naked riding experience, and touring capability to complement my Road Glide Ultra, I was looked in on that decision.

Then I saw that Laguna Orange Road Glide Special and had to convince myself that I was making the right decision, and that having two road glides would be a redundant riding experience.

Had fleeting thoughts of trading the RGU for that Laguna Orange and keeping the triumph. I know I made the right decision for me, but it was hard to resist.
 
#22 ·
I wouldnt worry about waiting a few years for HD to work the bugs out. The M8 is solid and it has warranty. Right now I would not buy a 16 for the sole reason of waiting for bugs to get worked out, if you already own a Rushmore bike and are happy, then just keep it until you are ready to get a new bike. But if you are shopping right now, look hard at the M8. Dont listen to anyone who says its not a better bike, just listen to all the happy M8 owners and how all of us will tell you the same thing- DONT RIDE ONE UNLESS YOU ARE WILLING TO PLOP DOWN THE $$$$ TO BUY ONE. Once you ride one, there is no going back.

Like I said, if you want to get a bike you can do a full custom aftermarket engine with, go with the 16, otherwise its a no brainer get the 17.
 
#30 ·
Brought her home today......only 3 celcius but had a good ride.....they were starting to brine the roads for possible snowfall tomorrow so brought her home........what a difference to my 01 Road Glide and my 10 Ultra Classic........rides beautifully but sadly now put away for a few months........

:eek:
 

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#32 ·
So far have only put new grips, highway pegs and the tail lights in the slots between the fender and bags......have my eyes on some more shiny bits... :grin: ... am waiting to see how things fall as far as pipes etc...... will not do anything that will affect the warranty but will likely do Stage One SE to protect myself that way.......

What a difference in power stock compared to my 96 with Stage One...... can we skip winter this year?
 
#42 ·
I will ... stay away from any test rides.
C'mon, be a man! :grin:

I still have a good excuse for not having ridden one yet: it's freezing! 0:) And the few times I tried they didn't have anything to test.

Lucky me... :wink:
 
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