I have a 2009. The springer is a little more maintenance, in that the schedule for adjusting the neck bearings is every 2500 miles. Other than that very thing else is about a wash as far as maint. goes. I find the stock seat limits my time in the saddle to about 6 hours with adequate breaks. Of course that could have more to do with my 61 year old ass. The lower clearance might take some getting used to, especially if you are in the habit of pushing your sporty hard in the curves. I was making sparks on a regular basis the first couple of weeks. I love the bike and love the look of a springer.