Actually, thats the easiest way for me to distinguish the 2009 and 2010 Street Glides apart... the 2010 is much more recognizeable with the low-profile front rubber. Maybe it's just because I'm used to looking at my 2010 that the 2009 front tire looks so fat? As for the new heli-cut 5th gear... I have not seen a single post here, or ever heard of anyone blowing 5th gear in a 2010 or newer 6-speed trans?? Anyone?? However, I have experienced the 5th gear whine in my Bro's 2009 RKC, which my 2010 SG does not have. As for the 2010 2/1 pipe...Harley Davidson advertised the 2010 Steet Glide with the 2/1 exhaust as an "increased power" feature over the previous year (2009) 2/1/2 Street Glide, despite the catalytic converter. Which of course everyone knows the 2/1 system produces more power than a 2/1/2 or 2/2... "Just sayin".

 

dyno numbers show no power increase with the harley 2-1...straight gear is stronger then helicut, catalytic bs robs power,,,,fatter tire means smoother ride...definetely 09 is better then a 10... heck with the harley kool aid

 

Yeah, we know that straight-cut gears are stronger than Heli-cut, but c'mon really? Is anyone here at risk of crunching 5th gear in their 2010 or newer 6-speeds, other than maybe the 1 or 2 guys here runner a Pro-Charger and nitrous?! We're not building drag bikes here. The likelyhood of anyone destroying 5th, or any other of the other 5 heli-cut gears in the tranny are slim to none. However, i guarantee someone here has noticed their 5th gear whine excessively in their 2009 bikes (it was all over these forums a couple years ago when the 09's came out. Not to mention all the Moto-mag write-ups).

As for the front wheel? I don't see alot of Dudes putting 17"/16" wheels with fat tires on their baggers. Nor do I see many successful bike shops selling alot of 17"/16" wheels for the new baggers. Not too many threads here claiming... "Yo Dudes, check-out my new 17" front wheel and matching rotor"!!

As for the header pipe. Even though it's common knowledge that 2-1 is better for performance (ask the Pro-Charger guys)... I'll let you have that one since the oem header is usually first to the scrap pile... cat or no cat. The 2010 pipe defiantely sucks becuse of the cat-converter. It generates a ton of heat, and restricts flow/performance. Even the 09 has an extremely pinched flow restricted cross-over pipe to the left side muffler. A good header, like the V&H Power Duals is a smooth, large diameter crossover pipe for improved flow.

By-the-way... I wasn't trying to convince anyone the 2010 SG is better than the 2009. My original reply was to simply point out some differences between the 09 and 10 bike that no one else had mentioned yet. Thats what the OP was asking for. Either bike will most certainly due! Whichever one you get though, I just recommend getting it in Vivid Black. "Because everyone knows Vivid Black is faster"!

 

Either year would be fine.

I have an '09 and I am happy that I got it instead of the '10. I prefer the 2-1-2 exhaust and the fact that the '09 has separate rear brake light. I prefer the classic look and safety of the separate brake light (much more visible, especially with LEDs).

The 5th gear is a no issue for me as I do not even notice it (the bike is harley loud...). The 18" wheel is another no issue as I changed the wheels anyway...

So, for me it would depend on purchase price, but I would favor the '09...

 

LMAO....main thing is if its a 09 or 10 get the extended warranty cause the chinese bearings and all the bs electronics are bound to fail unless you don't ride alot and if you ride it like you stole it. JMO

 

Thanks for all the great info...I'm buying the bike up in Canada so I don't think the cat thing is an issue...not sure though. Either way pipes are first to change.

 

Enjoy the Glide Dude!