09 disappointed
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,189
Likes: 787
From: Kansas City, Missouri
I think we are in the minority. I have an 08 road Glide and when the 09's came out I rode a couple of diffrent models at demo days. I liked my 08 better. only spending 20 or 30 miles at a time may not have been enough miles to really feel the diffrence. I guess ignorance, really is bliss. The rear tire looks cooler but I'll run mine a little longer before letting it go. I love that turquoise and antique white color. Sorry to see it's not making it in the 2010 lineup.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: League City, Tx
Before I bought mine I rented a 08 ultra for a long weekend trip (about 700 miles) and although the ride was similar there was a night and day difference in handling between that 08 and my 09 street glide. I know the lowered suspension might have a little to do with it but I suspect it's more the frame and suspension changes along with the wider rear tire. Mine is also a ton cooler, the weekend we rented it was hot and I thought I was going to have to get off the 08 because of all the heat.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,636
Likes: 1,207
From: Ohio
I test rode an 09 and did a long write up here on the forum. The bottom line for me is the 08 Ultra overall road smoother and better than the 09 FLHX. I know its like apples and oranges but they did not have an Ultra in stock to test ride. I will concede the FLHX handled a little better but I ride my Ultra 2-up anyway and loaded down so its not like it matters much. The best change from 08 to 09 is the gearing IMHO. We'll see if 2010 offers more to entice a trade. I cannot imagine too many changes for 2010...what would they change???
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 715
Likes: 1
That turqouise and white is indeed a gorgeous color. Looks the best on the RKC and on the Softail Deluxe, but on the Ultra? A bit too much. Just picked up my '09 a couple weeks ago and there are a few "interesting" traits. Though it might be an unfair comparison because mine has a factory 103 (it's a P bike) and it's sadly still running the choked up EPA intake/exhaust on it, this thing puts out enough heat to feel it while running down the turnpike. It will likely be better when she can breath better. The gas milage is CRAP unless you keep it below 70. And we're talking highway mileage. Yes, the mileage will go up when the motor loosens up a bit, but damn, I'm just about on E at 160 miles? Hell, I could get over 200 out of my 5 gallon tank on my '04! But not around town of course.
The front Brembo's are miles ahead of the previous calipers. A little too much initial bite, but that's an easy thing. The TBW is not as real-world progressive as a real throtle cable. There is a split-second lag from your wrist to throttle response. Very mild, but it's there. Except the just-off-idle transition, then it can be a little abrupt. That may likely disappear with a good intake/exhaust and tune. In the mean time you merely fine tune yourself to accommodate. The newer bike is definitely a tighter ride, as well it should be. Oh, and the same old oddly angled handlebars are just a P.I.T.A. compared to proper bars, like Heritage or FLTR bars.
Though my old bike was WAY more flashy, this bike feels so much more solid and I think I'll be happy with her for a long time once I tweak her for my needs.
I think I'll ceramic coat the head pipes.................and......................... ...
<insert donation here!>
The front Brembo's are miles ahead of the previous calipers. A little too much initial bite, but that's an easy thing. The TBW is not as real-world progressive as a real throtle cable. There is a split-second lag from your wrist to throttle response. Very mild, but it's there. Except the just-off-idle transition, then it can be a little abrupt. That may likely disappear with a good intake/exhaust and tune. In the mean time you merely fine tune yourself to accommodate. The newer bike is definitely a tighter ride, as well it should be. Oh, and the same old oddly angled handlebars are just a P.I.T.A. compared to proper bars, like Heritage or FLTR bars.
Though my old bike was WAY more flashy, this bike feels so much more solid and I think I'll be happy with her for a long time once I tweak her for my needs.
I think I'll ceramic coat the head pipes.................and......................... ...
<insert donation here!>
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
I too test road a 09 Road Glide and couldn't find enough positive things to justify losing money on my 07 flhrci. I ended up putting new floating rotors and a chrome front end on my king and not wasting the extra money on the new bike.
I think you made the right decision.
Scary
I think you made the right decision.
Scary
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,364
Likes: 33
From: So Cal The Golden State
To each his own, I felt their where significant differences with the 2007 vs 2009. To me exceded my expectaions. Just starting with Fly by wire and cruise control.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
there are a lot of used bikes that are not selling for the asking price. if you're happy with your 07, hang onto it. like i am with mine
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
From: st.charles mo.
I had a 2007 ultra and liked the bike but was not sold on the handling. I previously had a 1993 ultra and put 70,000 miles on it. I always told everyone that the 1993 handled better than my 2007. When the 2009 models came out I was impressed with the all the new changes from my 2007. I read most of the feedback everyone posted here and decided to test ride the 2009 ultra. I took it for a 15 minute test ride and didn,t notice much differance in the ride. That was back in november. Well I kept eyeing the new bikes at the dealership and in February I traded for a 2009 ultra-red hot sunglo. I can tell you that the 15 minute test ride did not do the 2009 ultra justice. The handling ,gearing and general performance has has gone far beyond my expectations. There is a night and day differance between the 07 and the 09 in my opinion. I traded my 07 with 23,000 miles and $4,700 for the 09 and have not regreted it. I believe this one will be a keeper. ride safe