09 disappointed
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 1
From: Pittsburgh, PA
My friend has an '09 and I rode it. I didn't like the extra weight of it. Mine had more get up and go. I absolutely hate the new exhaust, looks stupid and puts all the heat on the same side. His front tire slides in corners, terrible design. I do like the fat rear tire and fender but that's about all. I wouldn't trade him if he threw in an extra $5k cash.
Last edited by ezriderpgh; Apr 19, 2009 at 05:38 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix
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 Captain
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 548
Likes: 1
i did to especialy in hard cornering, huge diff. I really thought they did a nice job
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 6,682
Likes: 12
My salesman showed me the HD letter with the new colors AND the book with color chip chart for the 10's. I couldn't get too excited about the colors...if you like black...you're in luck. Black/red, Black/blue, Ice black/pearl white (custom)...silver, blue, red, silver/black....he thought the colors were a bit dull as well. Did have a crimson red, but that's only offered in a few models...can't remember which. Perhaps the actual bikes will be better in person. The black ice is very similar to the current custom color out now.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 226
Likes: 8
From: Creola, AL.
A stock FHLR with a 17" front wheel, mag wheels, ABS, and that new frame will out ride anything previous as long as its stock. The PCV, Screaming Eagle intake tract and free flowing mufflers made mine a fire breathing monster, but its still a stock 96 cid motor. I ride with friends on European sport bikes and none of them can believe the new FLH series. The only thing they got on me is they can do 150 + in a long straight away. Keep them in tight twisties, and under 100 mph and I can ride with any of them.
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Club Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,864
Likes: 3
From: Dallas, TX & Santa Fe, NM when I can find the time....
Obviously I like the color and am partial to it 'cuz I picked it over the others, but IMO the colors just work for the RKC .
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,864
Likes: 3
From: Dallas, TX & Santa Fe, NM when I can find the time....
He didn't know of any, but like the Service Manager, speculates there will be a CVO Street Glide. He also THINKS there will be big changes to the Soft Tail Family...then again, that's just his opinion.