Bagger Brace vs. 2009
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 735
Likes: 0
From: australia
My 07 handled well but above 70 on long sweeping curves it could rear steer (Wallow) around a bit but was never out of control like a tank slapper. I fitted the Progressive stabilizer and its made a huge difference to the bike with no more rear steer or wallow at any speed through sweepers I noticed no extra vibe's with the stabilizer . I also fitted progressive fork springs and 416 air shocks. I push my bikes very hard through corners and would be very surprised if a 09 could handle any better than my bike with this suspension set up.
Last edited by hogbag07; Jun 5, 2009 at 11:49 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 702
Likes: 1
From: U.S.S.A.
You know, the handling that makes the 09 worth it for me is how it handles on rain grooves, steel grate surfaces like crossing a bridge or uneven road surfaces that you see during road construction. I used to add five miles to my ride to work just to skip those parts of our highways because my 02 was so squirrelly. My 09 SG doesn't feel different from one surface to the next. I am told that the improvement on those surfaces is a result of the improved 09 tires, not the frame. I don't know, but I'm sold on the 09 mainly for that reason.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,639
Likes: 2
From: Australia
I would advise you stick with the 09. The frame is a lot stiffer, the suspension has been revised to match as have the tyres. The 07 wouldnt have the Brembos either, I think. There is no way I would be without them, they are just awesome brakes.
Thanks guys. Think Im staying with the 09. Got a guy that wants to buy it outright. May let him and wait for the '10 and get a blue one instead. Mine and the wife's fave color. Hope I can get the same deal considering it was still above MSRP.
What changed about the tires? Was told it was a big deal.
What changed about the tires? Was told it was a big deal.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,639
Likes: 2
From: Australia
Lower profile tyres, 17" on the front as long as you went with cast wheels, the laced were 16". 16" x 180 on the back.
The tyres are grippier and handle better imo. wear out much faster tho...
The tyres are grippier and handle better imo. wear out much faster tho...
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 897
Likes: 10
From: Oregon
while there is no doubt the 09 frame is much improved, its not apples to apples just comparing them in some aspects. tires make a huge difference in tracking especially on grooved pavement. the stock dunlops on pre-09 bikes are debatably the worst tires in existence for following defects in the road. the E3's on the new bikes do not do this, as well as most any other tire than the OEM dunlops for pre -09 bikes. i seriously doubt the more rigid frame makes any difference in how the bike tracks in grooved pavement, i think its all in the tires there. now for the mid sweeper death wobble, the new frame is supposed to help that.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,639
Likes: 2
From: Australia
Help??? Eliminate more like. I have taken sweepers at over 100mph chasing sports bikes and I can tell you the 09 frame doesnt wobble. If I had tried that on my 1997 with a brace I would have been off the bike.