Looking at new bikes and wanted to see if there was really that big of a difference between the old and new frames on the ultra classic?

 

Yes, there is a big difference.

 

I'm told by very experienced riders that you feel the difference mainly while pushing your bike hard thru a curve ( leaning ). More than one salesman has confided that the frame alone is not worth trading for. I'm sure others have different opinions though.

 

I don't understand why and how much difference a little wider rear tire would make like on the '09 touring models. It only my opinion but there could only be a negligible difference in the amount of rubber that actually contact the road. I'm sure Harley engineers know more than I do. The biggest difference I really like is the 1 gallon larger fuel tank. With the larger frame and more fuel capacity, I would think the '09 touring bikes would be heavier.

 

My short ride on an 09 confirmed that the feel is more stable, less top-heavy, and more nimble? than my 04. That would be an unprofessional opinion of someone who wants a new bike.

 

The only change is not a bigger tyre, that makes no real difference. The engine to frame mounting (extra link) and the new swing arm, together with the stiffer frame make the whole thing a lot tighter and more precise.

I went fron an 07 RK to an 09 and they are worlds apart. IMHO the 09 bikes are the best bike they have made so far, not withstanding the 10's as I dont know much about em and am happy with my RK.

 

Yes, IMO, there is a big difference. I had a 1990 FLHS years ago and rode it all over, the 05 I had for a short time (just recently got back into riding) before I traded for the 09 recently wobbled and was unstable, what is funny is I dont remeber that from the 90 (maybe its just brain fade), but with that said the minute I rode the 09 I was sold, no wobble on the highway lines, corners where much smoother and the first thing my wife said when she rode was how amazed she was over the good ride and how smooth it was. I will admit the 05 had a tick over 20K on it and I had bought it used, so maybe it was just that bike, at any rate, I love the 09!

 

I agree with what has been said. I have owned both an 05 and now an 09.

Dave

 

I'm not sure how much more "stable" you could make my '08 but everybody's got an opinion!!

 

What really sets the 09s apart is the improved handling you get when getting into really rough road and fast sweepers. You won't notice much difference just riding down the smooth highway...
Also, the new engine mounts frame the engine perfectly and the at idle vibrations are way way down over the 08 and below bikes.
Need another plus? Front motor mounts don't need to be replaced all the time (or never), bat wing fairing mounts don't break as much (or never), you can read the display of your radio at idle (always).

lp