08 ride compared to 09/10
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 244
Likes: 0
From: New Braunfels, TX
I rode my 08 Ultra 75 miles to a Harley dealer for work and then rode an 09 Ultra loaner back home. The 09 was much harsher on the road where I felt every bump. It vibrated much less at idle at traffic lights. Having ridden across country in 2008, I'd hate to have felt 6,000 miles of bumps. I'll keep the 08.
Advanced
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
I think the HD MoCo made a big publicity campaign announcing improvements to the chassis nuts Touring. But no big deal. Especially King lara Unar changes you do not like:
*Moto-highest.
*Salia leak-less classic.
*Rear fender-like Kawasaki.
*But heavy.
RK I I enjoy a Classic 08 and I definitely have the best of antuguas (More classic) and the best of the new (ABS, electronic throttle cable, Brembo).
HD and 2008 improved the chassis and are better than 2.007.
*Moto-highest.
*Salia leak-less classic.
*Rear fender-like Kawasaki.
*But heavy.
RK I I enjoy a Classic 08 and I definitely have the best of antuguas (More classic) and the best of the new (ABS, electronic throttle cable, Brembo).
HD and 2008 improved the chassis and are better than 2.007.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
It seems that the only folks that don't like the 09 just happen to have an 08. I wouldn't trade my 1962 girlfriend for a 1988, but everybody else probably would.
As many people have said here, if you like what you have, enjoy it. If you don't, there are plenty of options.
As many people have said here, if you like what you have, enjoy it. If you don't, there are plenty of options.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,151
Likes: 328
From: Southern Utah, USA
Everyone always harps on every twitch with these bikes. If its not the frame its the Dunlops. If its not the forks its bagger wobble.
In my spare time I ride a 1991 Honda CR-500. Run that monster up a sand wash at 60 MPH or climb a 45* sand dune and you feel like your on the back of a wild animal.
Nah...Any FLH I've climbed on feel as steady a rock...They're a frigg'n motorcycle for cry'n out loud.
Guys I've talked to that whine about handling issues mostly just need more seat time...But what do I know, I like sardines and hate caviar (I lack refinement).
FLAME ON!!
In my spare time I ride a 1991 Honda CR-500. Run that monster up a sand wash at 60 MPH or climb a 45* sand dune and you feel like your on the back of a wild animal.
Nah...Any FLH I've climbed on feel as steady a rock...They're a frigg'n motorcycle for cry'n out loud.
Guys I've talked to that whine about handling issues mostly just need more seat time...But what do I know, I like sardines and hate caviar (I lack refinement).
FLAME ON!!
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,552
Likes: 1
Seems to me that the difference felt will depend on your riding style. If you like to ride harder through the twisties an 09 might feel better to you, if you like to just putt around there might not be much of a difference. Some have complained that the 09 ride is harsh, I like the ride and feel that it's more planted in the turns than an pre-09. I'm coming from imports, what I've been riding for 30 years and the 09 frame really handles well to me, I don't feel as confident on a pre-09. Just my 2 cents.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,045
Likes: 36
From: ST. Louis
I traded an '08 Street Glide for an '09 Street Glide and have no regrets. The '09 is much more stable and I'm not that agressive of a rider either.
Now for my 2 cents:
I think the people that say they feel every bump in the road is actually feeling it bottoming out.
The shocks need way more air than people are use to with the pre 09s/10s.
When I got mine I ran about 22 lbs (solo rider) and it was a harsh ride.
I now run 30 lbs (solo rider) and the ride is very nice, not harsh at all.
I know it doesn't sound right but more air is a better ride.
I have to run 42 lbs two up.
I even bought take off Ultra shocks, because I thought it would be better. But once I started running 32 lbs I decided not to put them on.
The dealer setup guys don't know crap either. When I picked mine up, it had 15 lbs in it.
Now for my 2 cents:
I think the people that say they feel every bump in the road is actually feeling it bottoming out.
The shocks need way more air than people are use to with the pre 09s/10s.
When I got mine I ran about 22 lbs (solo rider) and it was a harsh ride.
I now run 30 lbs (solo rider) and the ride is very nice, not harsh at all.
I know it doesn't sound right but more air is a better ride.
I have to run 42 lbs two up.
I even bought take off Ultra shocks, because I thought it would be better. But once I started running 32 lbs I decided not to put them on.
The dealer setup guys don't know crap either. When I picked mine up, it had 15 lbs in it.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,368
Likes: 14
From: Yokohama
Did you check how much air was in the shocks? Maybe the last person who borrowed the loaner rode it two-up.
Banned
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 20,823
Likes: 1,506
From: Nowhere
All I can say is this... My '09 FLHTC handles much better than my '06 Vulcan 900 LT, which has been a major surprise. From parking lots to high speed sweepers, my Harley is rock solid and confidence building despite how big and heavy it is in comparison.
I spent a lot of time reading about the changes in '09 and there were basically two reasons why I went with an '09: re-routing of the exhaust and the chassis changes. Everything that I read by the pundits and "experts" has been true, so if they say the '09 handles better than previous years, I believe them. If there is a choice to be made between a butter smooth ride and confidence inspiring handling in the twisties... that decision is easy for me to make.
I spent a lot of time reading about the changes in '09 and there were basically two reasons why I went with an '09: re-routing of the exhaust and the chassis changes. Everything that I read by the pundits and "experts" has been true, so if they say the '09 handles better than previous years, I believe them. If there is a choice to be made between a butter smooth ride and confidence inspiring handling in the twisties... that decision is easy for me to make.