08 ride compared to 09/10
Banned
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 20,823
Likes: 1,506
From: Nowhere
On one hand, Harley is introducing incremental changes in their bikes each year. Year over year, those changes are not significant enough to conjur feelings of buyer's remorse in people who bought last year's model or compelling enough to alter how long people planned on keeping their bikes before trading them in. I think this is done intentionally to protect Harley owners from negative feelings and rapid depreciation in prices for used Harleys.
On the other hand, some people actually prefer older technology such as carbureted motors or the cushier ride of legacy frames.
"Better" is a subjective thing. It all depends on what it is you are looking for in a bike.
Account Retired
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,448
Likes: 8
From: On Parole - Grays Creek, North Carolina
Lets see, off the top of my head;
All new frame and swingarm
Four point engine isolation system
Re-tuned suspension
Re-routed exhaust
180mm multi tread rear tire
17 inch front wheel and tire
Wide contoured rear fender
Increased passenger legroom
Increased trail and lean angle
Increased wheelbase
More carrying capacity
Redesigned isolated drive system
Shorter final gearing for better acceleration
Shorter radio antennae
Yea boy! I wish I would've went with you and got that 08. What was I thinking buying a crappy 09!
All new frame and swingarm
Four point engine isolation system
Re-tuned suspension
Re-routed exhaust
180mm multi tread rear tire
17 inch front wheel and tire
Wide contoured rear fender
Increased passenger legroom
Increased trail and lean angle
Increased wheelbase
More carrying capacity
Redesigned isolated drive system
Shorter final gearing for better acceleration
Shorter radio antennae
Yea boy! I wish I would've went with you and got that 08. What was I thinking buying a crappy 09!
Gary D.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,368
Likes: 14
From: Yokohama
On one hand, Harley is introducing incremental changes in their bikes each year. Year over year, those changes are not significant enough to conjur feelings of buyer's remorse in people who bought last year's model or compelling enough to alter how long people planned on keeping their bikes before trading them in. I think this is done intentionally to protect Harley owners from negative feelings and rapid depreciation in prices for used Harleys.
On the other hand, some people actually prefer older technology such as carbureted motors or the cushier ride of legacy frames.
On the other hand, some people actually prefer older technology such as carbureted motors or the cushier ride of legacy frames.
If I had an '08 I definitely would NOT be trading up to an '09. But if I had no bike I would go for the '09.
Account Retired
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,448
Likes: 8
From: On Parole - Grays Creek, North Carolina
The new frame is made up of about 50 percent of the parts needed to build the old one. It takes 50 percent fewer welds to make the new frame. All in all there are more than 450 new parts that went into the chassis redesign. The single spar, rigid backbone frame supports a 70 pound increase in load capacity that allows each of the saddlebags and tour pack to hold 5 more pounds each. By relocating the coil box from behind the steering head to the rear crossmember, theres room at the neck area for larger gusseting therefore more strength. fender struts are stronger, beefier and oval shaped swingarm. New frame is 20 percent stiffer than before. The 2009 frame doesnt have a single bent tube on it, only straight ones and they are larger in diameter and stronger.
Lastly, I'll leave you with the words from Iron Works magazine November 2008 review of the then new 2009 baggers "Indeed, if you own an 08 or earlier model, consider your bike obsolete when measuring its performance on the highway or, more precisely, through the turns" Thats qoute, unquote.
Whew, convinced? Probably not. Keep telling yourself -my 08 is superior, my 08 is superior.
Not trying to make enemies or take sides, just stating facts.
I'm done.
Gary D.
Lastly, I'll leave you with the words from Iron Works magazine November 2008 review of the then new 2009 baggers "Indeed, if you own an 08 or earlier model, consider your bike obsolete when measuring its performance on the highway or, more precisely, through the turns" Thats qoute, unquote.
Whew, convinced? Probably not. Keep telling yourself -my 08 is superior, my 08 is superior.
Not trying to make enemies or take sides, just stating facts.
I'm done.
Gary D.
Last edited by g money; Dec 8, 2009 at 11:15 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 827
Likes: 5
From: Ohio
The new frame is made up of about 50 percent of the parts needed to build the old one. It takes 50 percent fewer welds to make the new frame. All in all there are more than 450 new parts that went into the chassis redesign. The single spar, rigid backbone frame supports a 70 pound increase in load capacity that allows each of the saddlebags and tour pack to hold 5 more pounds each. By relocating the coil box from behind the steering head to the rear crossmember, theres room at the neck area for larger gusseting therefore more strength. fender struts are stronger, beefier and oval shaped swingarm. New frame is 20 percent stiffer than before. The 2009 frame doesnt have a single bent tube on it, only straight ones and they are larger in diameter and stronger.
Lastly, I'll leave you with the words from Iron Works magazine November 2008 review of the then new 2009 baggers "Indeed, if you own an 08 or earlier model, consider your bike obsolete when measuring its performance on the highway or, more precisely, through the turns" Thats qoute, unquote.
Whew, convinced? Probably not. Keep telling yourself -my 08 is superior, my 08 is superior.
Not trying to make enemies or take sides, just stating facts.
I'm done.
Gary D.
Lastly, I'll leave you with the words from Iron Works magazine November 2008 review of the then new 2009 baggers "Indeed, if you own an 08 or earlier model, consider your bike obsolete when measuring its performance on the highway or, more precisely, through the turns" Thats qoute, unquote.
Whew, convinced? Probably not. Keep telling yourself -my 08 is superior, my 08 is superior.
Not trying to make enemies or take sides, just stating facts.
I'm done.
Gary D.
I understand you and a writer for Iron Works feel the 09/10 are night and day difference to previous years, thats your opinion and its OK .. Really. 09's have improvements from 08's the same as 02's had improvements from 01's and 11's will have improvements from 10's. every industry makes improvements with new products but that doesn't make previous models unserviceable. I'm still looking for the post that says (your quote "my 08 is superior, my 08 is superior") no one said that but you. ... lets see if you are really done.
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Banned
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 20,823
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From: Nowhere
Except for Triumph motors. When I see those carbs sticking out the back of those big jugs, I just want to put my hands all over 'em.
lol
P.S.
Yea, I know. They are fi now.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 605
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
Pros and Cons. Yep, the new bikes have some good features and some not so good. Is it worth the money to go to the model? You'll have to decide that. Some people change every couple of years. I can't afford that. I've also put a lot of money into my '07... some in chrome and some in the engine. I won't get that back if I upgrade.
To make your '08 ride better for little money you could do the following:
1. Handling - change to the Dunlop E3's. Everything on the forum speaks to a lot better handling. Some have said you don't need to had the stiffener mods if you change to these tires. You can stay with the correct size for the rear or go to a 160 (not supposed to fit, but it does). I'm going to change to the E3's in the spring but haven't decided on the rear tire size yet.
2. Cams - I put the SE 255's in my bike and had it tuned. Gained about 10 ft/lbs of torque and 9 hp. You could get more by going to a 103 build. Depending on how much you want to spend, a modest amount or a lot. Cam change can be done for less than $1000 if you have it done or a lot less if you do it yourself.
3. Fuel management and heat - I had a SERT with a factory download. When I had the cams installed, I had them tune it (I'm sure that was part of the perf gain). The bike should run cooler as well. I also installed the heat shield under the passenger seat... I think the '08's have them already. Not sure how much cooling I got from the tune and shields - did mine late October in MN, so it will be next spring/summer before I find out.
4. Ride - I haven't test road the 09/10 tourers to compare. I'm guessing the handling is a little better, but I like my ride. Have 35K on it now and no plans to go to a later model. At somepoint, I'll probably do some top end work to get a little more performance and needed because of wear.
3.
To make your '08 ride better for little money you could do the following:
1. Handling - change to the Dunlop E3's. Everything on the forum speaks to a lot better handling. Some have said you don't need to had the stiffener mods if you change to these tires. You can stay with the correct size for the rear or go to a 160 (not supposed to fit, but it does). I'm going to change to the E3's in the spring but haven't decided on the rear tire size yet.
2. Cams - I put the SE 255's in my bike and had it tuned. Gained about 10 ft/lbs of torque and 9 hp. You could get more by going to a 103 build. Depending on how much you want to spend, a modest amount or a lot. Cam change can be done for less than $1000 if you have it done or a lot less if you do it yourself.
3. Fuel management and heat - I had a SERT with a factory download. When I had the cams installed, I had them tune it (I'm sure that was part of the perf gain). The bike should run cooler as well. I also installed the heat shield under the passenger seat... I think the '08's have them already. Not sure how much cooling I got from the tune and shields - did mine late October in MN, so it will be next spring/summer before I find out.
4. Ride - I haven't test road the 09/10 tourers to compare. I'm guessing the handling is a little better, but I like my ride. Have 35K on it now and no plans to go to a later model. At somepoint, I'll probably do some top end work to get a little more performance and needed because of wear.
3.