A friend is considering buying an 08 Road King. I read somewhere that they changed the touring frames in 09? Should he wait and look for a used 09 or is their not much of a diff in the handling between 08 and 09+?

Thanks!

 

Yes, your right HD did change the touring frames from 08 to a more rigid frame with less welds for 09 which allows for a wider rear rim and tire.

I have not had the chance to take a ride on a bike with the newer frame, but from what I hear the difference in ride and handling between the two is huge.

 

I think the general consensus is that the 09-ups handle better but ride harder. There was a thread on here about a guy who went back to an 07 from an 09 because he didnt like the hard ride.

Personally i think the handling of the 09 is so sharp it is worth a slight trade off in ride.

Bottom line is they are both fine bikes indeed, if you tend to ride hard you probably will be happier with an 09, if you are a cruisy rider you might be happier on an 08 or earlier.

You need to ride both and make up your own mind.

 

The 09 if he is a tall guy its slighty larger.

 

I vote to go with the '09. I love mine, ride is great with the bigger tires; looks better too!

 

some parts of the 08 are unique to that year especially the isolated rear drive. could be a problem later getting parts.

 

I love my 08 Anniversary Edition Road King Classic. Only complaint I have is during the summer in very warm weather. The O8 pipes come out of the heads just under the seat. If you get stuck in any kind of traffic you can cook your nuts. O9 was redesigned to lower the pipes. Just one thing to consider.

 

No complaints on this 08' at all either. Fine riding machine.

 

get true duals and / or up grade your fuel management system and your heat complaints will go bye bye...plus it runs and sounds a hell of a lot better. IMHO