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I added a Ride Str8 to my bike, and it tightened it up considerably. The new frames are not as prone to rear wheel wobble, and that's the biggest improvement. The turn-in is definitely slower and heavier feeling, although once you're in the corner it's a very planted, solid feeling.
I'm glad the MOCO is spending money on R&D. I think they absolutely have to keep improving the bikes or they will be driven from the market. However, the changes to the 09 bikes are not nearly enough to get me out of my (paid for) 07.
Same here, 'cept a Bagger Brace instead of a Ride Str8. A few notes if you are looking used:
'01?-'06 - 88 ci and 5 speeds, 5 gal tank
'07 - 96 and six, 5 gal tank
'08 - 6 gal tank
'09 - new frame, wide rear tire
'10 - no more whine in 5th
I switched from an '07 Road King Classic to an '09 Ultra Classic. The UC is noticeably heavier but rides much nicer than the RKC. I'm not sure if that is a fair comparison though.
This is a big improvement. I love the extra gallon. It makes trips so much better. It gives the freedom to hall @$$ when you want with the extra gas to spare.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.