I'm looking at upgrading to a touring model. I'm looking to by used and I would like to know if the frame change that occurred in 2009 is a significant improvement over 2007-2008 models?

 

Well I'm not sure about how significant the changes were but it is a good rule to watch out for the first year of any new model.
Good luck...

 

The new frames are sturdier and have a smoother ride.

 

There are more than just the frame changes to consider but that is what comes up most of time. Really depends on what your wants or needs are and I suggest test ride as many as possible. Even rent one for weekend ride once you think you know what you want. JMHO.
Great to have choices and some spendable income.

 

Major improvement in frame design affecting ride and handling.

 

The new frame is an improvement, but it wasn't a quantum leap forward. The new frame is simpler for the MOCO to produce (fewer welds) and will probably prove to be sturdier in the long run. On the other hand, how many pre '09 frames that you know of have failed?

The '08 and older frames have more tendency for rear wheel steer, but that's easily and inexpensively addressed with a swingarm stabilizer like bagger brace. Most people seem to prefer the wider rear tire on the newer bikes, although the older bikes are arguably more agile with the narrower rear tire.

The new bikes are nice, but there's nothing significantly wrong with the older ones. Some folks say the '02-'05 touring bikes are some of the best bikes the MOCO has ever make.

Bottom line is, if you can get a killer deal on an older bike, don't let the fact it's on the older frame scare you off.

 

Had a `84 FLT and it worked well. My `09 works better and the fat tire rocks! Don`t mean to gloat but as I pass older rides up I`m thinking they are checking out the fat tire and wishing.

 

When it comes to the older FL models and their frames, I would look for a 1996 or later model. That is the year Harley went to the better wiring connectors. They changed the location of the rear brake cylinder in 1997 and put it outside the frame in front of the foot board. It is the same with the new models and there are lots of accessories available. The older ones have few of them and are hard to fine or expensive to buy. The 1999 model Twinkie had problems because they were the first year of the 88 ci motor. The 2001 was the year they changed the Primary to the one used today. It had one bolt change and the older ones are the same from the year 2000 back to 1993 (as on the EVO with the oil bag under the transmission). The newer starters will not work with them without work.

I would look for a 2004 or later model. It is the first year of the buss line and there are lots of things that need it.

Any way you go, good luck and have fun.

 

The new frame is wider causing the bike to feel taller especially for people with short legs. As far as ride quality it feels tighter in the corners. Not enough improvement for me to trade my '08 for.

 

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.