Touring Frame Upgrade
Banned
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: massachusetts
New touring frame
Lots of people trading in their bikes for the new frame up this way. Most say that it is much much better all around. I for one passed up some good deals on the older frames they seemed mushy as hell after trying the new frame.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,236
Likes: 95
From: lancaster, pa
can any one that went from a 07 or 08 that had a stabilizer(true track..ect),better shocks(front and back spicific),ids... voice there opinion going to a 10?
I couldnt believe how much nicer these things made my 07 ride,huge difference just in neutral...
I couldnt believe how much nicer these things made my 07 ride,huge difference just in neutral...
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: East Tennessee
Had a '91(FLHS) till my '09(ULTRA) . I upgraded the suspension on the '91 ( progessive fr & r, heavy springs, and fork oil, w/lots of air) and it handled great. Mtns, curves, I live close to the dragon ( 129). Nobody could outrun me, and I could ride hard and drag the floorboards. But I just can't believe how good my '09 ULTRA feels in the curves and on the straight-a-ways. Feels more stable both ways.
However, only 3'000 mi on the ULTRA compared to 138'000 on the '91. Bought the '09 in Aug '09 , and rode only it till today, and got back out on the '91. The difference is night and day. I have to say that the '09 is far superior in handling to the '91 ( I still love the '91). Have not had the chance to push it as hard but, it is smoother, more stable in curves and more responsive. Great brakes (ABS). Not as responsive throttle, as it is still stock, but I can't go back. The handling is superb, at least IMHO. I have to say I love the EVO , and I love the 80" motor. As a matter of fact, If they offered this bike w/an 80" motor I'd have gone for that option, but they didn't. The heat off the new motor could be a concern ( at least to my wife), but there are ways to address that. I say go for it. You won't be dissapointed. I bought the '91 thinking it would be my last bike, now my thinking is go w/the new technology. I've already used the ABS and it was a thrill, after I came to a safe stop. I may have come to a safe stop on the older bike, but I felt maximum stopping power w/no backend slide, and w/o having to feather the back brake. All I know is I didn't hit the backhoe blocking the road. Go w/your gut feeling, but I have no regrets.....
However, only 3'000 mi on the ULTRA compared to 138'000 on the '91. Bought the '09 in Aug '09 , and rode only it till today, and got back out on the '91. The difference is night and day. I have to say that the '09 is far superior in handling to the '91 ( I still love the '91). Have not had the chance to push it as hard but, it is smoother, more stable in curves and more responsive. Great brakes (ABS). Not as responsive throttle, as it is still stock, but I can't go back. The handling is superb, at least IMHO. I have to say I love the EVO , and I love the 80" motor. As a matter of fact, If they offered this bike w/an 80" motor I'd have gone for that option, but they didn't. The heat off the new motor could be a concern ( at least to my wife), but there are ways to address that. I say go for it. You won't be dissapointed. I bought the '91 thinking it would be my last bike, now my thinking is go w/the new technology. I've already used the ABS and it was a thrill, after I came to a safe stop. I may have come to a safe stop on the older bike, but I felt maximum stopping power w/no backend slide, and w/o having to feather the back brake. All I know is I didn't hit the backhoe blocking the road. Go w/your gut feeling, but I have no regrets.....
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
I do quite a bit of "spirited" riding and I'm happy with the present state of this bike's handling, and although I don't think it measures up to the newer models in this regard I will be keeping it for the long-term.
Last edited by iclick; Mar 27, 2010 at 10:42 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: sayreville nj
When the 09 came out with the new frame i was pretty pissed i had purchased an 07 rk new i had waited since 2005 cause i heard the rumor of the engine and tranny upgrade when the 09 came out with the new frame i was on vakay out in sandiego and rented a 09 ultra proceeded up and down the pch and guess what for my riding style the difference was negligible. ps Thank God because at the time i has 7 grand in acc on my 07. also i have the progressive touring link installed
Last edited by Spartacus55; Mar 27, 2010 at 11:02 PM. Reason: additional info
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 735
Likes: 0
From: australia
I have a 07 flht with Progressive, fork springs, 416 shocks, stabilizer brace. I have never rode a 09 or 10 model tourer but I would be very surprised if one could get around me through the mountain rangers. I believe the 09 & 10 still have the same forks and triple tree's as the early touring bikes making them prone to a fork flex. Maybe the 2011 bikes will have stronger forks, triple trees, fork brace and damper. With the changers over the last few years anything is possible.
My vote is to hang on to your 07 and wait for the 2011 bikes ?
My vote is to hang on to your 07 and wait for the 2011 bikes ?
Last edited by hogbag07; Mar 27, 2010 at 11:29 PM.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,383
Likes: 3
From: Texas City, TX
I'm not an aggressive rider as a general rule and my experience with pre-09 models is limited. I did rent an 08 Ultra and put a little over 1,100 miles on it in a week end. I spent a fair amount of that time playing around in the Texas Hill Country west of Austin/San Antonio and thought the bike handled fine. I did have a couple of instances were I felt a little bit of wobble but honestly, it wasn't anything I would have taken notice of were it not for all the comments I had read in this forum on the subject.
Having said that, I do think my 09 Ultra is definitely superior. I've got just over 16k miles on it and have never felt any kind of chassis instability at any time. When I decided I wanted to buy my new Harley, I was set on an 08 Ultra but circumstances and finances conspired to nix that until well after the 09 models were on the market. In hind sight, I'm "very" glad it worked out that way!
Ride Safe,
Steve R.
Having said that, I do think my 09 Ultra is definitely superior. I've got just over 16k miles on it and have never felt any kind of chassis instability at any time. When I decided I wanted to buy my new Harley, I was set on an 08 Ultra but circumstances and finances conspired to nix that until well after the 09 models were on the market. In hind sight, I'm "very" glad it worked out that way!
Ride Safe,
Steve R.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 9,242
Likes: 3,262
From: west Michigan
The new bikes may handle better but they are 75lbs heavier than my '04 RK, and I don't care for the styling changes. If I want to go and stop fast, I get on my BMW K-bike. I may install a 6 speed in my '04 and keep it though I wouldn't criticize anyone for buying a new FL.