Touring Frame Upgrade
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,077
Likes: 26
I had an 07, now have an 09. MUCH improved. BTW, the stock suspension on the SG is much better on the 09 than on the 07. Its still a compromise compared to the Ultra, but its MUCH better than prior years IMHO. It was a bit stiff at first, but after a few thousand miles, Im happy to leave the 12" shocks on my 09. I replaced them with 13"/lowering blocks on my 07. The increase in load rating is VERY noticable to me. My 07 always felt like the suspension was overwhelmed if I had my wife on the back, even at full air pressure. (She's only about 135 pounds, not a large woman). Much better on the 09. You still need to be more accurate with how much air you have in for a given load, compared to having full length shocks, but its MUCH better than my 07.
Its nice to have some MEAT on the back end as well. (the bigger rear tire) Hell, even the OEM tires are TON better than the older ones. First time Im happy with the stock tires, and not looking to upgrade to another brand.
The ONLY time I would not recomend an 09-10 is for someone who has short legs. As the frame is a bit wider in the midsection, it is a bit longer of a reach to the ground. Not a problem for most, but a few shorter riders have found it to be just enough to cause them issues getting their feet down.
BTW, I DID have a true-track on my 07. Still not as tight as my 09.
Also, the slight change in gearing and the addition of the IDS in the rear hub, makes a good improvement in acceleration and overall smoothness compared to the 07.
One other thing they changed, was the front end geometry. (slightly) Something I've noticed, Is I don't get the front end batwing waggle when around Semi truck turbulence like I did on my 3 other pre-09 bikes.
Last edited by flyingace; Mar 28, 2010 at 12:30 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,136
Likes: 286
my 08 flht rides better then my bro's 09 flhx. I am talking WITH the bagger brace. with out the bagger brace, yes the 09 handles better (but is much more harsh regardless of the shock adjustment.)
I ride moderately aggressive and like my 08 flht over his bike. Now, I've never ridden an 09 or later EG(fill in the blank) so I can't compare that.
I 100% do not regret buying the 08 over the 09....I had a choice and am glad with my choice.
I ride moderately aggressive and like my 08 flht over his bike. Now, I've never ridden an 09 or later EG(fill in the blank) so I can't compare that.
I 100% do not regret buying the 08 over the 09....I had a choice and am glad with my choice.
Last edited by Toe Knee; Mar 28, 2010 at 09:18 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
I can tell ya that the new frame handles like its on rails. It reminds me of my old GL1800 Goldwing I had about four years ago. If it didn't shake at idle, it would be hard to tell the difference.
More than once I have been in a good curve and realized that I was going at least 10 mph faster then I used to take the same curve before on my 01 FLHTCU.
More than once I have been in a good curve and realized that I was going at least 10 mph faster then I used to take the same curve before on my 01 FLHTCU.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
harley frame upgrade
What most of our riders fail to realize is that the frames on these bike flex. The frames move out when you are turning left or right under a load. The stabilizers that mount to one side are not as effective as a unit such as TRUE-TRACK which mounts between the two frame rails giving them more stability. A stabilizer holding from one side fatigues the frame in time. As far as the newer 2009-10 they have the problem also, four point motor isolators are good, but only one link and bigger swing arm and bigger tire amplify the problem. More weight being moved on the same pivot anchor in the rear causing rear steer under different riding conditions. The older the bike gets, the more movement will be noticed. The point is research the units, and install one when the bike is new, along with the new exhaust. They will keep you out of the ditch and your exhaust will still sound great. Most people put sound before safety.
Last edited by RAGDOCTOR; Mar 29, 2010 at 12:08 PM. Reason: typos
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 314
Likes: 1
From:
09-10
The 2009-2010 bikes handle way better than the older models. The new frame and tires give it a great feeling in the turns and on uneven surfaces. The 09's do not have the cat in the pipes. But both have the extra engine mount and the 2010 has the 5th. gear cut so you have no whine at all running in 5th. gear. You would not go wrong updating. Waiting for the 2011 model changes may not be that big a deal. Look what the MOCO has done to the Touring line in the last 2 years. Those holding out for water cooled will still be waiting! Just my .02 cents!
Mr_Bill
Mr_Bill
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Voodoodrug,
The 09 and 10 bikes are nice but if it helps any in your decision process we are still installing our units on the new bikes as well due to the rearsteer issues.
True-Track
The 09 and 10 bikes are nice but if it helps any in your decision process we are still installing our units on the new bikes as well due to the rearsteer issues.
True-Track
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
There is no doubt a stock 09/10 bike will handle better than an earlier one, as it has a better mounting system for the engine/transmission. However it isn't perfect and still fails to include the essential ingredients for a rubber mount, three stabilizers! It would be interesting in hearing comments from an owner who has tried one with a stabilizer kit, to see if it makes the sort of improvements they make to earlier bikes.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
You posted while I was writing mine!