Touring Frame Upgrade
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,532
Likes: 132
From: SoCal
I am happy with my bike and upgrades, mine is not sloppy, spends very little to any time on the highway mostly canyons and if you were not happy with your bike and felt that the new frame made you happy,more power to you, I am glad you are happy now.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 530
Likes: 0
From: Texas
I have a friend who rides a lot, 70,000 + miles, on his 06 Ultra and thought it was more solid than his 08 Ultra. Hence he has installed a brace on his 08. Therefore while I am not saying that the frame changes in 09 did not improve the ride, but maybe the difference is more specific bike to bike. While I have considered adding a brace to my 08 Ultra, I have yet to feel any problems. That being said, I have not ridden a touring model with the new frame to make an objective comparison.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
All I know is I traded my 08 RK for a new 10 Ultra and I could not be happier.
The ride is way better. Iam short 5' 7" and to be honest I had a much harder time dealing with the RK at lights and on flat surfaces.
It almost feels as though the new uLTRA WAS BUILT FOR CURVES. GOING INTO A RAMP OR TWISTIE IT FEELS MORE LIKE THE BIKE FLOWS THROUGH THE CURVE THAN HAVING TO MUSCLE IT THROUGH.
While I have the Stage 2 BB with 255 cams just to help with the torgue and the feeling of speed on command the new frame is exactly what the doctor ordered.
The ride is way better. Iam short 5' 7" and to be honest I had a much harder time dealing with the RK at lights and on flat surfaces.
It almost feels as though the new uLTRA WAS BUILT FOR CURVES. GOING INTO A RAMP OR TWISTIE IT FEELS MORE LIKE THE BIKE FLOWS THROUGH THE CURVE THAN HAVING TO MUSCLE IT THROUGH.
While I have the Stage 2 BB with 255 cams just to help with the torgue and the feeling of speed on command the new frame is exactly what the doctor ordered.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From:
Remember the big banners in all the harley dealers about the 07 frame upgrades and how much better it was ? Then they change it one year later! I'll bet money they changed it because now the two piece frame will unbolt at the back half to be used as a trike or motorcycle. I'm not saying it's better or worse,I'm saying it's better for Harley! Put some Metzlers or Avons on that 07 and save your money.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 886
Likes: 4
From: Virginia
I wonder how much the 180 rear tire adds to that feeling with the 09 & 10's? I have an 07 Ultra, I "shoehorned" a Metzler 180 tire and wider rim in the back and the handling changed immediately. I feel more stable in the corners and the bike wants to stand back up more aggressively out of a turn with an increased twist of the throttle. I also think the frame was redesigned more for reducing parts, improving and reducing manufacturing cost and finally to make trikes with the two piece design. Just my 2 cent....
Last edited by Hog Yild; Apr 1, 2010 at 03:21 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
I was pleased with the 150/80 I just fitted in my 07 rear end (I have one on my 1990 FLHS), until I read your words. Now how did you manage that? I reckon there is room for a 160, with a wider fender, but....
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 886
Likes: 4
From: Virginia
A 160 will fit easy, the 180 took a lot of changes including spreading the fender, new fender spacers, new 4-1/2" wide rim set up with a special pulley offset. I wouldn't do it this way again. the best way would to take a stock fender, cut it in the center and add a strip to make is as wide as the inside of the frame. A 180 will fit in the stock swingarm with the 07+ 1" wide drivebelt.
Last edited by Hog Yild; Apr 1, 2010 at 08:23 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
A 160 will fit easy, the 180 took a lot of changes including spreading the fender, new fender spacers, new 4-1/2" wide rim set up with a special pulley offset. I wouldn't do it this way again. the best way would to take a stock fender, cut it in the center and add a strip to make is as wide as the inside of the frame. A 180 will fit in the stock swingarm with the 07+ 1" wide drivebelt.
It's fun keeping up with all the changes Harley made to these bikes. I have fitted an 07 swingarm but an 05 wheel, which came with a 1 1/8" pulley, so I fitted a matching belt (the wheel sits further back and needs a 3 tooth longer belt than my bike had). I messed around for a while trying to keep my old style wide belt but gave in and took the easier route of using a narrow one.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 886
Likes: 4
From: Virginia
Thanks for that Hog Yild! The 150 on my old 1990 bike is a very snug fit in the fender, so while a 160 will fit in the 'new' 07 swingarm with my later narrow belt I would need to fit a later fender to get in a 160 anyway. I think I will make do with my 150 for a while!
It's fun keeping up with all the changes Harley made to these bikes. I have fitted an 07 swingarm but an 05 wheel, which came with a 1 1/8" pulley, so I fitted a matching belt (the wheel sits further back and needs a 3 tooth longer belt than my bike had). I messed around for a while trying to keep my old style wide belt but gave in and took the easier route of using a narrow one.
It's fun keeping up with all the changes Harley made to these bikes. I have fitted an 07 swingarm but an 05 wheel, which came with a 1 1/8" pulley, so I fitted a matching belt (the wheel sits further back and needs a 3 tooth longer belt than my bike had). I messed around for a while trying to keep my old style wide belt but gave in and took the easier route of using a narrow one.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
and a completely redesigned frame isn't a huge change to you? just what would you consider huge?