new frame vs old
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 619
Likes: 2
From: Midway, UT.
I wonder if atleast part of the new frame is way better then the old frame deal isn't mental.
I just had the conversion done on my bike from the old style timing chain tensioners to the new hydrolic ones, when I got on the bike I could havs sworn it had way more power, I know it doesn't, it realy can't but it sure seamed like it to me.
Terry
I just had the conversion done on my bike from the old style timing chain tensioners to the new hydrolic ones, when I got on the bike I could havs sworn it had way more power, I know it doesn't, it realy can't but it sure seamed like it to me.
Terry
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,687
Likes: 9
From: SoCal & West TN
Any model before the '09 will not use any 180 tire without changing the rear Swing arm and fender. This makes it a "Modified" bike. This makes it a "Band-aid" Fix.
Most of the guys I know who have the newer bikes are making payments on them. I'd argue that if they couldn't pay cash, they can't afford them.
I paid cash for my current bike last summer, and have made all the improvements out of pocket. I could have bought a new bike on a payment plan, but I don't like incurring debt.
I paid cash for my current bike last summer, and have made all the improvements out of pocket. I could have bought a new bike on a payment plan, but I don't like incurring debt.
2006 changed to Brembo Brakes, the Radio to the HK with options.
2007 upgraded the motor to 96" and changed to a 6 speed Transmission.
2008 has the 6 gallon Fuel Tank, Throttle By Wire, and ABS was an opinion on all Touring models.
2009 Frame changed on all Touring models and rear exhaust moved under the swing arm.
I feel the frame was the icing on the cake. It is the best improvement. I replaced my Ultra. It basically had the same frame from 1979 (with some minor changes). The ride was like night and day. I lost the squish I felt when negotiating hard curves. I would not look for any year older than the 2008 (because of the 6 Gallon Fuel Tank
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,917
Likes: 184
From:
I like the handling better, but the redisign of the frame put the primary right at my leg, gets a little hot on stopping and it mat just be my bike but I seem to notice just a little more vib going through the gears, say 2nd to 4th at or near 2500 to 3000 rpm, after your in 5th or 6th smooth as silk, might just be me.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 2
From: southeastern, ma
i have an 07 and a 10 - and also a 98 fxdl. all are great. did the enhancements to the 07 that others have mentioned and am very pleased with it. i rode all three this weekend and had the most fun on the 98 low rider. no question the 10 will be our best long trip touring bike, but we put many many happy miles on the 03 ultra before i traded that in for the new bike.
tin
tin
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 409
Likes: 1
From: Utah
I have rode both the new and old frame. I have had fun riding with either frame. I cannot say one is totally better than the other each has there good points and bad.
Talking with a harley Engineer the whole reason they went with the new frame was to save labor cost and matierial cost. The New frame is definatliy more rigid than the old frame but is heavier.
Buy what you can afford Ride the HeII out of the bike! Enjoy the wind in your face.
Talking with a harley Engineer the whole reason they went with the new frame was to save labor cost and matierial cost. The New frame is definatliy more rigid than the old frame but is heavier.
Buy what you can afford Ride the HeII out of the bike! Enjoy the wind in your face.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,615
Likes: 31
From: Charlotte Area
I went from a 95 Ultra to an 09 and the difference is amazing. The 6 speed and 6 gal tank with the twin cam and 96 ci made a world of difference. The 09 is heavier but feels as responsive as a sports car yet refined. I would NOT trade back