New frame ? That much better??
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
I had an 04 FLHT and an 07 Ultra before my 09 Ultra. I like the new frame better than the old one. It handles better and has a bit more ground clearance so I scrape the footboards and sidestand less. Although it handles better than the older frame, it's not a sportbike by any stretch of the imagination.
Whether the new frame is worth the extra $ is something you will have to decide for yourself. I liked the looks of the wider rear tire and fender, and the added safety of ABS, so in my case I thought it was worth upgrading.
Whether the new frame is worth the extra $ is something you will have to decide for yourself. I liked the looks of the wider rear tire and fender, and the added safety of ABS, so in my case I thought it was worth upgrading.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 958
Likes: 1
From: Birch Bay, WA
ABS cool, wider tire and fender cool, 96 cool (well, hot but manageable), louder stereo cool, etc., etc. I would not think much of the MOCO if the new bikes were not better than one my bike's age. Having said that, I think the 100 year bike is the coolest thing on the road and I can't stop adding to it. Plus I don't drag boards or race the thing, so the new frame actually means nothing to me and my style of riding. You will notice most of the folks on the board have newer bikes and new & shiny are good things. Keeps the economy going. Good luck on your decision.
spiz
spiz
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,698
Likes: 11
From: Longview, Washington
I just traded my 07 Roag Glide with 40K for an 11 Road Glide Ultra. My 07 had a rear stabilizer which made it handle really well. At least I thought I had a great handling bike until I rode the 11.
The new bike is much more solid in the corners. It also stops much better as mentioned earlier.
The new bike is much more solid in the corners. It also stops much better as mentioned earlier.
The new frame has slightly better handling, the old frame has a slightly better ride. It's an incremental thing, IMO, not a watershed event. In the end, they're still floppy Harley touring bikes.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,051
Likes: 161
From: Between Chicago & Milwaukee
I bought an '08 Ultra last fall over a new one because it's got all the new stuff I wanted (6 gallon tank,Brembro Brakes etc) but not the new wider tires they went to from 2009 on..
Handling of the '08 feels more agile to me than the new bikes I road tested and that's what I like....just personal preference.
Handling of the '08 feels more agile to me than the new bikes I road tested and that's what I like....just personal preference.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,783
Likes: 10
From: Oh
Just traded my 08' SG in for a 10' RKC. The newer frame has impressed me and especially my wife who said, "this bike rides great, don't ever sell it". I had put the 13" shocks on the SG, switching out the 12" ones. Still, the new bike rides and corners that much better.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,051
Likes: 161
From: Between Chicago & Milwaukee
Just traded my 08' SG in for a 10' RKC. The newer frame has impressed me and especially my wife who said, "this bike rides great, don't ever sell it". I had put the 13" shocks on the SG, switching out the 12" ones. Still, the new bike rides and corners that much better.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 348
Likes: 2
From: eastern Iowa
just traded in a 08 ultra classic for an 11 don't notice a lot of difference in the ride but it handles way better on slow minuevers we have a long grated bridge here the wide back tire makes the wobble go away. One thing to think of when you go to trade it in latter on the new frame will be out 10 years is it going to resale. Just saying..........
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
From: Upstate NY
I have an '06 EGC and a '10 UC. The definitely 06 rides smoother and is a bit lighter but other than that, the 2010 is the bike I ride most of the time. There seem to be quite a few small, incremental changes that just make the new bike better.
With that said, I wouldn't hesitate to get a pre-'09 bike if that's what my budget necessitated.
With that said, I wouldn't hesitate to get a pre-'09 bike if that's what my budget necessitated.
Road Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 813
Likes: 1
I have a 02 Electra Glide Classic and a 09 Road King Classic,love them both but on this curvy road by our house I sure can tell the difference.No wobble at all on the 09 on the curves,really hugs the road.Parking lot speeds though,the 02 is a little easier to handle.