New frame ? That much better??
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,415
Likes: 18
From: Belmont, MI
JUst the braces and shocks would give me the same fel as the new frame? Or something just as stiff ? Is the new frame larger and a more stable in line on the highway better feel? I mean there are so many Ultra's 2008 and down out there it does give me a better choice no doubt .
My friend who was looking to trade up from his stock (suspension) 06 took mine(Works shocks, fork springs and a Bagger Brace) for a ride immediately before he test rode a 2010. He said mine rode better and handled every bit as well, but this is with 1K in suspension mods. My guess is if you did the same to the new frame it would be better yet.
I don't think you can go wrong either way.
Rick
Last edited by Egldr05; Sep 21, 2010 at 08:48 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 102
From: Central Illinois
I've rode both and since I have put a Progressive tour link on my 07 it isn't all that much different than the 09 in handling, in my opinion. However if I had a choice for the same price I would probably go 09 and later but have no problem with the earlier frame either. I wish I had waited for the 08 model as that is my favorite. If I had known they were going to do the upgrades they did I would have waited for sure. That 6 gallon tank is awesome.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 792
Likes: 258
From: N.E.Ohio
One important thing to consider, the new frame increased the base weight 44 pounds on the 09 and up models, plus the extra frame width to cover the newer 180 tire makes it more difficult to touch the ground if you are vertically chalenged like me. The '11s have a new lower seat to address this problem but not enough for me . Why H-D didn't go to an aluminum frame like Victory Vision or Gold Wing ---- probably profit margin, but lighter would mean better handling and more power instead of slower which is what we got !
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 647
Likes: 5
From: Snohomish WA
I have a 08 SG when the 09 came out I wanted to test ride the new frame eveyone was talking about. I went to a dealer and took one for a test ride for a couple of hours and rode it hard . I couldn't tell enough differents in the ride to justify taking a hit on trading in my 08.What I do like about the 09's and newer is the wider rear tire and that chrome grab bar on the rear fender is gone a much cleaner and sleeker look.
I was told by the sales guy that the main reason for the new frame was to make it useable for the trike .
I was told by the sales guy that the main reason for the new frame was to make it useable for the trike .
Last edited by skydrifter; Sep 30, 2010 at 08:40 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,406
Likes: 5
From: Sunnyvale, Ca.
2009 is significantly improved over the 2006 - 2008
Great Read:
2009 Harley-Davidson Tourers - Frame Work
From the November, 2008 issue of Motorcyclist
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/fi...ers/index.html
I owned a 2007 - sold it for a BMW - hated the handling - rode a 2009 Ultra - 1.3 years ago and 21k miles.....later still lovein it....hate all the repairs...but ya know it's a Harley..
2009 Harley-Davidson Tourers - Frame Work
From the November, 2008 issue of Motorcyclist
http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/fi...ers/index.html
I owned a 2007 - sold it for a BMW - hated the handling - rode a 2009 Ultra - 1.3 years ago and 21k miles.....later still lovein it....hate all the repairs...but ya know it's a Harley..
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
A lot of posters have mentioned the new frame "handles" better.
But have you looked at the new Harley tires compared to the old ones? The new ones' tread looks a lot like Elite III's. Put those on your old bike and you will be amazed at the difference in "road feel". Is it the frame, or the tires?
The increase in weight from an '06 to an '11 is more than "slight." It is 70 lbs.
The '06 weighs 819 lbs. The '08 weighs 851 lbs. The '10 / '11 weigh 889 lbs.
If your wife gained 70 lbs, would you notice the difference when riding?
But have you looked at the new Harley tires compared to the old ones? The new ones' tread looks a lot like Elite III's. Put those on your old bike and you will be amazed at the difference in "road feel". Is it the frame, or the tires?
The increase in weight from an '06 to an '11 is more than "slight." It is 70 lbs.
The '06 weighs 819 lbs. The '08 weighs 851 lbs. The '10 / '11 weigh 889 lbs.
If your wife gained 70 lbs, would you notice the difference when riding?
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,352
Likes: 7
From: Keene, CA
I had a '07 Road Glide. Wallowed in slow, tight turns when stock. Added a Bagger Brace and Elite 3 tires, both of which improved the ride and handling, but the 2011 is better in every way. It is smoother, handles better, and stops much better. I have ridden both over the same roads, and have not found a single riding situation where the '11 did not do better than the '07. It handles twisties great, and feels like it's on rails. The extra weight contributes to the ride quality on the highway, and the vibration level is much lower.
Ride both. That's the only way to know what you'll be satisfied with. I made the right decision for me - you have to make your own!
Ride both. That's the only way to know what you'll be satisfied with. I made the right decision for me - you have to make your own!
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