New frame ? That much better??
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
Likes: 95
From: Billings,Mt.
I just bought an '11 FLHTK.
First thing I notice is that when just sitting on the bike the front end feels light,I can turn the bars back and forth super easy compared to the '06 Road Glide.
When riding,it turns quick.
Had to get use to coming to a stop,the front end felt wobbly.
First thing I notice is that when just sitting on the bike the front end feels light,I can turn the bars back and forth super easy compared to the '06 Road Glide.
When riding,it turns quick.
Had to get use to coming to a stop,the front end felt wobbly.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,045
Likes: 36
From: ST. Louis
I traded an '08 Street Glide for an '09 Street Glide and I am happy I did.
I am not an aggressive rider by no means, but the new frame does:
handle better in corners,
doesn't have that floaty feeling at 70 plus mph,
handles better following/passing/meeting 18 wheeler trucks
and handles grooved pavement and tar/snakes better.
I am not an aggressive rider by no means, but the new frame does:
handle better in corners,
doesn't have that floaty feeling at 70 plus mph,
handles better following/passing/meeting 18 wheeler trucks
and handles grooved pavement and tar/snakes better.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 862
Likes: 1
From: Western PA
I considered doing some mods on my 07 ultra ( stabilizer, and 107 motor ) I sold my 07 with only 16k miles and got a 2010 ultra. The biggest differences that I can see are, the wallow when riding into sweeping bends is gone. The wider rear tire is wearing better. I was only getting 6k miles on the rear tire on the 07. I have 7 k on the new bike and I'm riding more aggressive after having the engine built. The rear tire still looks ok.
I have no regrets!
I have no regrets!
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 122
Likes: 1
I have owned both. Traded my '06 Ultra for a '10. I for one would not even consider the older model. I put a lot of miles on the bike every year, mostly two up riding. I can tell you that riding quickly through tight turns with a fully loaded bike with the wife on the back was not a pleasant thing. It seemed that the front end of the bike was trying to do something that the rear end was not made to do. The amount of frame/swingarm flex is incredible. The bike was a wet noodle around corners and some times would also induce some tank slapping activity when exiting a corner quickly. The new bike is very confidence inspiring and seems to lead into the corners rather than fight through them. I am sure this is a combination of frame, cast swingarm, dual compound tire, etc. The new bike will go through every corner like it is on rails and has the benefit of a larger tank, much better brakes, improved transmission, etc. It is a much more pleasant bike to ride all around.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
My 10 Limited is the first Harley I have really put any miles on years, so I can't say anything about the pre 09 models, but I know that mine has a tendency to shake it's head in sweepers if the road isn't dead smooth. I would have thought it was just mine but I traded rides with a friend that ownes an 09 and his does the same thing. If the 08 and back were worse, I'm glad I got one of the newer ones. In the tighter twisty stuff around here it does just fine, up to the point of running out of clearance and brakes, both of which come way too early.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 752
Likes: 23
From: Acton, CA
This is my first Harley, so I don't have other HD models/years to compare it to, but compared to both my previous smaller Kawasaki and Yamaha (900 and 1300), my 2010 Road King handles so much better than they ever did, even riding 2-up, going through the twisties feels rock solid, no sway, wobble, or softness, just solid and firm, like it's on rails, the bike goes and does exactly where and what I tell it to without complaining.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Worth, Texas
The difference between new frame and old frame is like comparing day to night, and it is so much better.
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6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
I traded in my 06 SG for the 2010 and have to say there seems to be a world of difference in the way the new frame handles. I ride mostly country back roads as little as possible highway. I don't think its worth trading in a bike you're happy with though.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 356
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin, SE
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 .