Question about a touring frame
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,752
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, IN
http://www.roadcarvin.com/2009-motor...odels-overview
Last edited by Ozoneman; Mar 18, 2011 at 02:33 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 45
Likes: 1
From: TOMS RIVER, NJ
I have a 2011 limited and I can throw her into the turns and she sticks. My father had a 2001 classic and if I did the same thing on that machine, I would have been in the woods. The new frame and tires create a whole new machine and road feel. A+ to HD engineering.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 173
Likes: 6
Are the old frames obsolete? Yes! Dangerous? Maybe. Quirky? For sure.
Why are folks having difficulty accepting H-D engineers improved a 27 year old design? This is like getting huffy because some posts a 24-year-old is stronger and quicker than an 80-year-old.
Why are folks having difficulty accepting H-D engineers improved a 27 year old design? This is like getting huffy because some posts a 24-year-old is stronger and quicker than an 80-year-old.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 513
Likes: 3
From: Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
I've had an 07' rg (my 1st HOG), road it for 2 years and loved it! I had an 09' ultra for a year and loved it too! I sold it and just bought an 07' ultra - the frame isn't a big deal to me - just wanted the 6 speed tranny and 96" engine. Sure there are improvements every year, I traded my 02' Silverado last fall for a 2010 and "yes" it has a ton of improvements! Buy a bike you can afford and don't get all wrapped up in symantecs, just ride!!!
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 91
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
I have had my 01RK since new and it's been a great bike. I ride the snot out of it and it does just fine. Yes I have the 3rd stabilizer (bagger brace) like all bikes should have from the start, and yes it makes a significant difference in handling turns at higher rates of speed.
For me the frame would have no bearing on a decision for the newer bikes, but the bigger engine and six speed would.
For me the frame would have no bearing on a decision for the newer bikes, but the bigger engine and six speed would.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 610
Likes: 1
From: Oregon Ohio
Yep, the pre 09 bikes had the dog wag feel in the *** end when you are at highway speeds in a twisty. I have had both. I also agree that the newer bikes do ride harsher in town as well.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 525
Likes: 0
From: Stoughton,MA
i'm surprised with how many millions of miles were covered with the pre 09 frames. fast forward to 09, seems that our 08 and older frames are obsolete and dangerous. to this i say "BUNK" there's nothing wrong at all with the older frames. they have worked since what, 84 or 85? if i get the wiggles on my 08 then it might be worth it to try one of the stabilizers, till then, i'll just keep on a 'glidin' on down the road. remember the 08 and older frames have stood the test of time. that can't be said about the 09 and newer frames, yet.
Harley has been making improvements throughout their history. A lot of newer riders seem to forget this. Maybe they never knew it to begin with.
Out of the naysayers I wonder how many have ever changed a set of points on a Harley, adjusted push rods or even a chain ? Anyone who has never owned or ridden a pre evolution Harley has no idea how good they have it.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
An older bike usually just means less performance .. kind of like a 10 year old mini van vs a brand new one. They are both still mini vans but the newer may be faster, shift smoother, handle better, and brake faster, etc.
I got an oldie (97) but upgraded the rear end to 2002+ with a Sta Bo kit, 2000+ front end, stage 2/3, Dunlop Elite 3s, and stereo, so the performance ain't too bad now. Much better than 97 stock but likely no where near new.
But then again I can cruise at the fastest freeway speeds at or below 3K RPM and it rides comfortably and I'm Ok with that. There will always be a newer and better bike around.
I got an oldie (97) but upgraded the rear end to 2002+ with a Sta Bo kit, 2000+ front end, stage 2/3, Dunlop Elite 3s, and stereo, so the performance ain't too bad now. Much better than 97 stock but likely no where near new.
But then again I can cruise at the fastest freeway speeds at or below 3K RPM and it rides comfortably and I'm Ok with that. There will always be a newer and better bike around.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 9,850
Likes: 220
From: Sacramento, CA.
I have a 2011 FLTRX 103 & the factory has 1'' lower shocks on the rear. My 07 FLHT STD rode softer & sucked up the bumps. Now that could be because my shocks have less travel. The old bike I ran 17lbs air. The new one I run 30lbs . BUT the new frame REALLY handles much better. IMO If you find a good deal on any of the bikes you can't go wrong. Good luck
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