Question about a touring frame
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,229
Likes: 10
From: Oklahoma
Question about a touring frame
OK, I am about ready to pull the trigger and move up from a Dyna to a bagger (probably a Road Kind). Due to limited finances, I will be going with a used scooter. What exactly is the deal with a 2009 or later frame? What is "wrong" with a pre-2009 frame? Thanks!
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 32,562
Likes: 2,577
From: Shit Weather USA
I rode a couple of friends pre 09 bikes.The ride to me was better around town,a much softer and cushier ride than my 11.Now when you start pushing the bike,and going through the twisties,that is when you will really see the difference.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 346
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
I don't know if "wrong" is the right word, I think the 09 is just improved over the older models. I don't think HD would have poured money into a re-design if they didn't think they had some issues that needed to be addressed. I've heard, but not experienced wobble thru a twisty on the older models but I know there are a lot of aftermarket "stabilizers" for sale to solve some preceived problem.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 623
Likes: 1
From: Carlin, Nevada
If you are refering to "bagger wobble" there are many products that solve the problem of pre-09 baggers.. Personally, I use Glide-Pro ... What a huge improvement.. Maybe you could use the "bagger wobble" as a negotiating tool on a pre-09 bagger??
I had the wobble happen to me twice... I was highly motivated to fix the problem.. Luckily it is an easy fix..
Moe Taters
I had the wobble happen to me twice... I was highly motivated to fix the problem.. Luckily it is an easy fix..
Moe Taters
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,379
Likes: 226
Ran an older frame for years and now run a '11 SG.
The newer frames are little longer, wider and taller than the older frames, different rake on the trees and made with a lot less welds. Biggest difference is to me in the rear swing arm and the 4 point mounting of the engine and tranny. The newer frame does not feel mushy in turns, runs straight no matter what your doing and is overall much crisper in the way it tracks.
The newer frame also gets you Brembo ABS brakes, a 103" engine with compression releases, oil cooler, cruise, security, bigger rear tire and a 6 gallon tank all bolted to it as well. The 08 is the only year below the 09 that can get you some of that. and it's true for the 10 and 11 you have to deal with the cat in the headpipe, but it is a small price to pay for all the other things that it offers.
After having the new one and getting some highway, town and backroad miles on it as I wait for the spring, I would not go back.
The newer frames are little longer, wider and taller than the older frames, different rake on the trees and made with a lot less welds. Biggest difference is to me in the rear swing arm and the 4 point mounting of the engine and tranny. The newer frame does not feel mushy in turns, runs straight no matter what your doing and is overall much crisper in the way it tracks.
The newer frame also gets you Brembo ABS brakes, a 103" engine with compression releases, oil cooler, cruise, security, bigger rear tire and a 6 gallon tank all bolted to it as well. The 08 is the only year below the 09 that can get you some of that. and it's true for the 10 and 11 you have to deal with the cat in the headpipe, but it is a small price to pay for all the other things that it offers.
After having the new one and getting some highway, town and backroad miles on it as I wait for the spring, I would not go back.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 594
Likes: 0
From: Arkansas
Not a thing!!!! I've had 4 pre 09 frames and I'll let ya know if you can get an 09 go for it. #1 you get the new frame, #2 you get the 180 tire, #3 ther are no cats in the pipes.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,077
Likes: 26
Ran an older frame for years and now run a '11 SG.
The newer frames are little longer, wider and taller than the older frames, different rake on the trees and made with a lot less welds. Biggest difference is to me in the rear swing arm and the 4 point mounting of the engine and tranny. The newer frame does not feel mushy in turns, runs straight no matter what your doing and is overall much crisper in the way it tracks.
The newer frame also gets you Brembo ABS brakes, a 103" engine with compression releases, oil cooler, cruise, security, bigger rear tire and a 6 gallon tank all bolted to it as well. The 08 is the only year below the 09 that can get you some of that. and it's true for the 10 and 11 you have to deal with the cat in the headpipe, but it is a small price to pay for all the other things that it offers.
After having the new one and getting some highway, town and backroad miles on it as I wait for the spring, I would not go back.
The newer frames are little longer, wider and taller than the older frames, different rake on the trees and made with a lot less welds. Biggest difference is to me in the rear swing arm and the 4 point mounting of the engine and tranny. The newer frame does not feel mushy in turns, runs straight no matter what your doing and is overall much crisper in the way it tracks.
The newer frame also gets you Brembo ABS brakes, a 103" engine with compression releases, oil cooler, cruise, security, bigger rear tire and a 6 gallon tank all bolted to it as well. The 08 is the only year below the 09 that can get you some of that. and it's true for the 10 and 11 you have to deal with the cat in the headpipe, but it is a small price to pay for all the other things that it offers.
After having the new one and getting some highway, town and backroad miles on it as I wait for the spring, I would not go back.
While some will say the pre-09 bikes ride "cushier" they also handle more "mushy" as a result.
I would not go back.
I would NOT go back.
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 766
Likes: 6
From: South Dakota
I will say that if you push really hard into a turn you will still get the "wobble" on the '09's and up. Before retiring mine for the winter I was a bit ambitious and hit a negative camber fairly sharp turn at way over the speed limit. When I realized I wasn't going to make the turn and let off the throttle/started applying brakes the bike started wobbling pretty bad. Luckily there's a 6'+ shoulder that I took advantage of.
Got home parked the bike in the shed and called it a winter.
Got home parked the bike in the shed and called it a winter.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,413
Likes: 17
From: eastern oklahoma
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.