The complete line of Harley Davidson touring bikes will sit on a totally new frame for 2009. New frame, swingarm, wheels and tires plus non linked ABS (you control front and rear braking), electronic throttle control (one more sign of the increase in "fly by wire" technology showing up on many motorcycles) and quite a bit more. It's definitely a step up.

From Harley Davidson:

A new chassis designed to deliver precise responsive maneuverability, increased capacity and greater comfort for rider and passenger underpins the seven-model Harley-Davidson Touring family for 2009.

Incorporating an all-new frame, swingarm, engine mounting system, wheels and tires, the new chassis forms the foundation for what are truly all-new motorcycles. The key styling elements of these motorcycles, however, are essentially unchanged so that the distinctive character and mechanical beauty of each Touring model is preserved.

The 2009 Touring models continue a series of product innovations that can be traced back to a research study conducted by the company in 2002, and to face-to-face interaction with customers who rode an estimated 50 million miles during the Harley-Davidson 100th Anniversary event in 2003. Armed with this feedback, Harley-Davidson launched a program to maintain its touring leadership through the introduction of the Twin Cam 96 engine and 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission, 103ci and 110ci Big Bore kits through Genuine Motor Accessories, the Isolated Drive System, electronic throttle control, Brembo brakes with optional ABS, a six-gallon fuel tank, reduced clutch lever effort, the Advanced Audio System by Harman-Kardon, GPS navigation with Ride Planner downloads, a high-output charging system to better enable new accessory heated seats and grips, and a two-year warranty with extended service intervals.

All 2009 Touring models are powered by the rubber-mounted 1584cc Twin Cam 96 V-Twin engine with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), mated to the 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission for outstanding performance and economy. All models also feature air-adjustable rear shocks to accommodate variable passenger and luggage loads.

The All-New Touring Chassis
New from the tires up, the Touring chassis is based on a single-spar, rigid backbone frame that supports an increase in load capacity of 70 pounds. This allows for a five pound increase in each saddlebag and the Tour-Pak. A new swingarm contributes significantly to the overall system. The engine-isolation system has been revised to reduce engine and vehicle vibrations at idle speed.

The wheel-and-tire package is updated, with front wheel diameter increased to 17 inches from 16 inches (except for the Road King Classic) while the width of the 16-inch rear wheel is increased to five inches from three inches. All Touring models will be equipped with new Dunlop D407 Multi-Tread rear tires that offer up to 25 percent more rear-tire tread life. The wider rear wheel accommodates a new 180/65-16 rear tire. The new front tire is a 130/80-17. Front and rear suspension has been recalibrated to match the dynamics of the new chassis, wheels and tires.

Powertrain revisions include a new 2-1-2 exhaust system that reduces heat exposure to the rider and passenger, and a lower final drive ratio for improved acceleration performance. Rear styling is cleaner, with a wider fender and the elimination of the rear “hoop” over the fender on models not equipped with a Tour-Pak.

Key Touring Family Features

Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS): Offered as a factory-installed option on all 2009 Touring models, ABS is designed to help the rider maintain control during braking events, especially those that happen in less-than-optimal conditions. The components of the Harley-Davidson ABS have been designed and packaged to be virtually invisible, preserving the uncluttered styling of the area around the wheels. Unlike many motorcycle ABS, Harley-Davidson ABS is not a linked system, meaning the rider maintains full, independent control of both front and rear brakes.

Electronic Throttle Control: Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) replaces mechanical cables on all Touring models. All wiring from the throttle-grip sensor is routed through the handlebars. The ETC enables an easy upgrade to a cruise control system, and unclutters the handlebar area for cleaner styling.

Factory-Option Cruise Control: Available for all models that do not come equipped with cruise control as standard equipment.

Isolated Drive System: The Isolated Drive System compensator is now integrated into the rear wheel hub, eliminating the bolt-on bowl for a cleaner look. The Isolated Drive System reduces noise and vibration to the rider for improved ride quality under acceleration, shifting and cruising.

 

07 or newer get 96", efi, and 6 speed. I like efi and 6 speed myself. But nothing beats payed off bike feeling.

 

I bought my 1990 Glide new and soon after did a stage 1 on it. A few years later I had a similar dilemma to yours and agonised over what to do. Stroking kits were the thing then and I eventually did just that, plus ported heads, hi-comp pistons, etc. Then a few years later I wondered once again - get the picture?

I have an S&S 107 in it now, just over 100HP/TQ at the rear wheel. A little more would be nice. I like S&S motors, but a 124" really won't be enough. Do you know they make a 145"? Needs frame mods, but might be enough.....

You're on a slippery slope. Welcome aboard!

 

Nice.. Thank you.. Now who can give a comparo side by side of the 06-08 to the 09 setup? Is it noticeably better? What did you notice?

 

This is a no-brainer for me. Keep that 2006 and do what you want to it.

Do you really want a bike with catalytic converters, O2 sensors, TBW, a computer that turns off the back cylinder, and fuel injection that requires a tuner the moment you want to add mods?

I have a 2006 Street Glide myself and honestly would not trade it for a newer bike. My only mistake was choosing FI over the carb.

Do you think you can get a newer bike for 12k? no way. Then will you have to put another 2-3K in it for pipes, tuner, air kit, cams, etc etc etc.

I would take a carbed '06 95 over a new 96 any day of the week.

 

this

 

In my opinion a harley with just a stage one kit is a dog. I bought an 07sg with a stage one and the only thing that was nice compared to other bikes was it had more torque. But after I did the big bore on my 96" motor and moved it to the 103" with cams it came alive. Its like a night and day difference. Efi tunability is nice too with the correct person tuning it.

 

you will here from those that have the new frame thats its the best thing since sliced bread. Those that still have the older style will tell you its a bunch of BS.

The truth lies somewhere in the middle.

Personally, I would ask myself why the new frame? To save manufacturing costs? To implement changes needed for the trike? H-D will never publish the truth, thats for sure.

Personanly I would question any 2 piece frame that is bolted together. Of course the same manufacturers that made the frame stabilizers now offer models for the new frame.
Kinda make you wonder.

I think these guys are making money on an product that is not really needed for either style frame.

I have a '06 SG. My 2 riding buddies ride a '02 Ultra Classic and a 2004 RG classic. None of us has any idea what all the "wooble" talk is since non of us has experienced it.

Personally? HD will have to do far better than a new frame to get me to sell or trade my '06 - and all the EPA crap and computer BS ain't cutting it either. Throttle by wire? really? why is this needed or a selling point?

 

Keep the carb...sometimes i get carb envy

 

I would say keep the 06. You absolutely stole it in the first place, so now you have more of a budget to mod it. I paid 14K for mine last August with ~2200 miles on it and I thought that was a good deal. There is an 06 with 30K miles on it right now at my local dealer, bone stock and not very clean, for 16K.

I am slowly getting mine to where I want it to be, so I plan to keep it for quite a while.

Shakey