09+ Less Torque?
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 583
Likes: 2
From: South Florida
09+ Less Torque?
Test road an 05 Road Glide today, bc the dealer didn't have any new ones to test drive.. It felt stronger than the '11 that I rode.. He then told me that the 6 speed is less torquey then the earlier years.. That's dissapointing.. Any thoughts? Maybe a cam would give it more low end response? Id rather have more torque than a 6th gear.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,615
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From: Charlotte Area
There is a chance that the 05 you rode has had some modifications done to it, such as cams. The newer bike had a sprocket tooth reduction if I remember correctly that made them feel like there was more torque not less. The late model stock engine has plenty of torque unless you want to pull a trailer and you and the wife are extra large. Could be the dealer wanted to move the 05 he had rather than you having to wait to get a bike. Besides the new frame and wider rear tire are worth the newer bike.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,138
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From: NM, land of entrapment
With cams, fuel controller and a 95" kit, an '05 is awesome! Love mine with the mods. Before that, it was wheezing, pinging and hot as hell. Until you get the smog cams and stock mufflers off of any HD bike, you're not seeing the true potential. A fuel controller then brings the mods together into harmony with enough fuel at the right time.
The gearing on the 05 bikes is quite a bit different than on the new bikes. The final drive ratio in both first and second gear on the 05 would definitely feel a bit more spry, especially if the motors were anywhere close in power output. This is a good example of why dynos don't always tell the whole story. Getting the gearing properly set is just as important as making horsepower.
I don't care for the gearing on the new bikes, but a trans pulley change would fix that.
I don't care for the gearing on the new bikes, but a trans pulley change would fix that.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,716
Likes: 13
The gearing on the 05 bikes is quite a bit different than on the new bikes. The final drive ratio in both first and second gear on the 05 would definitely feel a bit more spry, especially if the motors were anywhere close in power output. This is a good example of why dynos don't always tell the whole story. Getting the gearing properly set is just as important as making horsepower.
I don't care for the gearing on the new bikes, but a trans pulley change would fix that.
I don't care for the gearing on the new bikes, but a trans pulley change would fix that.
Last edited by leohd; May 15, 2011 at 01:06 AM.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,476
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From: Las Vegas, NV
If you're comparing the '05 to a new bike with no miles, I'm not surprised that you feel that way. The new bike needs at least 5k miles to even begin to feel good. My ultra felt so dead when I first got it I thought it was broken. Now with 23k on the clock its like a different bike.
Last edited by vistavette; May 15, 2011 at 01:12 AM.
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Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Massachusetts (NE)
If you're comparing the '05 to a new bike with no miles, I'm not surprised that you feel that way. The new bike needs at least 5k miles to even begin to feel good. My ultra felt so dead when I first got it I thought it was broken. Now with 23k on the clock its like a different bike.
why do you think that ? ... will mine get better too ?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,341
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i agree the gearing is horrible.harley took the cheep and easy way when going to a six speed.on the 07 and 08 it is way too tall.even with 2 teeth on the 09 it still isnt right idol in first gear is 10 but your looking for second at 18? its got to do with 6th being 1-1 just like 5th on pre07.then gearind the primary and final drive really tall to moke 6th feel like its overdrive then trying to compensate by lowering the rest if the gears.