New vs old frame w/brace??
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 338
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From: Chicago burbs
New vs old frame w/brace??
I know there have been a few posts about the 09 and newer frames vs the older ones. I've seen a ton of people say they prefer the 09 and newer frames. And have also seen the ones with the older frames add some kind of "brace, and it'll be fine." Now keep in mind my (limited) experience is about 6 years on an 01 Honda Shadow 750, then my first Harley (this one in Sept '11) an 07 cop king. Did I go wrong with an 07, since the newer frames are so much better? And should I look into this "brace" I hear people talk about? What does it do? Again for me the difference between my Shadow and my King are HUGE enough. Tin can to Cadillac. LOL!! So just curious. Sorry if this has been posted to death though. I guess wanted to really know if I should check into this brace thingy. Thanks all.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,197
From: Oxford, Nc
I thought I wanted a brace. But so far not enough to spend the bucks I guess. My bike has never had The Wobble, just a "softness" in the middle in high speed slightly bumpy sweepers when pushed that I just got used to.
As I approached 100,000 miles last year, I replaced the front motor mount and rear swingarm bushings just for good measure. That new frame tightness that I feel now took the desire to put a brace on away again.
I guess I'd need to test drive one of the older frames with a brace installed to convince me.
As I approached 100,000 miles last year, I replaced the front motor mount and rear swingarm bushings just for good measure. That new frame tightness that I feel now took the desire to put a brace on away again.
I guess I'd need to test drive one of the older frames with a brace installed to convince me.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,639
Likes: 2
From: Australia
If you haven't found any problems with the old frame then you don't ride fast enough to need the new one.
The 09 ups ride harder IMHO so stick with the more comfortable ride and just enjoy it. 07 was a good year.
The 09 ups ride harder IMHO so stick with the more comfortable ride and just enjoy it. 07 was a good year.
Banned
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,492
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I have had both, an 07 with a Bagger Brace, and my new Limited..Given a choice, I'd take my Limited but the Bagger Brace was a great improvement and made the bike handle very well. I would highly recommend the Bagger Brace.
Mark
Mark
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,977
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From: Nevada
You didn't go wrong with an 07. I have an 07 and have never experienced the "bagger" wobble. Not that it doesn't happen tho but it seems to be somewhat rare.
That being said, I just installed the True-Track. Probably wouldn't have done it but I got a great deal from a forum member so thought I'd give it a try. Supposedly it will make the bike feel more planted in turns and on roads with rain grooves, etc. We'll see.
That being said, I just installed the True-Track. Probably wouldn't have done it but I got a great deal from a forum member so thought I'd give it a try. Supposedly it will make the bike feel more planted in turns and on roads with rain grooves, etc. We'll see.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,197
From: Oxford, Nc
You didn't go wrong with an 07. I have an 07 and have never experienced the "bagger" wobble. Not that it doesn't happen tho but it seems to be somewhat rare.
That being said, I just installed the True-Track. Probably wouldn't have done it but I got a great deal from a forum member so thought I'd give it a try. Supposedly it will make the bike feel more planted in turns and on roads with rain grooves, etc. We'll see.
That being said, I just installed the True-Track. Probably wouldn't have done it but I got a great deal from a forum member so thought I'd give it a try. Supposedly it will make the bike feel more planted in turns and on roads with rain grooves, etc. We'll see.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 307
From: Houston, Texas
I have both an 08 (old frame) and an 11 (new frame). The 08 does have the rear end wobble but only in very high speed long sweeping turns. Especially if it has any little bump in it. In the same turns, the 11 doesn't have the wobble but is still a little spongy. Going down the road, I personally can't tell the difference in the frames. The difference in the turns is noticable but since I know what to expect from the 08, I'm ready for it and it doesn't bother me a bit.
As long as you know your bike, what it's going to do and how it will handle in different conditions, all is good. I would save the money on the brace and use it for something else. Is it worth it for the few and far between times it will make a difference? If you feel the wobble and it bothers you, the easy fix is to back off the throttle a little and slow down. Works every time. Ride within yours and the bikes limits. After all, it's a touring bike and is supposed to ride like a cadillac, not a crotch rocket.
As long as you know your bike, what it's going to do and how it will handle in different conditions, all is good. I would save the money on the brace and use it for something else. Is it worth it for the few and far between times it will make a difference? If you feel the wobble and it bothers you, the easy fix is to back off the throttle a little and slow down. Works every time. Ride within yours and the bikes limits. After all, it's a touring bike and is supposed to ride like a cadillac, not a crotch rocket.
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Chicago burbs
Ed, that's great advice indeed. I do not ride fast on this thing. I'm a lazy *** person that wants a lazy *** ride. LOL!! I will do highways at about 75 or 80 (ish). But that's also with the cruise set and in 6th gear. Very comfy compared to my old Shadow I had. I now understand the frame differences and advantages of the brace. Thanks to all you so far. I realized I guess I never noticed the wobble or I probably wouldn't have asked about the differences in here. And since I haven't noticed any instability, I guess I won't need a brace. (Until of course I ride my buddies '12 SG he he he). Thanks again all. Good advice and knowledge.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Mountain West, Big Sky Country
once you ride the new frame you will notice the difference. My 04 road king rides significantly different than my 10 Road Glide. The new frame is just awesome and really makes the bike handle. i think Stiggy is correct, first thing you should do if you experience the wobble is replace your front motor mount and the bushings in the rear before the brace. These are components that will wear out due to their design and are meant to be replaced. Then if you still feel something go for a brace. I have to really push my 04 in long sweepers to get to the wobble and even then, it is well over the speed limit and i should not be riding at that pace anyway. My .02
I have to wonder if all the praise for the new frame should really go to the frame. Look at the difference in rear tire size (width and sidewall height) from a 2008 to a 2009+ bike. I cant help but wonder if that isnt the source of the major improvement in ride characteristics. Of course with out the new frame youd have no wider rear tire. I do often wonder how the guys that have put 18 rear tires on their bike feel it improves handling. A shorter sidewall you would think would take some of the softness out of the corners. I have a Progressive Touring Link on my 08 Street Glide. I can tell you without a doubt it makes a difference in handling.