Yes they are very different. The frame was completely redesigned. The 09 has a much stiffer ride than the 08. I can feel the frame flex when I hit bumps or go over dips in the road. When it comes to cornering the 09 out performs the 08 hands down. I Have not experienced any high speed wobble on the 09.

Dave

 

In 09 stopped handling is worse. Weigh 09 Ounces 811 more (50 Pounds more) in FLHRC.
All engineers looking for small but. BMW, Honda, etc, etc ... New weighs less, but DIFFERENT HARLEY.

(Sorry, I do not speak English well).

 

Pluses

Can't compare since my 09 FLHR is my first Harley. From what people tell me its like night & day. I'm a fairly aggressive rider and I can tell you it gives no frame wiggle when pushed hard through the corners. Rock solid at top speed (118 indicated) so far. For a big bike it has excellent ground clearance thanks to the 17" front wheel. And last but not least it is very smooth at everything but idle.

Minuses

Cupped a front tire bad by 10,000 miles. Took it off and changed it at 12,500. I use the front brake a lot, and hard. My bike has ABS. Not sure if that was the cause. On other bikes I have gotten twice the mileage on the front when compared to the rear.

ABS acts strange when using front brakes hard and hit road irregularities. Seems to jump and requires more effort.

Overall I like the bike very much.

 

I own an '08 and I have about $40K in it. My good buddy just bought an '09 and we switched bikes for a couple of hours while out on a ride. The '09 handles WAY better than my '08 and I have Ohlins shocks and forks have been done, etc. The "wobble" is non-existant on the '09 and it just feels really planted while going through the canyons. I have installed the stabilizer on mine and it still has some wobble in the turns at speed and a few small bumps. I am probably going to get a 2110. There is a major difference in the quality of the ride, if you like to "RIDE" the bike hard. The average sunday rider that doesn't like to ride a little aggressive sometimes, probably can't tell the difference. JMO

 

i was about sucked into the 09 hype. but my 08 sg is paid for, so i'll just use what i got. i haven't ridden an 09, nor do i have any real interest in riding one. if you're trying to buy an 09 though, if you wait a couple of weeks, you'll see even larger cuts on the remaining 09's surely, in the tulsa area, the showrooms are full of 09's. gotta move them someway, and they'll have to give some great incentives otherwise, you'll just say, screw it, i'll get a 2010. finally our economy has caused even harley to budge on price.

 

A Harley motorcycle is not designed to run much. Y Touring is for a tranquil travel. To go very fast there are other bikes.

 

I hope in a hundred years from now they work out all the kinks.

 

Surely in 100 years is more like a Harley motorcycles as the 09 Japanese who are more like the Kawasaki Vulcan 1700. Only a lack of water cooler, because a good soldier and chassis do.

 

Thanks for all the input. Looks like it is about half and half on opinions. Well I'll get her to ride an 08 and let her decide for herself which one she wants.

This forum is great.

sporty06

 

If you are not convinced by the marketing of 09. With to 08 do not you make a mistake and will be much better for your pocket.