Opinions are like A$$holes, everyone has one
#21
12-07-2009, 10:47 AM
Outstanding HDF Member
I've got an '06 SG and my brother has an '09 SG and we've traded rides several times and discussed the differences handling-wise. We both agree that there's an improvement with the '09 but that the bikes are still very close (and the tires are stock on both).
Here's what we do know: with just less than 10K miles he's had to replace both the tires and brake pads (fronts and rears). The front pads still had maybe 30% left but he changed them anyway. My '06 still has the original brake pads (26K+ miles) and I get 8-10K mi. out of the rear tires and 18-20K mi. out of the fronts. I can find replacement tires (16") at any MOCO or Indy shop but no shop in our state had a 17" front for his bike (it's on order).
Now before you say it neither of us baby our bikes, we ride them hard. I took nearly a year off due to a major health issue and that's reflected in my total mileage. Each of us usually ride 10K mi. per year. Neither of us is disappointed with our bikes although my brother has remarked that he isn't looking forward to the added maintenance costs when the difference in handling is as insignificant as it is.
But like you say: opinions are like......
Here's what we do know: with just less than 10K miles he's had to replace both the tires and brake pads (fronts and rears). The front pads still had maybe 30% left but he changed them anyway. My '06 still has the original brake pads (26K+ miles) and I get 8-10K mi. out of the rear tires and 18-20K mi. out of the fronts. I can find replacement tires (16") at any MOCO or Indy shop but no shop in our state had a 17" front for his bike (it's on order).
Now before you say it neither of us baby our bikes, we ride them hard. I took nearly a year off due to a major health issue and that's reflected in my total mileage. Each of us usually ride 10K mi. per year. Neither of us is disappointed with our bikes although my brother has remarked that he isn't looking forward to the added maintenance costs when the difference in handling is as insignificant as it is.
But like you say: opinions are like......
#22
12-07-2009, 10:58 AM
I detail Harley's on the weekends to make some extra cash to pay for my new (on order) 2010 Limited Ultra. In the last 2 weeks I have ridden an 07 and 08 Ultra and an 09 CVO Ultra. I my opinion the 09 CVO Ultra was the nicest ride of them all. Not sure if it is because it has all the bells and whistles or not but the 09 did ride/handle better.
#24
12-07-2009, 11:59 AM
Here's mine: Whats Yours? In my non-expert opinion 09/and 2010 bikes handle better not based on the new frame or wider tire in the back alone ,, Its the fact that HD finally figured out that the D-402s were $hit for handling in curves/rain and on tar snakes,,, HD decided to change to the E-3 style tires and its like the holy grail of enlightenment on how well the new bikes handle because of the stiffer frame and neck changes, but there is hardly nothing printed or said about the tread design making a huge difference. (it snowed 6 inches here and I'm Pi$$ed Off) (venting over)
thanks,
R.
thanks,
R.
#28
12-07-2009, 02:05 PM
Outstanding HDF Member
Goiong from a 95 Ultra to an 09, the difference was phenominal. I can't tell you about the 08 and back but there is no comparison to my old one and new one. I'd never go back. i just did a 1935 mile trip that was absoulutely great. A friend was riding his 97 RK and we always had to stop for him to fuel, or stretch or whizz. At the end of the day, he and his wife were whipped, me and mine fresh as a daisy.
can you tell I'm satisfied with mine?
Bub
can you tell I'm satisfied with mine?
Bub
#29
12-07-2009, 03:51 PM
Road Warrior
I have had an 05 and 07 Ultra and put tens of thousands of miles on them combined, now own and 09 and I can tell you that the 09 handles appreciably better than either 05 or 07 in/on similar roads and conditions. I have pushed the 09 harder than I felt comfortable with on either previous models. 09 has better control, low speed handling, cornering, nimbleness, and a tightness that neither 05 or 07 had and the wife likes the 09 better.