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.

 

Well, since you asked for my opinion.... regarding the pre/post 09 chassis debate:
If you ask someone with a 08 or earlier, they will tell you there's no appreciable difference. If you ask someone who owns a 09 or later, they will tell you there's a huge difference.

It can't be both.

So it's neither.

 

My 2010 handles WAY better than my 08!

 

My 09 handles WAY better than my 05 did w Metzler Tires and a Brace on it!

 

My 09 RG is the best handling HD touring bike I've owned. Granted its the only HD touring bike I've owned thus making it the best by default but thats besides the point.

 

My 09 with a cupped 407 handles better than my 08 did. I figure it'll handle even better once I get the tire swapped.

 

My 09 RoadGlide handled like crap. After 3 complaints to the dealer and a new front Dunlop 408 to replace the Dunlop 407 things have improved immensley.


When I first took it on a long ride with them new rubbers to meet some friends they all asked me about the handeling. My comments were NO DRAMA. My 95 Fatboy would bang the floorboards all the time, even after I had worn them down half way.

So does the 09 now handle better than the 08s and earlier. I can not tell you as it is my first dresser. Does is handle better than my Fatboy, not really, but it does have better clearance and has taken some of the fun out of hitting the twisties hard. Guess that is why I still got the 95....

 

Your title is incorrect:

Should Read, Opinions are like A$$holes, Everyone has two and they have an interchangable part number.

I can't compare the newer verse later but my 09 Road king does ride very well.

 

I have not ridden an 2009 or 2010 but I have no complaints with my 2007 RG. I have a E3 on the rear tire and could not be happier. I guess I am going to have to a ride a 2010 to see what the difference is. I have a 2008 BMW K1200S now that is a great handling bike. All kidding aside, I have no complaints with my 07 RG but I would like to ride a 2010 to see if there is a difference and it would have to be night and day for me to justify the cost difference of replacing my RG with a newer version.

 

After changing to Elite3's on the 08 FLHT Big Difference as far as having an 09 .. Might be in the future .. Don't think want a 10 with catalytic converter..