If i where on a tight budget and found a good deal on a pre-09 the I'd go for it. the deal would have to be VERY good and my budget would have to be VERY tight.

I went from an 08' flht with a bagger brace to a 2010 flhtcu. the '10 is FAR better. that's in a straight line, in the twists, on the highway, on secondary roads, EVERYWHERE. the suspension is stiffer but in a good way. MUCH MUCH more sure footed, with out question.

 

I accomplished the same result on my '91 FLHS with the "Glide Pro" swingarm isolator/front engine mount kit, Custom Cycle S.S cleve bearings, and Progressive Suspension variable rate fork springs. Yes, what a difference. Like you say, "firm but in a good way". No more mushy rearend and feeling like you're on water when turning on a dry road. Now when I shake the handlebars going about 45 mph only the front wheel moves instead of the *** end "waggling". Also much more confidence now at higher speeds in heavy crosswinds. It doesn't have to be "either or". If you have a pre '09 Bagger and love it you can do what I did for about $1400 for everything; parts and labor. Also the Glide Pro set up is not a bolt on; it corrects the problem at it's source; the OEM rubber "donuts" on the outboard side of the swingarm. Check out the "Tech" section on the Glide Pro site for a short vid on the ins and outs of that old swingarm set up and what's out there to try to correct it.

 

I'll never keep up with the newest, greatest, or fastest so I'll just have to be happy with what I have. Besides, I road a new Ultra for a day and did not see, or feel, this fantastic difference that so many rave about. It was a very nice bike, regardless.

 

You should probably ride one of the new bikes before you start spewing info. I was under the same school of thought as you before I rode and purchased my new Ultra Limited. The 07 won't hold a candle to this new one. Your buddy's soft tail not cornering is no mystery to me, they are a lot lower and drag hard parts a lot sooner than a FLH.

Mark

 

So currently nothing but stock is available in the correct size.

 

Yes I would pass it up by dropping a couple of gears and getting the heck out of there.

 

I just bought an 08 UC after test riding both 09 and 10 models. The price was right on the 08 so I went ahead and purchased it. The only two places that I notice wobble is on grating such as over a draw bridge or where there is grooved pavement during road construction. I have been reading alot about the bagger brace and was planning on making it my next purchase, however I now have mixed feelings as to whether I should purchase one or not.

Would the bagger brace help the ride over grooved surfaces and grating or would I be wasting my money because I think the ride is great other than these two areas.

 

I recommend the Bagger Brace as I had one on my 07 Ultra. It made the bike a lot more stable in corners and in places like you mentioned. Especially 2 up.

Mark

 

I traded in my '01 Ultra after I had did just about everything you could to improve the ride. Progressive 440's rear, Touring link, Mono Cartridge front fork shocks, Glide Pro front motor mount, new Dunlops, etc. It could never ride as smooth as the new frame on my 2010 Limited. Just clocked 5K since new 6 weeks ago and this new frame/suspension rides like your on a marshmallow. Solid, but soft. Even 2-up for 2100 miles in a week.

 

Thanks Mark,

I am just going to pull the trigger and buy one. If it adds stability on the grates and grooved pavements its worth it and if it also adds stability in corners, that is just a bonus.

Thanks again,

Rick