Would you pass up a pre-2009 because it hasn't got the updated frame?
#173
12-17-2010, 06:40 PM
I've owned a couple 2009 touring models (a Road Glide and a Road King).....notice the past tense in ownership.
I still own my 2002 Road King because it is extremely well built and stable....including stability at high speeds (100+ mph) and fast/sharp corners. In my opinion, there was not that much of a difference in the handling of the new bikes. I'll give a slight advantage to the Brembo brakes (which you can put on a 2007 and older bike if you wanted to). I did find the new frame handled slightly better in high speed cornering....the type that most would never (or rarely) attempt with a bagger anyway. So in my opinion, the new frame is not some incredible magical design that totally transforms these bikes.
But, my 2002 Road King has some things that the newer bikes do not have. It has a stong bottom end on it TC88....forged crank, timken.....and each year the newer engines have fewer parts in them, almost as if they are going "disposable". Funny how HD has been able to lower the price on the newer bikes, or keep them about the same. Something is getting cheapened up to accomplish that.
If I were in the market for a used bike, I would not walk away from the older bikes.
I still own my 2002 Road King because it is extremely well built and stable....including stability at high speeds (100+ mph) and fast/sharp corners. In my opinion, there was not that much of a difference in the handling of the new bikes. I'll give a slight advantage to the Brembo brakes (which you can put on a 2007 and older bike if you wanted to). I did find the new frame handled slightly better in high speed cornering....the type that most would never (or rarely) attempt with a bagger anyway. So in my opinion, the new frame is not some incredible magical design that totally transforms these bikes.
But, my 2002 Road King has some things that the newer bikes do not have. It has a stong bottom end on it TC88....forged crank, timken.....and each year the newer engines have fewer parts in them, almost as if they are going "disposable". Funny how HD has been able to lower the price on the newer bikes, or keep them about the same. Something is getting cheapened up to accomplish that.
If I were in the market for a used bike, I would not walk away from the older bikes.
I believe the new frame is improved over the pre '09. I believe just as strongly that Harley had to stiffen up the FLH frame if they were going to build a trike and have marketed the hell out of the trike related changes as the new greatest ever FLH frame. Is it a coincidence the frame change was made the same year they introduced the trike?
Just sayin'.
#174
12-17-2010, 06:50 PM
Road Master
#175
12-17-2010, 07:50 PM
#176
12-17-2010, 08:12 PM
#177
12-17-2010, 08:15 PM
Never rode a pre 09 but I did sit on one after I bought new. I was impressed on how it felt in the parking lot, the seat width was more narrow and the EG felt like it sat lower than my SG. Dont forget about the exhaust, once again I never rode one but I think those models sold lots of heat sheilds. No sheilds on my 09 with the exhaust going under the frame.
#178
12-17-2010, 08:15 PM
Some have suggested the '08 FLHs may be the best of the recent models. A combination of the older design (cushier ride, narrower seat for the vertically challenged rider, improved gear ratio vs '07) and the new features (throttle-by-wire, plug in cruise, six gallon tank and ABS Brembo brakes). Not taking sides on this one but it is an interesting thought.
#179
12-17-2010, 08:43 PM
Outstanding HDF Member
