Starting in '09 the under the frame exhaust configuration, eliminating the left side rear cylinder exhaust pipe, did reduce the heat felt on the left side of the bike. There are no under the seat heat shields on your '09 Street Glide for the same reason there are no under the seat heat shields on the '10 and '11 Street Glides, the '10 and '11 Road Glide Custom and so on. Because Harley was concerned about the "uncool" factor of an under the seat heat shield on a Street Glide, Road Glide Custom etc.. Starting in '10, possibly '09, all Ultra Classic Eglides came from the factory came with under the seat heat shields. Starting in 2011, all Road Glide Ultras come from the factory with under the seat heat shields. Same motor (TC96 or TC103), same frame, same exhaust, same heat.

They have sold alot of under the seat heat shields to TC96 pre '09 ('07 & '08) owners but no more than to the '09, '10 and '11 owners. Just my

 

If it is cheap enough, I would go with the older frame. Not that I know the difference, but there is a difference. I know quite a few people who were upset with the 88ci when the 96ci came out.

 

Right-
I bought an '08 because I disliked the newer '09's handling-really hated the way the back tire felt after HD increased the width by one and a half inches.It seemed sluggish and unresponsive compared to the 2008's...Riders can say all they want about the new frame but I'll bet 75% of 'em aren't pushing their cycles hard enough for the frame to matter,that "solid grounded feeling" they"re perceiving is probably mostly from that new increased width back tire..

Nothing wrong with that at all,if riders like it,they shoud buy one, it's just not my preference.I jumped all over an '08 because I knew it was the last chance to snag 16's front and back with the conventional tire width that I like and also get ABS Brembo Brakes,6 Gallon Tanks etc,etc

The FLHTCU's are designed ride 2 up over long distances,my '08's definitely excelled at that and when we get to our destination it's a kickass bike on crooked roads.

 

07-08 have a final drive ratio of 2.79.

 

yes...if the pre-'09 was "practically free".
Then again, that's just me

In all seriousness, .pre 2009, harley touring bikes were/are awesome bikes and people rode and have been riding them happily for years. If they had not changed the frame in such a major way...none of us would be having this conversation because it's not like the pre-'09 frames were pos's.

 

08 streetglide.20,000 miles no problems at all.Rode a 2010 roadglide and it felt no different than my 08.

 

anyone want to dump their pre-09' frame let me know!