The frame problem on the Pre-'09 frame can be made less relevant by installing the frame support. It is sold by many after market dealers.
It mounts on the transmission and frame. Ir makes the squish produced in hard turns almost nonexistent.

The other advantage of the wide rear tire is a plus, but not the "End all of all". I love the larger fuel tank, 96" motor and 6 speed transmission. But is is just the benefit of the newer model.

If I hadn't had the insurance money to get a new model, I would have purchased the newest model I could have afforded and been happy. Bottom line is to get the year you want, and be happy. (Unless someone else is paying. Then I will get the one they will buy me) lol

 

With a few more EPA mandates like closed-loop EFI and throttle-by-wire, the pre-'07 bikes are going to hold their value more than some would like to think! Better to ride the wheels off the one I have.

 

I have 30,000 miles on my '08 and have ridden the new framed bikes. I guess there may be a slight difference in handling but I sure wouldn't want to give up the ride of my '08. I also don't like being stuck with the limited tire choice on the '09s. I put the Elite 3s on mine and love the way it handles and rides.

 

briefly, your point is what?????? a motorcycle without a frame??????

 

IMO, the new frame is way better but that being said, the pre-'09 touring bikes are by no means shabby.

 

Yes I would pass up any deal on a pre-2009 touring model.

 

Harleys are in the same class as pizza and p*ssy. Even when they're not that good they're still pretty good.

 

On the 09 and later models, besides the D407 in stock size (180/65-16), you can mount Metz, Avon or Dunlop E3 180/60 or 180/70 (very small difference in diameter), and in 3 weeks, Dunlop will ship the new American Elite in 180/65-16.
Do you have more options than that in 130 or 140? I don't think so.

 

08's may be the best bikes around. 96 motor, 6 gallon tank, Brembo brakes, 6 speed tranny, ABS if you want it. Doesn't have the stiff ride of the 09's and up and no CAT. Fat tire in the back is meaningless to me. I think of my back tire looks as sort of a retro look now which I like. To each his own though. Now give me a bike with a 103 and things start changing.

 

[quote=frenchbiker;7229849]On the 09 and later models, besides the D407 in stock size (180/65-16), you can mount Metz, Avon or Dunlop E3 180/60 or 180/70 (very small difference in diameter), and in 3 weeks, Dunlop will ship the new American Elite in 180/65-16.
Do you have more options than that in 130 or 140? I don't think so.

That "fatty" tire is for looks not function. Harley went to it to compete with all the custom bike builders and to expand their market base. To compensate the final drive belt is a thin little thing and a wider tire tends to make the bike want to stand up when leaned over. Having two tires so mismatched in size on a motorcycle is not a good thing for handling as the grip, cornering, footprint, traction etc. difference can cause one or the other to behave differently. I ride with a guy who has an '09 Fatboy and I constantly notice how wide his turns are when turning left for example (gets way over on the shoulder) . I have a 130 on the front and a 140 on the back of my '91 FLHS and I can make a u-turn on a narrow two lane road with out touching down or going off on the shoulder. No way the Fatboy can do that with average skill level. Plus I've got a nice beefy drive belt. The bigger the "footprint" of a tire the LESS traction you have as the same weight is spread over more square inches so less weight per/sq. inch.