I was wondering how important the new updated frame really is to most of you guys on touring bikes. I've read a lot of stuff on the subject and most people rave about this new frame but it's on the 2009s and newer. Is the ride quality like night and day better, in that you'd pass up a touring bike built before 2009?

In a perfect world, I'd find a good deal on a used 2009 touring bike but most used bikes for sale tend to be a bit older then that, so it's pretty much slim pickings for bikes with the updated frame.

I like the idea of the bigger engine that came along in 2007, so I don't know if I'd go any older then that but what do you think about this new frame they started using?

 

I had a 2007 RK and traded it for a 2009 Ultra. I was impressed with the handling of the new frame. If you can hold out, I'm sure there will be more '09's around soon and it's worth the wait in my opinion.

 

I wouldn't buy a pre 2009 touring bike. The new frame is that much better.
Not that this is a sales pitch but, my old man is selling his '09 Electra Glide Classic for around $16,500 with 5K miles.

 

Besides the upgraded handling, one thing to consider is folks who will ask questions just like yours. Unless you'll be keeping the pre-09 for a long long time, you'll have to think about selling it later to people who would prefer the upgrade.

 

My 07 Ultra was as good as it gets w/ the Bagger Brace and all...But my new 2011 is strides ahead as far as ride and handling.

Mark

 

I had an 08 Road King. I traded for the new frame in 2010. The new frame and the bigger rear tire are worth it.

 

I have a 2008 Ultra Classic and have made a couple of cross-country rides. I have found it more cushioned than the new frame which I've rented for 500 mile trips while on business. If you're going to do some open highway touring, there is nothing wrong with the 2008 and earlier. In fact, my experience is that the newer frame provides a firmer ride which I don't care for. To each his own but the 2008 and earlier bikes were fantastic machines and will provide years of comfortable, reliable service.

 

I have an '08 and have never noticed any negative handling issues. Personally I believe the new frame was more about modifications to accomodate the trike than anything else. There may be some improvement but there is also a lot of hype by the MOCO to sell new bikes IMHO. If I found a good deal on a nice pre '09 I sure wouldn't pass on it because of the frame.

 

Unless you are shorter than average I would advise getting the new frame. The only reason we own an 07 SG is it fit my wife who is 5'5" perfectly. The 09s were a bit more reach, width and height. She just never felt comfortable on them, but when we ran across a used 07 SG it fit her like a glove. We made it better with a +3" C&C seat and now she'll never give it up. When I ride it the difference is pretty obvious compared to my 09 RG.

 

I rode my friend's 09 Road King thinking it would be "all that and a bag of chips" and frankly, I couldn't tell any difference between the handling with that one and my 08 Ultra. I'll keep my 08 for a while longer, I've never had the opinion that it could handle any better than it does.