Hey All.. Can someone really explain the difference in the new frame from the older frame? Not a harley write up, but your own personal experience.. Including going on a straight line, turning, etc.. Is it really worth it? Is the rideability much improved, and how/why?



Thx.

 

Went from an 89 frame that was very similar to the frames all the way up to 07 to a new 11 SG.

Ergonomcally.

to me the new frame is longer than the old frame, more of a reach from the seat to the handlebars and to the highway pegs.

the new frame is wider at the seat than the older frames and it also sits a little taller than the older frame

Handeling

the new frame and new swingarm are much stiffer, the bike handles turn-ins, sweepers and straight aways much "crisper" than the older frame.

the rake on the triple trees is also differnet, the turning and the overall handleing of the bike "tracks a line' better than the older frame. that also my be due to the new sized rims and tires as well, but overall the package definitly handles better out on the road to me.

the only negative I have is that the "fit" for me is not as good as the old frame, it requires that I get new bars and have footpegs that have axtensions on it so that I fit it more comfortably.

That negative is a small one though given the handeling of the new frame and all the other huge improvements that come with it ( ABS/brembos, 6 speed, 103", cruise, sec, oil cooler, etc.. )

 

You really need to ride on both frames back to back. I did this and found 2 things that lead to me getting an 09 vs 07. Engine vibration is less at slow speeds on the 09. I am long legged and my fit on the 07 felt like I was humping the tank. The previous post list some other things but these stood out when I test rode. I think if I hadn't ridden the 09 I would have changed the seat to move me back and I 'm sure I would get use to the other issues and not look back.

 

The important difference is this: Less weld points. For every frame manufactured, costs are lower...

 

Thanks guys. I'm in Florida and do a lot of straight highway miles. Any difference in the new changes that you Can tell in a straight, consistent line? I can't imagine the wind buffeting is any better either right? Also, how is the power difference? Noticeable?

 

You might try talking to the service dept. at your local dealer if you really want to know, as most of the techs could probably tell you as they work on them everyday.

 

"Thanks guys. I'm in Florida and do a lot of straight highway miles. Any difference in the new changes that you Can tell in a straight, consistent line? I can't imagine the wind buffeting is any better either right? Also, how is the power difference? Noticeable?"


It tracks a straight line at all speeds better than the old frame and there is none of the wobbly BS when making corrections that the older frames "sometimes" showed when going into sweepers.

Buffeting is all a matter of the windshield and whatever else you bolt on to reduce it, same as the any 'Glide.

I'm coming from a 22 yr old 80" Evo with a 5 speed - to a 103" 6 speed. The difference in acceleration, braking, vibration, handleing and overall Ride of the bike is a night and day difference. I'll never go back.

 

The suspension feels better. Smoother. Straight-line is "more solid" (lack of a better term). Slow curves - or quick swerves - It's a completely different bike -- Can't even get into it as I would sound like a HD commercial.

But the whole thing just feels more solid, more "together" -- No complaints there. I saw the whole "We Changed Everything" poster in '09 and my first thought was "Yeah, whatever..." But after putting a few k on a post '09 (specifically, an '11 EGC from an '08 FLHX), the difference really is night-and-day.

On the curves is where you really feel it though -- Every (pre-'09) touring model I've ever ridden had a "spot" where you were leaning and it sort of "slipped in" and you knew you were leaning (and didn't want to lean much more...). The new frame doesn't have that "threshold" feel to it -- You just lean and it's steady and solid. I lean a lot more on this bike (and I want to lean more and enjoy the curves more).

 

the whole frame is different, and harley claims that they're a great improvement on the 08 and older frame. i wouldn't know about that as i've not ridden a 09 or newer bike. i know that there are two front motor mounts at the first bend of the downtubes of the frame near the front of the floorboards and that's part of why the decrease of motor motion while idling at a stop. everyone claims that they handle much better than the old frames.

 

I went from an '07 Electra Glide to a '09. The first time I rode the '09 I couldn't stop grinning and all I could say to the wife was 'WOW'. I'm only 5'7" and therefore had to put on a reach seat so my feet could reach the ground, the new frame sits you higher. But the handling and ride blow the '07 right out of the water. We do a lot of two-up riding and I found it was exhausting fighting the '07 with the wife on the back. With the '09 I can't even feel that she is there, the ride is effortless. Straight line riding stays straight, you come out of a curve the way you went in rather than never knowing where you will be. Love it.