2009 Harley Davidson Touring Frame is All New
July 22nd, 2008 at 2:45 pm by Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider"
The complete line of Harley Davidson touring bikes will sit on a totally new frame for 2009. New frame, swingarm, wheels and tires plus non linked ABS (you control front and rear braking), electronic throttle control (one more sign of the increase in “fly by wire” technology showing up on many motorcycles) and quite a bit more. It’s definitely a step up.
From Harley Davidson:
A new chassis designed to deliver precise responsive maneuverability, increased capacity and greater comfort for rider and passenger underpins the seven-model Harley-Davidson Touring family for 2009.
Incorporating an all-new frame, swingarm, engine mounting system, wheels and tires, the new chassis forms the foundation for what are truly all-new motorcycles. The key styling elements of these motorcycles, however, are essentially unchanged so that the distinctive character and mechanical beauty of each Touring model is preserved.
The 2009 Touring models continue a series of product innovations that can be traced back to a research study conducted by the company in 2002, and to face-to-face interaction with customers who rode an estimated 50 million miles during the Harley-Davidson 100th Anniversary event in 2003. Armed with this feedback, Harley-Davidson launched a program to maintain its touring leadership through the introduction of the Twin Cam 96 engine and 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission, 103ci and 110ci Big Bore kits through Genuine Motor Accessories, the Isolated Drive System, electronic throttle control, Brembo brakes with optional ABS, a six-gallon fuel tank, reduced clutch lever effort, the Advanced Audio System by Harman-Kardon, GPS navigation with Ride Planner downloads, a high-output charging system to better enable new accessory heated seats and grips, and a two-year warranty with extended service intervals.
All 2009 Touring models are powered by the rubber-mounted 1584cc Twin Cam 96 V-Twin engine with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), mated to the 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission for outstanding performance and economy. All models also feature air-adjustable rear shocks to accommodate variable passenger and luggage loads.
The All-New Touring Chassis
New from the tires up, the Touring chassis is based on a single-spar, rigid backbone frame that supports an increase in load capacity of 70 pounds. This allows for a five pound increase in each saddlebag and the Tour-Pak. A new swingarm contributes significantly to the overall system. The engine-isolation system has been revised to reduce engine and vehicle vibrations at idle speed.
The wheel-and-tire package is updated, with front wheel diameter increased to 17 inches from 16 inches (except for the Road King Classic) while the width of the 16-inch rear wheel is increased to five inches from three inches. All Touring models will be equipped with new Dunlop D407 Multi-Tread rear tires that offer up to 25 percent more rear-tire tread life. The wider rear wheel accommodates a new 180/65-16 rear tire. The new front tire is a 130/80-17. Front and rear suspension has been recalibrated to match the dynamics of the new chassis, wheels and tires.
Powertrain revisions include a new 2-1-2 exhaust system that reduces heat exposure to the rider and passenger, and a lower final drive ratio for improved acceleration performance. Rear styling is cleaner, with a wider fender and the elimination of the rear “hoop” over the fender on models not equipped with a Tour-Pak.
Key Touring Family Features
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS): Offered as a factory-installed option on all 2009 Touring models, ABS is designed to help the rider maintain control during braking events, especially those that happen in less-than-optimal conditions. The components of the Harley-Davidson ABS have been designed and packaged to be virtually invisible, preserving the uncluttered styling of the area around the wheels. Unlike many motorcycle ABS, Harley-Davidson ABS is not a linked system, meaning the rider maintains full, independent control of both front and rear brakes.
Electronic Throttle Control: Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) replaces mechanical cables on all Touring models. All wiring from the throttle-grip sensor is routed through the handlebars. The ETC enables an easy upgrade to a cruise control system, and unclutters the handlebar area for cleaner styling.
Factory-Option Cruise Control: Available for all models that do not come equipped with cruise control as standard equipment.
Isolated Drive System: The Isolated Drive System compensator is now integrated into the rear wheel hub, eliminating the bolt-on bowl for a cleaner look. The Isolated Drive System reduces noise and vibration to the rider for improved ride quality under acceleration, shifting and cruising.
Posted in American Motorcycles, Motorcycle Business
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15 Responses to “2009 Harley Davidson Touring Frame is All New”
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July 22nd, 2008 at 2:58 pm
no fly by wire!!! only drawback i see.
July 22nd, 2008 at 3:34 pm
What I’m finding is that it’s getting more and more critical for the manufacturer to control emissions. Drive-by-wire is a real handy way to be sure that the throttle only ever does what the emissions standards say it can do and when it can do it. It doesn’t hurt that, despite the enormous development costs, anything-by-wire (officially called “x-by-wire”) is a very labor saving way to assemble a vehicle. Now that control inputs are digitized that information can be used for other purposes. The brakes, suspension, steering damper, auto-shift tranny can now better know what the engine is doing and how it should adjust its own performance to better work with it. Without it it’s like your left arm not knowing what your right arm is doing…
Too bad they still haven’t figured out how to fit a gas tank to a frame without it looking tacked on.
-todd
July 22nd, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Wow
They must finally have run out of the 1990’s parts, way to go HD, guess we’ll see the watercooled bagger that makes more than 68 hp in 2025, It’s pathetic to think that you’ll have to spend another $4k on motor mods to pass a semi full loaded going 75 mph.
It’s nice they got rid of the bicycle tires this year
I’ll be back on a HD when they make a touring
bike that actually tours
July 23rd, 2008 at 7:11 am
Now I’m not much of a touring rider first of all because I can’t afford one right now, and second because they need a full redo. When you’re hitting some of our nations great highways you need the get up and go to merge and get around that full loaded tractor trailer as Larry mentioned. All of my friends who ride these bikes complain about that. I can understand sticking to your roots and heritage and all, but let’s see something new in the design. I’m not saying it should be as wild as the Victory Vision, but c’mon let’s see something new.
July 23rd, 2008 at 7:47 am
ABS brakes are available on all touring models and the V-Rod, but are they available on the Dyna or Sportster Lines for 2009? Or even select models. These are lighter bikes for me, around 600 lbs, and I am very reluctant to go heavier. Thank you
July 23rd, 2008 at 11:41 am
Harley Davidson builds off of tradition. I don’t have any problem passing at higher speeds. Have you rode a twin cam touring model or are you one of those people that have never ridden one yet contiuously degrade them? Harley Davidson has continued to build a beautiful, dependable, and capable touring machine. I have been all over the country, with the comfort and dependability second to none. Not to mention the beauty these bikes behold when sitting next to others. Harley Davidson continues to upgrade the air cooled powerplant and chassis to meet any demands encountered. Keep up the great work!
July 23rd, 2008 at 5:23 pm
OK, here we go again, I rode HD for 30 yrs, spent easily over $80k building the gutless stock motors to make enough HP to be usefull.
Tradition(thats spelled morons and excessive profit) is for people who can’t afford the HD or the bar bike crowd(If you don’t ride more than 15k mi a year pls don’t tell me what a tourer should be. A yearly ride to sturgis does not count for much & in Wyoming in 40 mph head wind I’ll bet you your pink slip you can’t get past the semi going 75 or 80 in a safe manner)
My buddies own Aftermarket shops and I travel with 2 HD franchise owners. HD will not use the technology of the V-rod to generate a real tourer (except for the awesome but overpriced CVO) because they make tooooooo much $$ on aftermarket engine builds. Thats’ my beef , I’ve gone thru boss hoss, Triumph rocket, BMW and currnetly on a Wing (best bike for me 125hp, handles great, goes forever). I have a hot wife so I don’t need HD to get chicks .
for a $25k toy I better not need to touch it, Just ride it like stole it for a long time, Its MOTOR !!!! CYCLE , that means the MOTOR comes first, not Tradition
July 24th, 2008 at 3:59 am
Hey Larry, you don’t sound very intelligent.You spent over 80 grand to give it useful horsepower? Yea uhhuh. I’ll bet you’ve never been on a Harley.
July 28th, 2008 at 11:19 am
Larry, I’m sure your Gold Wing will make you a good touring bike. Keep degrading Harleys because of your envy. I’ll keep riding my beautiful Harleys in comfort and style. I have several Harleys in my family with over 100,000 miles on them, not having to put 80k in them to tour. Nice try! I beleive you gold wing will dyno a 102 H.P at the rear wheel. You’ll need every bit to tour with all the others. The low speed handling and HEAVY bike sounds to be more your style. Good luck with it.
July 29th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Hey guys, several of you threw me a curve when you said some Harleys did not have the poop to pass an 18 wheeler at 80 mph. Is it just me or what? I was left asking myself who on God’s Green Earth ever needs to pass an 18 wheeler at 80+ mph?
August 9th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
I HAVE A 2007 ROADGLIDE WITH THROTTLE CABLES , IHAVE A SHOP , REPAIR AND CUSTOMIZE, THE X WIRE TROTTLE IS A JUNK ITEM , AND 68 HP IS A JOKE I HAD THE 103 KIT PUT ON BY HARLEY WHEN I BOUGHT IT . I HAVE A RICH PRODUCTS THUNDER HEADER AND SCEAMIN EAGLE A.C. KIT , WITH RACE TUNER 89 HP TO REAR WHEEL WITH 108 FOOT LBS TORQUE. THE BIKES COST TO MUCH AND BREAK TO MUCH , AND IN CALIFORNIA YOU BETTER BE ABLE TO PASS AT 90+ OR GET RAN OVER . WATER COOLED IS THE ANSWER.
August 14th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
I was one of those harely haters for the last 30 years, after owning a 73 sport, I swore to never own another one. But about 20 bikes later, all German and Japanese I finally went out on a whim and bought a 09 Electra Glide standard. I ride it every day and love it. I finally understand what the fuss is all about. This is the only bike I ever owned that is fun to ride below 30 and works well on dirt roads. Its not all about horsepower, torque does most of the work anyway. I can ride this bike all day, and still love it, thats not something I could ever have said before. Former bikes, ST1300, SV1000,FZ1,KTM SuperMoto, BlackBird, Buel Thunderbolt, CBR450, RoadStar,BMW R100, HD Sportster to name a few of the better ones. I don’t care much for the HD culture, but I do love the bike.
September 7th, 2008 at 9:53 am
You know I hate the guys out there that thrash talk others bikes. I ride a Harley due to that’s what I want to ride. Even packed down, try passing me. If you like what your riding, fine. But don’t make the mistake and thrash what I ride if we’re standing together. Guys that like thrash talking, thats why the make the bikes your riding, you just don’t get it. Shut up and Ride.
September 29th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Larry does have some valid points. I’ve owned 20+ bikes over my 33 years of street riding, so I’m not talking out of my a$$ when I agree. I have a Road Glide and an FJR1300 right now, so my perspective can’t be disputed. I had to spend approximately $2,500 on engine mods just to get the Harley enough balls to effortlessly pass at highway speeds. Now if the thing stopped and turned well, it would be a great bike. Another $5k and I could put a 180 tire kit and new suspension, then all I’d need are new brake calipers and rotors, and a frame stabilizer — then it would be a decent ride, but not anywhere near what the $13k stock FJR is capable of doing.
Don’t get me wrong, my Harley’s torque (after new heads and pistons) is a beautiful thing - it’s just a shame that you have to pay sooo much to get the whole package dialed in.
October 17th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
I like these forums. It allows everyone to share there opinions. I have’nt been riding as long as most of you have but I like what I like. I grew up around the Jap bikes and Harleys. I chose to go Harley. I don’t mind putting money in to my bike. Thats the fun part. I ride everything like i stole it. LOL. I think of them as a car that needs a personl touch. I have never bought a muscle car and not changed the exhaust, carb, intake, chip, etc… Shoot if I bought and Honda I would do the same thing. But thats what the passion is all about. So just enjoy what you have no need to trash talk about the next mans S*it.