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.
Derek says
no fly by wire!!! only drawback i see.
todd says
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
Larry Wujcikowski says
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
Jarred says
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.
Fred says
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
Rick says
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!
Larry says
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
John says
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.
Rick says
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.
J. Retrop says
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?
cococounty says
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.
Fast Mike says
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.
Randy & Penny says
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.
Steve says
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.
Top Dog says
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.
andjar says
I don’t know what ur all fussing about. Everyone has the right to comment anything bout their bikes.
Just a question anyone know why the radio com from the 2009 couldn,t connect
To the 200z nor the 2008. wanted to exchage my softail to an ultra but then confused
After knowing flaws in the 2009 touring model… Please advise thanx so much…
Jess says
I have ridden Harleys for the better part of 37 years.The only time I had a problem with them was during the tennis racket years.Riding a Harley is a choice of the heart. When you throw your leg over that saddle,fire that Big V up you don’t care if it won’t pass a bus going up hill. From the 250 Sprint I had in the 60s to the 2009 Ultra I’m about to pick up March31 I’ve loved them all!!!! As I travel along at 60 mph enjoying the country side I can only think of this to say as you pass me at light speed.HELL AINT HALF FULL.
Dennis Nelson says
HI To Every One, First off I have been ridding street for 20 years and dirt sence I was 6, and I am 43 now. I made my purchase on the 2009 FLHX StreetGlide on
April-15th-2009. My last 4 bikes have been harleys, My first was a hoem built Evo Chopper, the second was a 2001 Fatboy, 3rd 2007 FLHX StreetGlide, 4th 2008 FLHX Streetglide, and 5 th 2009 FLHX StreetGlide.
The 2009 performs ourperforms any prior bike I have had. Quicker response on the throtle, Better Braking. Smoother running when at idle. The rear swing arm sway that was noticable on the 07 and 08 when accelerating in corners is no longer a issue on the 09 as the true track unit that Harley now installs from the factory has fixed that issue. The rubber compound and tread design of the tires make a considerable differance with handling on dry and wet pavement.
The exhaust systems is trick for stock, A little more lounder in the area of sound, The relocation of the rear down tube kills the heat issue that I had with the 07 and 08. Its nice to not feel like my thyes are on fire while sitting at a stop lite. I stand 6″2 and I can actual notice the stretch of 1 inch plus n the frame.
The Harmen Karden sound system is nice, as it has not changed through the years.
But!, I would recomend that Harley use speakers with a high wattage output and a larger Amp. 40 watts of power does not realy cut it for crisp clear sound, I know Harley offers the upgrade kit, But the upgrade kit should already be installed and have other upgrades available.
The CD player is a great added feature, The down fall is that after running CD’s through it, they come out scratched and scipping.
The AV Jack is a great Idea, I plug my Zune into it and down the road I go, My CDs and now safe from damage.
The Down Fall To The AV Jack
The rubber gromet that covers the hole gets in the way when plugging in the jack, and if you are not careful you can break the orange support gromet that is scene on the front face of the unit. In turn what happens is your stereo gos from stereo to mono mode and cuts out your base. “NONE REPLACEABLE” Requiers the Stereo Unit To Be Replaced. $900.00 For the unit, plus install cost, This depends your location.
Spoke Or Mag?
Ok so I like the look of the spoke wheels, I had the spokes on the 07 and 08, the chrome looks great! Pain in the A$% to clean. Issues with them , they go flat and the wheel has to come, tube patched and then back on the bike. Spokes get loose and the wheel needs to be trudeI went with the mags on the 09.
The perks on the mags.
It gos flat, you stick in a plug, fill it back up with air and down the road you go. No taking the wheel off the bike. No loose spokes, so no down time in the shop getting the wheel trued.
Cruise controle is nice but I stay away from it
Keyless fobb
Great unit, I had it on the 07, Down fall, I lost the unit at a Gals house and had to over ride the code. Pain in the A%^, Great unit if you live in a high Theft Area.
Unless you lock the ignition, The bike can still be taken and striped!
LOW JACK,
Best idea ever for harley owners. Get it and have it installed. well worth the $700.00 extra money. A friend had his bike locked down and still had his bike taken. With in 3 hours he had his bike back and the thief was on his way to jail.
Fly By Wire Throtle
Wow!, The 07 was cable, The 08 went to fly by wire. It still feels like cable resistance when I hit the throtle. What I like is that there is no adjustments that need to be made.
If you drop your bike you could brke the unit, But if you are dropping one of these touring bikes then you should probaly not be ridding one. Not recomended for bar hoppers who drink alot.
Fixed Mirrors
No Vibration, clear view
Clutch Set Up
The 07 and 08 had tention on them, On the 09 I am not certain what they did to it, but when I pull the clutch handle, it is like a hot knife going through butter, VERY EASY, VERY SMOOTH.
Down Points that I see.
I beleave that the Mags need to have a new design that says Power, thrill, fun and excitement.
The Seat
I weigh in at 195 LBS, and feel that the seat needs a little more padding in it. After ridding 50 miles, it felt like I had been sitting on top of a towel with a piece of plywood under it
The Windshield
To Short! I road down the road on the 07 and had wind turbalance hitting me. My helmet shaked out of comtrole. I went on Ebay and found a company back East that offerd a 15 inch clear or smoked shield for $28.00 shipped to my door. I made the purchase, and receaved it here in Seattle Washington with in 4 days. It took 3 minutes to change out. Grated it took away from the cool look, But it saved on having my neck tweeked out.
So, I conclude it is the best bang for your buck. I road all the bikes that harley has for 09, depending on what you want and what feel you are going for. I was approved to purchase any bike on credit for up to $36k.
Gone are the days of oil leaks, unreliable start ups and faulty parts.
If I could rate the bike between 0 and 20, I would give it a 19.5.
The bike is not for every one, and Harley still has some small flaws to work out.But the bike is well worth the money. If you want fast then get the 1125R. If you want style comfort and pure enjoyment then the 09 FLHX StreetGlide is for you. May I remind every one that there was 450 modifications made to the touring bikes, a 2 piece frame, new swing arm, and 150 less welds on the frame
Kevin says
I am considering going back to Harley as I get older. The Road Glide fits well and would be a useful bike for the kind of long-distances ride I like to take. I want to be comfortable and sheltered and I like having big bike a front end out in front of me – if you get what I mean. I also like a motorcycle to be a motorcycle and not a plastic covered scooter. So I’m going to rent the 09 Road Glide for a day and see if I like it. Still, 60 horsepower pushing an 800 bike. My 72 FLH was so so slow. My 1989 FLSTC was peppy enough with a Series B S&S, an FLH cam and drag pipes. I have an 04 Rune I ride a lot now, but want something comfortable now. So, as a question, what would I do and how much would I pay to do a solid power upgrade that leaves the warranty in tact? I suspect Harley sells an underperforming bike knowing that most riders will shell out for up grades. I hate to get suckered, but don’t see myself riding a Goldwing – maybe. We’ll see.
Larry says
I’ve been a metric rider for 40 years. Just bought a 2009 Road King. I like it !! Would not have bought it without the changes that H-D put in the ’09 Touring models. Bike runs good, rides nice, looks great, it’s stable too. I sold a VTX 1800 then bought the Road King. The Road King will not run with the VTX but the Road King is no slouch either. It looks 10 times better than the VTX and handles better too. I use the Road King as my “cruiser”. Don’t liquid cool it H-D, it’s a beautiful engine just like it is. I also own a Honda ST 1300 and a Gold Wing. The ST 1300 is a REAL kick ! Best all around bike I’ve ever owned. The Wing is absolutely the all time best tourer ever made. Other bikes may look better but the Wing has the best engine in any motorcycle ever made. Ride one you’ll see. Hell I like ’em all. I’m glad there is a Hartley and a Honda and a Yamaha and a……..
Jamie says
Calm down Harley riders. These metric guys with the “not being able to pass a semi” theory have obviously never ridden a Harley or have been listening too closely to their sales guy at their local rice dealer. If not, I have no idea where they’re getting their information. I’ve ridden many types of motorcycles, import and domestic but I’ve only owned two Harleys, with good reason. Harley makes motorcycles like no other manufacturer in the world and Harley has standards. Not just performance standards. At Harley, styling issues can outweigh the riders’ need to have the latest and greatest technology unlike some manufacturers that put anything and everything on your motorcycle, whether it looks like it was taken off of a lawn tractor or not. I would think a guy would have to own one or, at least, take a friend’s bike for a trip across their state to appreciate and speak intelligently about these motorcycles. Obviously, these people have done neither. Harley has continued to strike a great balance between rider comfort, new technology and something that looks like a work of art. That’s why they’re imitated by almost every bike maker in the world and that’s why people will keep riding them.
WildBillHarley says
There are great bikes made by numerous manufacturers to suit anybodys needs. Been riding now for 30 years and on my 5th Harley(2009 Ultra) Have rode the rice burners and they are nice but just not Harleys. What amazes me is that the people who dont like Harleys always have to come to Harley sites to tell us why their bikes are better. I have never even looked at a bike site other than Harley. Do not really care what they are saying on their sites as it doesnt apply to me. If you are happy with whatever you ride…ride it! Its all about being in the wind, some just like it different than others. Ill just stick to my Harleys and quote Malcom Forbes” I have many nice different motorcycles and they are all fun to ride. But at the end of the day if I rode my Harley it feels like I have done something” Nuff Said
Bill Cummings says
I love Harleys, I have owned them for thirty plus years. Most people who don’t like them can’t afford them. Yes I know that they don’t have the technology that’s in other bikes, but they have enough for me. It’s also fun to tear them down and add some salt to them. It’s like taking a Chevy apart and making it a rod. It’s all part of the scene. For some of you , if I have to explain you wouldn’t understand.
Peace
Mitts says
Does anyboby know if the electronic throttle control wire can be cut and lenghtened to put a set of beachbars on a 2009 street glide