2009 Harley Touring Models

[speed]

Here is the official word from HD on the new touring models:

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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.

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SM

[speed]

Here is my short take on the new chassis ...

When HD was developing the Vrod they encountered extreme torsional problems with their prototype welded frames. A traditional frame could not take the stress that the new Revolution water cooled power plant subjected them to. Harley hired a company that specialized in water extruded frame construction to eliminate welds and provide a stronger frame. Harley was so impressed with the company that they ended up buying them.

The touring chassis that has been in use forever on Harley FLs flexes something terrible. Many of us who ride FLs have experienced speed wobbles, rear steer, head shake, buffeting, you name it on these bikes. The rear swingarm has been especially problematic from a handling perspective. If you disassemble one you will find the swing arm pivot uses self centering bearings, which allow the swingarm to move in the horizontal plane as well as the intended vertical plane. This is the primary cause of the dreaded rear steer effect, which usually happens when banking a corner at high speed.

The key changes to the new chassis appear to be a redesigned and stiffer rear swingarm, a new mounting point for the swingarm that is closer to the vehicles center of gravity and a new frame which appears to have less welds. The new frame also weigh substantially more - 35 pounds according to the Moco.

We all know the 2012 emissions standards are looming large and that it is highly unlikely the air cooled Twin Cams will qualify. Therefore I am speculating that new touring chassis is the first step towards building a new frame/platform that can handle a higher powered, more efficient, cleaner, water cooled engine in the next two to three years.

We will probably see the bugs worked out of the new chassis for 2009, 2010 and maybe even 2011 before Harley drops a water head in this new frame.

Just an educated guess on my part.

SM

[FATboy05]

Interesting read ..............

[mrpiff]

I hear they are also adding an EG Ultra Trike to their lineup. Have you heard anything about that?

[skuuterdude]

Thanks speedman. Good read. Glad to see HD address some weakpoints in the FL's handling .

[Mungo]

Call me a Guinea Pig for the MoCo, but I've got a 2009 Street Glide in the garage.

I've got 600 miles on her and of course, she feels great. I suppose I'll know more about the machine the more miles I put on it.

[speed]

Originally Posted by Mungo

Call me a Guinea Pig for the MoCo, but I've got a 2009 Street Glide in the garage.

Awesome. Congrats on the new bike.

SM

[HeadDoc]

Originally Posted by Mungo

Call me a Guinea Pig for the MoCo, but I've got a 2009 Street Glide in the garage.

I've got 600 miles on her and of course, she feels great. I suppose I'll know more about the machine the more miles I put on it.

GodDamn! good to see you here Buddy, hope you are ok . I am seriously thinking of getting a streetglide this year too or a RK

[TexasRed]

Kick ass Mungo! Congrats on the new scoot. I really love those EGs.

[MLC]

congrats on the new bike.