'09 Tourer Road Test

[SJC69]

Well I picked this up for the day and must say I am impressed.



It's completely standard and only done 330 miles when I rode off.






This is my thoughts

The performance is fine and smooth but I am sure with a bit of de-restriction it would be better!

The fly by wire throttle and cruse control work much better & smoother than the previous offerings.



The six speed box works well and was relatively un-clunky for a new bike.
As per previously you do need to be doing 55 to 60mph to pull sixth but it will still accelerate from 70 mph onwards with out the need to drop a cog for high speed overtaking on motorways.



The rear wheel 'cush' drive does seem to make a very noticeable difference and smoothness to the drive train and I heard no appreciative whine from any of the gears.

The real big improvements

The reduced low speed vibration and jumping about of the motor are greatly reduced.



The general handling of the bike is also much improved, even when throttling off round bends it seems much more firm and certain, remembering it's still a Glide not a Ducati though.

The brakes, well for a Harley the Brembos are a vast improvement over anything before, much more power with a good amount of feel and the ABS does not seem to kick in too early either.
Yes of course I tried it out, you do get a real mechanical sort of clunk feel when you try to lock the back wheel up!



The Heat from the exhausts in traffic is also much improved too and I sure will be a great benefit if you ever carry a passenger too.



All in all a much nicer and smoother experience than any of the previous offerings.

If you are thinking of getting a Glide, do try one of the latest '09 models they are much better!

[BaZa®]

A great summary and review thanks Steve.

[kiwidave]

Very interesting! How long has the ''FLHX'' designation been back? Last seen in 1984...

Bike looks nice. What I didnt know, but what Mark down here has shown me, is that the 2009 baggers have what the MoCo is describing as the biggest chassis redesign since the introduction of the (rubber-mount) FLT in 1980. So it's interesting to read that you agree - it is a much-improved ride, far better handling, yada yada yada

I'm still not ready for one, but it was great to read!

[Maggar]

I'd like to try one of these to compare with my 2008 Street Glide; from what you are saying the only actual change is the frame re-design (cush drive, 6 gears, ABS, fly-by-wire, Brembo brakes etc. were all on the 2008 bikes).

I've not noticed any handling issues on mine and I was coming from a pretty well sorted 2001 Wide Glide which could be chucked around easily. The FLHXi is very stable at anything from 20mph zones to (more than)motorway speed and other than the usual engine shake at idle - I would change nothing.

Funnily enough mine was that colour before it was painted!

[SJC69]

Frame upgrades are more obvious at the rear, swinging arm, rear mudguard supports etc.







Click here to go the H-D 09 Touring Section then click on View Touring Video to see about the frame updates.

Yep mostly frame & running gear changes but in my opinion it does make a big difference and as Kiwi Dave says the first major redesign sinece the '80s.

Go and try one and see what you think, always better to compare like models back to back.

[Tony Cross]

The front down tubes of the frame are of a greater diameter as well. Excellent write up.

[Menace]

A very good write up Steve.
But with a bent 06 Road King and a damaged shoulder
I'd better stay away from the dealers, if they twisted my bad arm
I could give in very easily.

[Mike Benis]

Thanks for the info.

Does the rear sub-frame bolt on?

Cheers

Mike

[BigKev]

Nice one Steve..........

Some nice dealer loans you a bike for a couple of hours and you strip the bloody thing down for photos

Great report though with good clear piccys.












I do wish you would all stop talking about the new models now - I can't afford one - La la la la la - I'm not listening !!!!

[SJC69]

Some pictures of the new two piece frame & swinging arm courtesy of American Iron magazine.