Better Bagger?
BETTER BAGGER?
Harley touring platform gets major makeover for ’09
News flash! Just as we nosed the Harley Road King Classic into the embracing heat of the Mojave came word that the 2009 version would see major changes.
Harley-Davidson’s bagger/dresser models have been soldiering along with the same basic chassis package since 1980, which apparently is long enough. All the 2009 FLH series—The Glides and the Road Kings-will be treated to completely new underpinnings. The changes are designed to improve manufacturing consistency and cut warranty claims while improving handling and carrying capacity.
It starts with a completely new twopiece frame, now robotically welded in York, Pennsylvania. According to H-D, the design is made of 50 percent fewer individual parts. Bent frame tubes and T-studs have been eliminated. The parts of the new frame are joined with cast and forged node-tube joints, while the rear subframe is now bolt-on, which will allow easy changes to the tailsection for different FL models in the future. The swingarm is far beefier with a forged pivot section, so that the rubbery wallow some riders felt on FLs in the past ought to remain there...in the past.
New triple-clamps and suspension contribute to the stronger, tighter platform, as do the revised engine mounts, all of which has allowed H-D engineers to up carrying capacity by 70 pounds. Wheelbase is a half-inch longer, allowing greater passenger legroom, while rerouting the rear exhaust pipe should help keep passengers cooler on hot rides.
All FL models except the Road King Classic are treated to new 17-inch front and 16-inch rear 28-spoke cast wheels. H-D engineers used Finite Element Analysis to minimize wheel weight and therefore aid handling. The rear is now 5 inches wide (formerly 3), allowing fitment of a 180/65-16 dual-compound Dunlop.
In front, a 130/80-17 (was a 16-incher) leads the way, and while most of the geometry remains the same, trail has been increased by .7-inch for additional straight-line stability.
There’s lots of new stuff to be sure, but fret not, conservative Bar-andShielders, the changes are all underneath that oh-so-familiar exterior. Think of this makeover as more liposuction than facelift, as Harley ain’t messing with the look of its iconic sheetmetal and fiberglass pieces. -Steve Natt
