2001-2008 Touring Differences?

[merc1100sc]

Everyone,

I know HD revamped touring bikes in 09, but what changes were made, chassis wise, to touring models from 2001-2008. I am not aware of any but i'm not the most knowledeable.

thanks in advance.

[Rendell]

06-07 88 to 96 inch.. I think it was like o5 when all the flht bikes were EFI.. Not 100% on that one, but It happened somewhere in there, I think.

[merc1100sc]

Thanks. Any frame/chassis/suspension changes that you are aware of

[ceraaa42]

It was in 08 that an engine support was added to the front cylinder head just below the rocker cover.

I added a bagger brace to mine and it made a huge difference in the way it handled in the wind and around semi-trucks on the Interstate.

That said; my new 2012 EG Limited still handles better (for what it's worth).

[smitty901]

Mind is fading but there was a swing arm change made In the early 2000's I think . And something about the front forks tubes
All this stuff runs together over the years
Read here
http://www.biketouring.asia/article....ing-Front-Fork

[merc1100sc]

Thanks for the replies guys. I am thinking about picking up an erly 2000 electra glide standard to play around with. It won't be for too many long rides as I dont have the time.
I had a few newer street glides (07,09,11). I thought they rode great. I am just worried I will be greatly disappointed if I go backwards.

[coastie56]

You can get the "Touring Link" for around 200 bucks from Progressive suspension. They work great and do make the suspension more stable. Also replace the 2 rubber doughnut engine mounts to the upgraded ones and you will be good to go. Both are easy, cheap fixes. BTW my 08 handles fine stock. Couldn't be happier and the 96 with the 6 speed is da bomb. I know guys with 100,000 miles on their Glides and no problems as long as cam chain tensioners maintained or upgraded. As always, the black ones tend to be faster.

[1L243]

Besides the 96 and 6 speed. The rear tire size changed from 2000. Allso a bigger rear axle. The isolated rear drive in 08 and ABS and 6 gallon tank. Upgraded hydralic cam chain tensioners and primary chain tensioner.

[Jeffytune]

If your thinking of a 2000 model, I would caution you to avoid the fuel injected models. In 2002 Harley switched from the Marrelli system to the GM Delphi one. The Marrelli system does work okay, until there;s a problem, then there expensive to fix and parts are becoming an issue.
If I were looking for a earlier bike to build, I would look for a 2002 IF one, the Delphi system is easier to work on, the it is the last year Harley used the three main bearing set up for the flywheels. It is stronger and is more reliable. I would then change the cam system over to the newer 2007 and laster system to get rid of the failure prone cam shoes. The new system has a better oil pump and chain system.
I would also replace the front fork tubes for the 2007 system. The old system had one gas cartridge and one oil/valve. The new system used two oil valves it equalizes the work load for better handling.
The 2007 was the last year for throttle cables and the Harley brakes and calipers, they went to a Brembo system with a 25mm axle in 2008.
Finally, I would install a true track and a set of Dunlop Elite III tires.

[Rendell]

Originally Posted by Jeffytune

If your thinking of a 2000 model, I would caution you to avoid the fuel injected models. In 2002 Harley switched from the Marrelli system to the GM Delphi one. The Marrelli system does work okay, until there;s a problem, then there expensive to fix and parts are becoming an issue.
If I were looking for a earlier bike to build, I would look for a 2002 IF one, the Delphi system is easier to work on, the it is the last year Harley used the three main bearing set up for the flywheels. It is stronger and is more reliable. I would then change the cam system over to the newer 2007 and laster system to get rid of the failure prone cam shoes. The new system has a better oil pump and chain system.
I would also replace the front fork tubes for the 2007 system. The old system had one gas cartridge and one oil/valve. The new system used two oil valves it equalizes the work load for better handling.
The 2007 was the last year for throttle cables and the Harley brakes and calipers, they went to a Brembo system with a 25mm axle in 2008.
Finally, I would install a true track and a set of Dunlop Elite III tires.

Sounds like it would be a pretty decent machine.

[TXCHOP]

2002-2006 efi touring models are my favorite models.

[Ed Y]

Touring bikes

2002
Change in EFI system as mentioned above
Beefier rear swingarm (big improvement)
Cartridge in left front fork on EG's and RG's not RK's(dumb move)

2003
left engine case bearing change as mentioned above
2006
Last year carbs were available (haven't been on Ultra Classic's for quite a while)
No more cartridge in left front fork

2007
96" engine
Hydraulic cam chain tensioners

[cata5803]

I had a 2009 FLHX, advanced to a 2010 Limited, Liked them both. Then went back to a 2001 FLHT Standard. I'm very happy with what I have... It's a carbuerator version..