09 issues?

[Neil]

Just got a chance to try a new 09 FLHTPI. I have been hearing rumors that the changes made tothe 09's have created some issues as far as maneunverability goes. I have heard everything from the bikes can't turn as tight to one side as the other and that the instructors at Northwestern have tossed the 09's. Anyone got any good info on this? I did notice on the short ride that the bike seems a little taller than our 08. I do like the gearing change though; makes for a much better take off from a stop. thanks for any info!

Neil

[ktd1597]

Some light reading:

http://www.motorcops.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1927

http://www.motorcops.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1907

[R-RatedCustoms]

Originally Posted by ktd1597

Some light reading:

http://www.motorcops.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1927

http://www.motorcops.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1907

Thanks for the info!

I am curious about how the tree will be changed. I just hope the company will not goof and go back to the forks following the neck.

[ktd1597]

Keep your eye on the posts. Some of the guys are very up to date. They mentioned a possible recall for the PD bikes to help solve the turning problems. That's not much of a problem for most, but they ride the bikes to their limits and the limits of the new frame are less than the old one (as far as tight turning goes)

[XB Pilot]

The fact that the '09s can not turn as sharply is mainly a result of the longer wheelbase. Changing the triple trees or grinding the frame will help the slow speed turns where the forks are at full left or full right lock, but the longer wheelbase means that it still will not be as nimble at higher speeds. I realize that agility has never been one of the FLH's strong points, but making them even slower in the turns seems kinda silly to me. I thought they were sluggish enough as it was. Just my $.02.

[R-RatedCustoms]

Originally Posted by XB Pilot

The fact that the '09s can not turn as sharply is mainly a result of the longer wheelbase. Changing the triple trees or grinding the frame will help the slow speed turns where the forks are at full left or full right lock, but the longer wheelbase means that it still will not be as nimble at higher speeds. I realize that agility has never been one of the FLH's strong points, but making them even slower in the turns seems kinda silly to me. I thought they were sluggish enough as it was. Just my $.02.

Hey XB,

Do you have access to an 09? I am asking because the 99 model uses rubber donuts on the fork tubes as a stop so I am looking for pics of the 09 where the grinding needs to take place.

I do not think the longer wheelbase will hinder the high speed line. It may actually help because it will be less twitchy like the short wheel base sport bikes.

Has anyone considered that the turning radius may be more of result of the rear tire width?

[ChromeWelder]

Originally Posted by XB Pilot

The fact that the '09s can not turn as sharply is mainly a result of the longer wheelbase. Changing the triple trees or grinding the frame will help the slow speed turns where the forks are at full left or full right lock, but the longer wheelbase means that it still will not be as nimble at higher speeds. I realize that agility has never been one of the FLH's strong points, but making them even slower in the turns seems kinda silly to me. I thought they were sluggish enough as it was. Just my $.02.

I thought the '09's had just one half of an inch longer wheel base? Could it make that much of a difference?

[696]

I'm not looking forward to getting mine. I was hoping to keep my 08 but it wasn't to be. The North West Harley Motor Course had to be increased in size because the 09's couldn't make the course. I heard (please correct me if I'm wrong) that Harley had the police rodeo championships in Milwaukee last year with the 100th police bike Ann. They had the top 10 riders try the 09's on the course and THEY couldn't make the keyhole and 180 decel. My 1st rodeo was this year and I placed fairly well but I'm not looking forward to competing against the pre 09's this year.

[arealinvestor]

You can help your 09 turn quicker by raising the rear.Add some air to the rear shock.This will change the rake & make the bike turn in quicker!!!!!

[Neil]

I just went through the instructor course of Northwestern this past June. I am going to try and reach out to one of the instructors that taught us and try and get the answers straight fromt he horses mouth. I am hearing al types of stories that HD is going to replace the triple tree to address the turning radius etc... Before I set out to create a training program I would like to know what I may be up against if someone shows up with an 09. Keep the info coming guys!

Thanks,
Neil

[696]

I'll be sure to add air in mine before I recert this year.