2009 Harley-Davidson Touring Bikes

It would be difficult to exaggerate the importance of the touring market to Harley-Davidson. According to Harley's statistics, the touring models have led the industry in market share for the touring category 14 consecutive years.

For 2009, Harley-Davidson touring models are equipped with several new and amazing features. These features include an all-new frame, tailsection and swingarm for the entire FL platform. Such features are what carry Harley-Davidson to continued success in the competitive touring segment.

After 28 years of using the same basic frame architecture, Harley decided it was time to introduce a new chassis. The new frame is now made from various investment cast, forged and stamped pieces. Furthermore, the frame and swingarm have been completely redesigned to make them much stiffer and stronger.

In addition to the changes made to the frame and swingarm, these bikes can now support much higher passenger and luggage loads. Also, the way the engine is mounted in the new touring chassis has also been revised slightly to reduce vibration at idle.

With the exception of the Road King Classic, which continues to feature a 16 inch front wheel, all the tourer’s received 17 inch front wheels for 2009 with lower profile rubber. The rear wheel on these models are now much wider to accept a 180/65-16 tire. This adds visual impact and contributes to the handling improvement brought about by the stiffer frame and swingarm.

Furthermore, the exhaust on the new touring bikes has been re-routed to reduce heat exposure to both the rider and passenger. All the bikes received a lower final drive ratio to improve acceleration. And lastly, the rear end of the touring bikes was slightly redesigned to accommodate the much wider rear wheel and tire.

Last year Harley-Davidson upgraded brakes with ABS. ABS brakes combined with a much stiffer chassis and more aggressive wheel/tire combo, allow riders to enter corners much deeper. The majority of reviews thus far, all state that the new bikes feel planted much better mid-corner and also seem to change direction easier.

Overall, the bikes appear similar to the 2008 models, but the hidden changes are plentiful and make for a great collection of touring bikes for 2009.