| Author | Message | ||
     Thumper74 |
My wife and I are seriously looking at an Electra Glide(wife likes, I don't like all the chrome) or a Street Glide (like the bare look, will upgrade for a tourpack) Since I like to carve, what kind of suspensions do they have? Can I get a cartridge front for the bike so that I can have some adjustability? I'm pretty sure the rears are air shocks, so that should be what we need in the rear. Are there any larger brake upgrades for the front brakes? | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
I haven't taken a test ride on a Glide for a couple of years, but I will never forget Daves advice to me before I did: "Just remember, these bikes have no suspension, and no brakes". This turned out to be a pretty accurate assessment. Since then, I have owned a couple of Dynas. The first one had the typical Harley suspension, and it was really impossible to do anything like cornering on it. The suspension had virtually no damping, and the ground clearance was non existent. Since then, I got a Dyna Sport, with adjustable suspension, and floating rotors. This is the only big twin suitable for corner carving. Of course it was not very popular, and hasn't been made since 2005 if I recall. The typical Harley front fork uses a damper rod, the only thing one can do is add heavier oil, but it doesn't do much good. I think the new models have dual floating rotors, which is a step in the right direction. If you want a cruiser that corners, you might take a look at the Victory. It has an overhead cam engine, inverted forks, floating rotors, and a very high level of fit and finish. | ||
| Thumper74 |
I know the knew big twins all use the 4 piston Brembo calipers which is a step in the right direction. I imagine they all do pretty well for their intended use, but thats not what I intend to use mine for. I know they make cartridges for the Sportster front ends, I'm curious if they're available for the Glides. The benefit of the fully adjustable suspension would be that we can increase the pre-load for loaded/two up/loaded two up rides. I like the looks of the Victory, but anything I buy will be for the long haul and I'm seriously afraid of part cost/availability once the warranty is out. At least with Harley, I know it'll be there for a while. I like the fuel injected bikes, but it's not a requirement. I suppose some better shocks, 2-1 header, hard bags and a tour pack may make the Dyno into what I'm looking for. What years were they made? What was the letter designation for them? | ||
| Dynasport |
I just got back from NC where I followed a friend on the Cherohala. He was riding a 2004 Road King and I must say he did very well on it, leaving the rest of our group out of sight. While not a sport bike, well ridden they can surprise you. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
They made the Dyna Glide Sport as it was known, from 1999 to 2005. The model designation is FXDX. The '99 was a slightly lower spec. in the brake department with a single puck on each side. I believe that Fuel injection was available in the later year or two. I really recommend the Metzler Tires ME880 for this bike the difference between them and the stock Dunlops is huge. (Don't ask how I know:-). I won't bore you with all the mods I have made to mine, but let me know if you get one, I can fill you in then.  | ||
| Strokizator |
"Just remember, these bikes have no suspension, and no brakes". Not really a fair statement anymore. I have an '08 Road Glide with ABS and they haul you down to a stop pretty dang fast. Suspension is nothing special but I think you can put Race Tech Gold valve emulators in the forks and there are some upgrades available for the rear. My suggestion is to take a ride on an '09 and you'll come away impressed with the improvements that have been made. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Good point Stroker. I went over to the Race Tech site, and even though it is virtually impossible to find them, there is a Harley Kit including springs and Gold Valve emulators. Strangely enough, they are called the "Caddie Kit". I guess it is supposed to make your Glide handle like a Caddie. I thought that was the problem.  Anyway, they only cost $259, so it might be worth giving them a try. Don't forget the Metzlers, whatever you do!! | ||
| Thumper74 |
All the reviews have been praising the new Glides... New frame, new suspension (stiffer, more ground clearance), cush drive, new brakes, ABS, etc. Swap out the Dunflops and we have have a winner! "Also of note, I had a small issue with the “new and improved” suspension. The highway ride was compromised by the stiffness of the suspension. Now, I am no lightweight at 250 lbs, but for even me to think the suspension was too stiff is a first for me. Usually I mash motorcycle suspension into mush on most bikes; I think Harley went a little too heavy on this one. Not that the bike is uncomfortable, but sharp highway jolts will jar you pretty good. Since H-D is emphasizing the handling on their new tourers, I think they designed this one more for corners than the highway. Corners on a Harley? Are you kidding? Classic and functional cockpit. Sixth-gear indicator light is nice. Beautiful wheels. The Brembo brakes are fantastic. The 96-inch motor and six-speed are the heart and soul of this bike. Yes, folks, this one handles. It is yards better than my ’01 and certainly the best handling Harley tourer ever. After taking this on a couple of spirited rides in the Black Hills, I can say that new chassis works. Iron Mountain Road in the Black Hills has everything from fast sweepers to 15-mph switchbacks, and is a real nice road to test the handling of any motorcycle. That stiff suspension makes sense when attacking the corners, and although the turn in seems a bit slower and heavier than the older bikes, once you get it heeled over, you are rewarded with dead solid handling and better ground clearance to boot. Corner speeds that would have my ’01 Glide doing the wobbly can be taken with ease on ’09 touring chassis. It is so well composed compared to the older generation frame that the difference is very noticeable. Add in the excellent Brembo brakes, which can haul the bike down from speed with two fingers, and you have a package that will eat those highway miles in comfort and can give you some excitement when the road gets twisty" | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
Wow, that's a pleasant surprise, isn't it? Who knew? Harley had ignored handling for so long, or withdrew bikes that had any pretensions to good handing: the FXR, FXDX, the Street Glide, the Sportster Sport, that I thought they had just given up on the idea for lack of customer demand. Looks like I was sorely mistaken. Rock on. PS: Did I mention the tires? | ||
| Thumper74 |
The Street Glide is still being made, but it's a slammed bagger... It's my favorite styled Glide, but the least practical. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
My bad, I meant the Street Rod, not Street Glide. This was a cool bike, but the Harley faithful did not seem to buy them in quantities sufficient to merit continued presence in the showroom.  | ||
| Thumper74 |
I've never liked the VRod, but the new Vrod muscle is growing on me. It just seems like it's a transgendered motorcycle. It's confused on what it's supposed to be | ||
| Bigdog_tim |
I have a couple of Buell's and have had an Ultra for touring two up for a long time. I was looking to upgrade my '01 Ultra with chain cams, 6 speed, etc - basically bring it up to '08 engine/transmission capabilities. The bike only had 60K miles on it - barely broken in by Harley standards. I test road an '09. HOLY COW! The stiffer suspension, higher clearence - this bike ROCKS! Remember - I also ride an M2 and an 1125R - dragging the metal bits is something I have been known to do. Strongly suggest you go for a spirited test ride on an '09 touring bike. You will want one. As a long time Harley owner, this is the first time I have felt that everything got better with the new model. Of course, YMMV.  | ||
| Edger |
Thumper, You really need to ride one, the '09s are quite the improvement. You didn't mention the Electra Glide Standard, less chrome but the same basic bike. I agree with you about the slamed suspention, looks great but if I wanted a hardtail I'd get a panhead. If you want a radio the E Glide Classic is the way to go, then get the tour pac disconnect kit. That's probably the best value. DC | ||
| Jerry_haughton |
Harley is to be commended for making so many "invisible" improvements to their motorcycles over the years, especially, in my mind, the new chassis on the touring models for '09. these chassis changes, easily qualifying as "sweeping," would not be noticed (or considered particularly noteworthy) by much/most of the riding public interested in a bagger-type Harley, yet the MotherCo did it anyway, to continue to improve the overall machine. this is the corporate mindset that enables a company to say, with justifiable pride, that it is in its second century of doing business. i've not had the good fortune to ride one of the new '09 models, but i know how competently my '06 Road King can be hustled, even with passenger and tonnage on board, and having studied up on the new model changes, i'm licking my lips in anticipation. FB | ||
| Nevrenuf |
going from an 01 ultra to an 04 ultra. i'm i was impressed as to how much better it handled for me. although i scape metal quite a bit, it's still a lot better ride than the 04. i wan't to test ride the 09's to see how they feel. go for the ultra thump and just be done with it. you won't regret it. but if you want to see first hand as to how the roadkings do just follow jerry one time. |
