Motorman's Roadtest

2009 Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic

Most Harley aficionados are aware that for 2009, H-D’s touring frames have been completely redesigned. The redesign results in a stiffer frame which equates to a much better handling than a touring bike at highway speeds and above. The new frame also allows for a better motor mounting system which results in a lot less shake at idle and less vibration at all speeds. Less you think that all this means your 09 Harley Bagger has lost that hard to describe “Harley Feel”, that’s not the case. The 09 touring bikes are just more refined, smoother and have better handling than previous models.
           
Other changes for 09 include tighter gear ratios which makes 6th gear a lot more useable. On a flat road you can now shift up into 6th gear at about 55 MPH instead of 65 MPH on the 07 and 08 bikes. The tighter ratios also make the bike seem a lot quicker than previous models despite no horse power or torque increased from the 86 cubic motor. Personally, I was hoping Harley would install the 103 motor they’ve had in the police bikes since 07, for a nice increase in both horse power and torque, but maybe next year.
           
A two into one, into two exhaust system and a standard heat shield over the rear cylinder help to solve the heat complaints many touring bike owners have had for the past couple years.
To look at the Ultra, as well as all the FLH models, you’d never guess so many changes have been made to the line. Other than the new exhaust system, the Ultra looks exactly as it has for many years. That of course is a good thing since the main reason people buy Harley’s is their beautiful and timeless, classic style.
           

Another good thing is that from the front fender up to the front half of the rear fender, most previous accessories are interchangeable. Aft the seat is a different matter though since the rear fender had to be considerably wider to acclimate the new wide 180mm rear tire. Up front there is now a low profile tire with 17 inch rim. The rims are also new and from a few feet away are reminiscent of the classic wire wheels but are actually alloys. Chrome wire wheels are an option and a must if you prefer the classic wide white walls since the wide whites are not available in the new 17 inch rim size.
           
So how does the new bike ride? In a nut shell, about 30 percent better than the 08 bike. Since I own an 08 Electra-Glide, I was able to ride them both back to back. The 09 is a lot smoother at idle than the 08 and noticeably smoother at cruising speeds. At 80 MPH and above, there is a world of difference. There is no longer any oscillation in the handlebars when taking a long sweeper at 85 MPH, even if the road surface is less than perfect. On lower speed turns the increased lean angle is quite evident as well. The 09 Ultra is now at the top of the heap of touring cruisers in the handling department. At parking lot speeds I did notice it takes more effort to turn the bars and hold them at, or near full lock. This I’m sure is due to the wider rear tire. I pumped both front and rear tires to their max pressure of 42 lbs and this did seem to lessen the tendency. Since most riders never get near their bike’s lean limits at low speeds, they’ll never notice.
           
Though the saddlebags and tour pack are exactly the same as previous years, the new stiffer chassis allows for more weight to be carried safely on the bike. Capacity is up by 75 pounds. What’s the bottom line? Pack up a few weeks worth of gear, your better half, and head for the horizon. You can now tour the country on an extremely comfortable, excellent handling, state of the art Harley-Davidson.

P.S. Go for the optional ABS, it’s a life saver.