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The New H-D Line-Up For 2009
103-inch Trikes, New Touring Frames, Tougher 240-tire V-Rods, CVOs and Sportster and Softail Upgrades Compiled by Wrench with Paul James and factory text and photos |
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This is it. The H-D New Model line-up for 2009. Lots of upgrades, creative endeavors, and improvements. Hang on.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON INTRODUCES TRI GLIDE ULTRA CLASSIC-- Designed from the Frame Up for Reliable, Comfortable Three-Wheel Touring. MILWAUKEE (July 22, 2008) – Harley-Davidson brings original-equipment design, quality and service to the three- wheel motorcycle segment with the introduction of the 2009 Tri Glide Ultra Classic motorcycle. Based on a new chassis designed specifically for this three-wheel application, the Tri Glide offers the classic styling and popular touring features of the Harley- Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide in a vehicle that will be sold and serviced by the network of Harley-Davidson dealers and covered by a two-year Harley-Davidson limited warranty. The Tri Glide will have an MSRP of $29,999. Harley-Davidson launched a “wheels-up” strategy in the development of the Tri Glide, and has created a frame and associated chassis structure that is engineered specifically to handle the loads generated by the steering forces and weight of a three-wheel vehicle. Changes to the front-end geometry enhance steering control by reducing steering effort up to 25 percent. The forks have been lengthened by 1.775 inches compared to the regular Touring motorcycle, and rake is increased from 29.25 degrees to 32.00 degrees. A steer damper controls coast-down wobble, and minimizes bumps and other road inputs during turning events. Harley-Davidson has designed a new rear-axle assembly for the Tri Glide that utilizes an aluminum center section with steel axle tubes. The Tri Glide retains the high-strength and low-maintenance advantages of belt final drive, and the smooth operation of a rubber-cushioned, compensated rear drive. The rear suspension features dual air-adjustable rear shock absorbers. The Tri Glide is powered by a Twin Cam 103 V-Twin engine with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), rated at 101 ft. lbs. of torque. It retains the 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission used on Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycles, but adds an optional electric reverse ($1,195) integrated with the rear differential assembly that is engaged with a handlebar- mounted reverse module. The Tri Glide has dual front disc brakes and a Hayes Brake dual-disc rear brake system with a lever-actuated, integrated park brake. Classic Harley-Davidson Styling The Harley-Davidson styling department gave the new body components of the Tri Glide clean lines that integrate with the existing Ultra bodywork, especially the Tour Pak luggage compartment and the passenger seating area. The new bodywork is painted with the same quality OEM paint and process used on all Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and is a perfect color match for the tank and front fender. The composite rear fenders complement the lines of the front fender. Because the rear fenders are each a separate piece from the rest of the rear bodywork, they can be removed individually for repair or replacement, or when required to service the Tri Glide. The molded-composite trunk provides 4.5 cubic feet of storage space and can be accessed through a rear hatch. The trunk and Tour Pak have a combined capacity of 6.56 cubic feet and are rated to carry up to 80 pounds. A single key will handle all luggage locking functions, and activate the ignition. Dual mufflers with tapered end caps exit below the trunk. Brake/tail/turn lights are located on each fender, and the Tri Glide retains the Tour Pak lighting used on the Ultra Classic, including the LED side running lights. Matching front and rear black and machined split seven-spoke cast aluminum wheels provide the Tri Glide its integrated and true, factory-built look. The 16-inch front wheel is three inches wide and carries a MT90B16 motorcycle tire, while the 15-inch rear wheels are five inches wide and are fitted with P205/65R15 tires. Forward of the rear wheels, the Tri Glide retains the style and features of the Ultra Classic Electra Glide, including the distinctive “bat wing” fairing, auxiliary driving lamps, and deep- skirted front fender. A low-profile chrome console tops a six- gallon fuel tank. The fairing holds complete instrumentation and the 80-watt Advanced Audio System with CB radio and passenger intercom system. Adjustable air deflectors on the fairing and vented fairing lowers allow the rider to control wind flow for comfort in warm or cool weather. Cruise control is standard equipment. The Tri Glide Ultra Classic will be offered three colors: Vivid Black, Dark Blue Pearl, and Red Hot Sunglo. FLHTCUTG Tri Glide Ultra Classic features: Three-wheel specific frame
NEW V-ROD MUSCLE HAS A CHISELED, POWER-CRUISER PRESENCE Three Liquid-Cooled V-Rod Models on 240 mm Rear Rubber for 2009. MILWAUKEE (July 22, 2008) – With sculpted bodywork stretched taut over a powerful new physique, the 2009 VRSCF V-Rod Muscle rides its way onto the Power Cruiser scene with a broad-shouldered presence. Gaping air scoops, sweeping side- pipe exhaust and a huge rear tire spinning under a clean, clipped fender speak to a contemporary, urban sense of style and performance. The Muscle pushes the Harley-Davidson V- Rod platform into a new turf, where it aims to hold its ground. VRSC Key Features 1250cc Revolution V-Twin: Standard on all 2009 VRSC models, the 60-degree Revolution 1250cc V-Twin is liquid-cooled and features Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), dual overhead cams, four-valve heads, and a five-speed transmission. The engine is rubber-mounted in a hydroformed steel perimeter frame. A shell covers the large- volume airbox located over the engine. A five-gallon fuel tank is located below the seat on all VRSC models. The engine is tuned to produce up to 125 hp at 8250 rpm and up to 85 ft-lbs. of torque at 7000 rpm. Optional ABS: Each VRSC model is available with optional, factory-installed Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS). Designed to work in conjunction with high-performance Brembo triple-disc brakes, this is the most advanced braking system offered on any power cruiser. ABS is designed to help the rider maintain control during braking events, especially those that happen in less-than-optimal conditions. The components of the Harley-Davidson ABS have been designed and packaged to be virtually invisible, preserving the uncluttered styling of the area around the wheels. Unlike many motorcycle ABS, Harley- Davidson ABS is not a linked system, meaning the rider maintains full, independent control of both front and rear brakes.
New V-Rod Muscle: The wide, angular air-box cover and chopped tail section look as solid and smooth as billet and give the new V-Rod Muscle lines that are clean and powerful. The size of the massive 240 mm rear tire is accentuated by the new broad, clipped and clean rear fender. The combination stop/tail/turn LED light is tucked under the edge of the rear fender, and the side-mount license plate leaves the fender surface smooth and uncluttered. Front-end styling balances the rear, with a trimmed fender that’s blacked out behind satin-finished inverted forks and LED turn signals integrated into the mirror stems. The radiator shrouds are restyled and color-matched to the rest of the bodywork, while the new airbox side covers incorporate air scoop inlets covered with woven wire mesh. The silver five-spoke cast aluminum front and rear wheels are a new design for the V-Rod line. A new deep seat holds the rider firmly in place against the thrust of the Revolution V-Twin engine. The Muscle features forward foot controls, and a new handlebar with internal wiring. The handlebar is 1.5-inch cast aluminum with tubular steel ends and integrated risers. Bold polished forged aluminum triple clamps secure the inverted forks and frame the distinctive V- Rod teardrop reflector optic headlamp, housed in a satin black bucket. The long profile of a 34-degree fork rake is stretched visually by new “sidepipe” dual exhausts in satin chrome with fat, turn-out mufflers exiting behind the rear axle. The V-Rod Muscle is available in Vivid Black, Brilliant Silver, Dark Blue Denim and Red Hot Sunglo. New VRSCF V-Rod Muscle features:
VRSCAW V-Rod: The evolution of the original Harley-Davidson power cruiser continues in 2009. The V-Rod rolls on a fat 240 mm rear tire. The sweeping exhaust ends in bright chrome slash-cut mufflers. A scooped seat cradles the rider just 26 inches off the pavement. Welded pull-back handlebar frame the clamshell instrument pod and teardrop reflector optic headlamp. Raked out to 36 degrees, 49 mm forks hold an anodized aluminum Profile laced front wheel. The V-Rod is available in six production color combinations, including new Red Hot Sunglo, Flame Blue Pearl, Vivid Black/Pewter Pearl, Flame Blue Pearl/Pewter Pearl and three new Custom Color combinations: Black Ice/Blue Ice, Light Candy Root Beer/Dark Candy Root Beer, and Big Purple Flake/Brilliant Silver. VRSCAW V-Rod features: Liquid-cooled, 1250cc Revolution V-Twin engine
VRSCDX Night Rod Special: An all-black Revolution V-Twin engine, fork legs, swing arm and other blacked-out components give the VRSCDX Night Rod Special a raw, street-tough attitude. A nacelle surrounds a round reflector-optic headlight. The brushed aluminum Straight-shot Dual mufflers have black end caps and exhaust shields. Drag bars and forward foot controls put the rider in a stretched-out posture. A contrasting racing stripe paint scheme traces the length of the bike. Black Slotted cast aluminum wheels have a fine orange stripe on the rim. A seat height of just 25.2-inches is the lowest or any VRSC model. Available in Black Denim with a Vivid Black stripe, in Vivid Black with a Pewter Pearl stripe, or in Vivid Black with a Mirage Orange Pearl stripe. VRSCDX Night Rod Special features: Liquid-
cooled, 1250cc Revolution V-Twin engine
HARLEY-DAVIDSON TOURING CHASSIS IS NEW FROM THE TIRES UP-- Responsive Maneuverability, More Comfort and Greater Capacity on Seven Models. MILWAUKEE (July 22, 2008) – A new chassis designed to deliver precise responsive maneuverability, increased capacity and greater comfort for rider and passenger underpins the seven-model Harley-Davidson Touring family for 2009. Incorporating an all-new frame, swingarm, engine mounting system, wheels and tires, the new chassis forms the foundation for what are truly all-new motorcycles. The key styling elements of these motorcycles, however, are essentially unchanged so that the distinctive character and mechanical beauty of each Touring model is preserved. “In 2009, Harley-Davidson will mark its 15th consecutive year of leading the touring segment in market share,” said Bill Davidson, Harley-Davidson Vice President, Core Customer Marketing. “Harley-Davidson takes pride in this leadership of an entire touring experience that includes great motorcycles, along with the activities of the Harley Owner’s Group, the philosophy of riding with customers while attracting new ones, and producing high quality items like Genuine Motor Accessories and MotorClothes Merchandise. Our dedication to constant improvement of Harley-Davidson motorcycles brings the new chassis and other upgrades for 2009 to deliver a new level of agility and responsiveness, rider and passenger comfort, and cargo capacity.” The 2009 Touring models continue a series of product innovations that can be traced back to a research study conducted by the company in 2002, and to face-to-face interaction with customers who rode an estimate 50 million miles during the Harley-Davidson 100th Anniversary event in 2003. Armed with this feedback, Harley-Davidson launched a program to maintain its touring leadership through the introduction of the Twin Cam 96 engine and 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission, 103ci and 110ci Big Bore kits through Genuine Motor Accessories, the Isolated Drive System, electronic throttle control, Brembo brakes with optional ABS, a six-gallon fuel tank, reduced clutch lever effort, the Advanced Audio System by Harman-Kardon, GPS navigation with Ride Planner downloads, a high-output charging system to better enable new accessory heated seats and grips, and a two-year warranty with extended service intervals. Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycles, the Kings of the American road, have been tested by time and millions of highway miles in the hands the most demanding long-distance riders in the world. All 2009 Touring models are powered by the rubber-mounted 1584cc Twin Cam 96 V-Twin engine with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), mated to the 6- speed Cruise Drive transmission for outstanding performance and economy. All models also feature air-adjustable rear shocks to accommodate variable passenger and luggage loads. The All-New Touring Chassis: New from the tires up, the Touring chassis is based on a single-spar, rigid backbone frame that supports an increase in load capacity of 70 pounds. This allows for a five pound increase in each saddlebag and the Tour-Pak. A new swingarm contributes significantly to the overall system. The frame is engineered to be manufactured with the latest coordinated motion robotic welding process, which offers outstanding dimensional accuracy and weld quality. The frame design results in a 50 percent reduction in parts, and a 50 percent reduction in the total length of welds. T-studs have been eliminated, and the components of the new frame are joined with cast and forged node-tube joints. A separate bolt-on tail section isolates the main frame from the tail frame, providing better quality-control during manufacturing and more product-design flexibility. The new tail section improves the fit-and-finish of the rear area of the motorcycle through more-precise alignment of the rear fender over the rear wheel. A new swingarm is formed with a two-piece, deep-drawn shell with a forged pivot section. The new swingarm contributes significantly to the overall system. The engine-isolation system has also been revised, resulting in reduced engine and vehicle vibration at idle speed. The new system replaces a single front isolator with twin front isolators with a single tie link. The front and rear mounts are designed to provide optimal balance between stiffness and isolation, and are intended to be very durable. Finally, new asymmetric snubbers provide improved control of the clearance between the engine and frame during extreme bump events. The wheel-and-tire package is updated, with front wheel diameter increased to 17 inches from 16 inches (except for the Road King Classic) while the width of the 16-inch rear wheel is increased to five inches from three inches. All Touring models will be equipped with new Dunlop D407 Multi-Tread rear tires that offer up to 25 percent more rear-tire tread life. The wider rear wheel accommodates a new 180/65-16 rear tire. The new front tire is a 130/80-17. Front and rear suspension has been recalibrated to match the dynamics of the new chassis, wheels and tires. Styling, Comfort and Convenience: The increase in wheelbase allowed the saddlebags to be moved rearward a corresponding distance (.556 inches) to increase passenger legroom in front of the saddlebags. The elimination of the left- rear exhaust pipe, and the new routing of the right-rear exhaust pipe, reduces the heat exposure to the rider’s thighs and the passenger’s calves. The rear fender has been re-shaped to accommodate the new 180 mm rear tire, and is also designed to work with 18-inch custom rear wheels from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories. On models not equipped with a Tour-Pak, the license plate has been relocated below the tail light and is illuminated by an LED located in an eyebrow on the turn signal lightbar, except on the Road King Classic. Finally, the rear “hoop” over the fender has been eliminated from models not equipped with a Tour-Pak. The combination of these elements results in a striking new look to the rear end, with perfect proportions that are especially evident on Touring models that are not equipped with the Tour-Pak. Powertrain revisions include a new 2-1-2 exhaust system that reduces heat exposure to the rider and passenger, and a lower final drive ratio for improved acceleration performance. Rear styling is cleaner, with a wider fender and the elimination of the rear “hoop” over the fender on models not equipped with a Tour-Pak. (Please see the separate Touring Chassis Tech release for more detailed information.) Key Touring Family Features Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS): Offered as a factory-installed option on all 2009 Touring models, ABS is designed to help the rider maintain control during braking events, especially those that happen in less-than-optimal conditions. The components of the Harley-Davidson ABS have been designed and packaged to be virtually invisible, preserving the uncluttered styling of the area around the wheels. Unlike many motorcycle ABS, Harley-Davidson ABS is not a linked system, meaning the rider maintains full, independent control of both front and rear brakes. Electronic Throttle Control: Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) replaces mechanical cables on all Touring models. All wiring from the throttle-grip sensor is routed through the handlebars. The ETC enables an easy upgrade to a cruise control system, and unclutters the handlebar area for cleaner styling. Factory-Option Cruise Control: Available for all models that do not come equipped with cruise control as standard equipment. Isolated Drive System: The Isolated Drive System compensator is now integrated into the rear wheel hub, eliminating the bolt-on bowl for a cleaner look. The Isolated Drive System reduces noise and vibration to the rider for improved ride quality under acceleration, shifting and cruising.
FLHR Road King: Harley-Davidson styling heritage meets long-range riding comfort in the Road King. The large, detachable windshield and hard-shell saddlebags make this a versatile motorcycle suitable for touring or commuting. Classic styling touches include the chrome Hiawatha headlamp and clear-lens auxiliary passing lights, chrome engine covers, a deep-skirted FL front fender and white-stripe tires. The seat has been restyled for 2009 with chrome accents and a new low- mount license bracket locates the plate below the tail lamp, with new LED license plate illumination. FLHR Road King features: Rubber mounted
1584cc Twin Cam 96 engine with ESPFI
FLHRC Road King Classic: Rolling nostalgia you can ride over the horizon, the Road King Classic incorporates styling elements from the past in a touring motorcycle with modern technology. The 2009 Road King Classic retains its 16-inch front and rear laced steel wheels and wide-whitewall tires. Tooled leather covers the seat trim and the leather-covered saddlebags. Touring features include a large detachable windshield, auxiliary passing lights, and standard cruise control. Two-tone fender graphics are new for 2009, and a new license bracket locates the plate above the tail lamp. FLHRC Road King Classic features: Rubber
mounted 1584cc Twin Cam 96 engine with ESPFI FLHX Street Glide: A stylishly stripped-down dresser, the Street Glide features lowered rear suspension, a smoked mini-wind deflector, and Tri-line LED lighting at the bottom of the rear fender for a low, lean profile. A traditional “bat wing” fairing holds a 40-watt Advanced Audio System by Harman/Kardon. A stretched, chrome fuel tank console and Streamliner footboards, brake pedal and passenger pegs finish the custom treatment. Newly restyled Black Slotted Disc cast aluminum wheels are exclusive to the Street Glide. A new low- mount license bracket locates the plate below the tail lamp, with new LED illumination. FLHX Street Glide features: Rubber mounted
1584cc Twin Cam 96 engine with ESPFI
FLTR Road Glide: Identified by its “shark nose” frame-mounted fairing, the Road Glide gobbles up the highway with rakish style. Hard-shell saddlebags, electronic cruise control, and the 40-watt Advanced Audio System by Harman/Kardon are standard equipment. Dual covered headlamps and back-slash muffler tips are back for 2009, while the graphics on the fairing, fuel tank and saddlebags are new. A new low-mount license bracket locates the plate below the tail lamp, with new LED illumination. FLTR Road Glide features: Rubber mounted
1584cc Twin Cam 96 engine with ESPFI
FLHT Electra Glide Standard: Equipped with key touring features, the Electra Glide Standard is a long-haul motorcycle you can grow with or build on. Standard equipment includes locking hard saddlebags, a fork-mounted touring fairing with instrumentation, auxiliary lamps, plus all the benefits of the new Touring chassis, wheels and tires. A new low-mount license bracket locates the plate below the tail lamp, with new LED illumination. The passenger pillion has been reshaped for additional passenger comfort. FLHT Electra Glide Standard features: Rubber
mounted 1584cc Twin Cam 96 engine with ESPFI
FLHTC Electra Glide Classic: Go beyond the touring basics aboard the Electra Glide Classic, which comes equipped with an adjustable Tour-Pak, 40-watt Advanced Audio System by Harman/Kardon, and full instrumentation, plus additional fender and saddlebag trim, for beyond-the-basics touring comfort and versatility. New for 2009 is a brighter, long-lasting LED rear fender tip light and a shorty radio antenna that will clear a seven-foot garage door. The Tour-Pak rack has been redesigned with no pierced holes in the tubes for Tour-Pak attachment. The Tour-Pak capacity and saddlebags are increased by five pounds each, and it is easier to adjust the Tour-Pak fore and aft for passenger comfort. FLHTC Electra Glide Classic features: Rubber
mounted 1584cc Twin Cam 96 engine with ESPFI
FLHTCU Ultra Classic Electra Glide: The ultimate Touring model from Harley-Davidson, the Ultra Classic Electra Glide is fully equipped for a life on the road. Electronic cruise control, 80-watt Advanced Audio System by Harman/Kardon with passenger sound system, vented fairing lowers and adjustable fairing wind deflectors, luggage liners, and CB radio/intercom are all standard equipment. The Tour-Pak rack has been redesigned with no pierced holes in the tubes for Tour-Pak attachment. The Tour-Pak and saddlebag capacities are increased by five pounds, and it is easier to adjust the Tour- Pak fore and aft for passenger comfort. New features for 2009 include shorty dual antennas that will clear a seven-foot garage door, mid-frame air deflectors that project radiant engine heat away from the rider, and a brighter, long-lasting LED rear fender tip light. FLHTCU Ultra Classic Electra Glide features: Rubber mounted 1584cc Twin Cam 96 engine
with ESPFI
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