IN WHAT Harley-Davidson says is the biggest change in its touring platform’s history, the 2009 touring models get an all-new two piece chassis which not only improves handling out of sight but also allows you to carry more weight. During the recent launch in Western Australia we were able to sample all models in the touring range. They are not vastly different from each other. The bikes all share the same engine and mostly the same running gear, with only minor changes in wheel sizes and the like to separate the mechanicals. Most of the differences lie in the styling and equipment levels

At the dealer

Looking at the main change for ’09, the chassis was said to have its origins as far back as 2002, where Harley designers realised the need for improvements to cater for riders’ needs. Many Harley riders were interviewed and their bikes checked over to see where the improvements needed to be made. The designers realised that nothing but a total change would be required. The solution was to scrap the old hand welded steel chassis and make a new one from an assortment of cast forged and stamped pieces. They also made the rear subframe a bolt-on affair, in part to reduce insurance claims/costs as the subframe could easily be replaced rather than the whole frame written off.

A small increase in trail and a slightly longer wheelbase from the longer swingarm are two of the differences from the new chassis, while the front suspension has been re-valved for an improved ride, as is the rear air shocks. A few other minor changes herald the new design too, like the wider 16 inch rear wheel standard on all touring models, the cush drive which is integrated into the hub rather than being a bolt on affair as before, and the 68 tooth rear sprocket, two up from last year for extra oomph when overtaking – well the old gearing was tall.

A new engine mounting system holds the 1584cc air-cooled motor in place, with vibe-isolating engine mounts which helps reduce idle shake. You can always feel the rumbling of the engine in the frame but it smooths out incredibly as the revs rise. No power figures are stated for the V-twin engine but Harley happily quotes 131Nm of torque at 3500rpm. And to be honest who cares how much outright power the fuel injected donk makes. If you are worried about that, look elsewhere for your bike. What matters is this engine performs in the way its makers intended, grunty and fun. Top speed bandits need not apply.

Heat has been an issue on the touring models for some time and for 2009 the engine has what the factory calls Rear Cylinder Cut-Out System which is rider activated. This was a retro fit from the middle of 2008 but is standard on all ’09 tourers. Essentially it allows you to cut out the rear cylinder by rolling the throttle forward for five seconds if you are in heavy traffic. Therefore less heat is produced by the rear cylinder because no fuel is being burnt, and less heat is felt by the rider and their passenger.

On the road

The result of the chassis changes are big bikes that can be ridden fast enough to excite while still being comfortable for hundreds of kilometres. Gone are the wallows and shimmies from the earlier bikes when they were ridden quickly over average surfaces. These bikes handle surprisingly well even when loaded up, and for big bikes the Brembo brakes work very well. At low speeds you get a feeling of weight but they leave you as soon as you are underway. A nice note from the twin exhausts helps you enjoy the ride too.

To pick a favourite from the line-up is hard, it all comes down to personal preference in looks and the tasks you need your intended bike to perform. If two up long distance touring the Electra Glide Ultra Classic is hard to go past, with room for an amazing amount of luggage, great weather protection, cruise control, leg shields and a stereo. On the other hand the Street Glide looks tough with its stripped down fairing and low tinted screen, plus it also has panniers. Probably our favourite was the Road King, with its simple all white paint scheme and no screen, you had the feeling you were looking out over the bonnet of an old ’50s cruiser. Awesome for a short cruise but you would certainly miss the bug and rain battering qualities of the screen or fairing on a longer ride. That said all naked models can have a screen mounted in seconds so that’s not really much of an issue.

The last word

For touring or just cruising you’ll have a ball on these new Harley-Davidsons. The engine is built to punch along all day long and the chassis changes take the handling to a new level. There’s sure to be a model to suit what you want and it’s not hard to see why these bikes romp out of the dealers’ showrooms.

Prices haven’t been released as yet but you wouldn’t expect them to rise too much, but our poor dollar might have something to say about that.