Harley are cruising into 2009 with major updates on the cards
By Trevor Hedge
Harley-Davidson continues its recent trend of making leaps forward in each new model year with a swag of improvements across the line-up for 2009.
A tougher looking version of the V-Rod, dubbed the V-Rod Muscle, adds another option to the VRSC range and all V-Rod variants now come with standard ABS.
The Street Bob scores new styling and pipes and all Dyna models feature a new speedometer with range functionality added to the tripmeter.
Sportsters run on tweaked suspension and a gorgeous looking XR 1200 model inspired by the lines of the legendary XR 750 flat trackers of the 1970s is added to the line-up. At $15,995 the XR 1200 is sure to be a popular mount and will no doubt steal sales from Harley’s sister brand Buell.
However it is the ever popular touring range that has received the most attention for 2009.
All touring models ride on an all-new chassis for 2009. While the clothes are essentially unchanged the underlying backbone of the machine is totally new from the frame to the swingarm, rims and tyres. The improvements have raised the load capacity of the machine by 32kg and lengthened the wheelbase and trail while rake and fork angles are unchanged.
The new frame has fewer parts and thus less welds and structural weaknesses. While out on the open road recent Harley tourers offered a smooth ride they still shook like a 400kg rattlesnake with Tourette Syndrome at idle. A new engine isolation system doubles the amount of damping to help cure that particular ailment.
ABS Brembo brakes are now standard across the entire touring line-up as is cruise control and a new electronic controlled throttle system that does away with conventional accelerator cables.
Wider rims now sport 130/80-17 and 180/65-16 Dunlop rubber that according to Harley greatly extend tyre life.
All models are powered by the 1584cc Twin Cam 96 engine and drive through the six-speed Cruise Drive gearbox. The rear sprocket sports two more teeth for better acceleration.
The range topping FLHTCU Ultra Classic Electra Glide features an 80-watt Harmon/Kardon stereo system combined with a CB and intercom system.
True exclusivity though comes via Harley-Davidson’s Custom Vehicle Operations arm that takes the regular range toppers to a whole new level.
While the regular Twin Cam 96 engine is no lightweight all CVO bikes sport the top of the line Screamin’ Eagle Twin Cam 110 engine that displaces a massive 1800cc.
CVO celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2009 and will offer three distinct models. The Softail Springer and Ultra Classic Electra Glide have copped the CVO special treatment before and for the new model year are joined by the CVO Fat Bob to round out the first decade of CVO.
Only 2450 examples of the CVO Fat Bob will roll out of the special CVO facility in Kansas City. How many of the $52,995 machines will make it Down Under is unclear but it’s fairly safe to say examples that do will find a home very quickly. The Fat Bob is one of the most sporting rides in the entire Harley range and with the CVO treatment it is sure to be quite a weapon in the right hands.
All 2009 Harley-Davidson buyers score a two-year roadside assistance scheme gratis with their purchase. Most of the 2009 range will be available in dealerships from this September. The new V-Rod Muscle isn’t expected until November.
