Harley-Davidson Whats New? Jan 09

Incorporating an all new frame, swingarm, engine mounting system, wheels and tyres, 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. The new Touring models continue a series of product innovations that can be traced back to a research study conducted by the company in 2002, and 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 programme to enhance the Touring line-up through the introduction of the Twin Cam 96 engine with 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission and a sophisticated active intake and exhaust system, the rear wheel Isolated Drive System, electronic throttle control, Brembo brakes with ABS, a 22.7 litre fuel tank, reduced clutch lever effort, the Advanced Audio System by Harman-Kardon, GPS navigation and a high-output charging system to better enable new GMA heated seats and grips. 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.
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 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission with active intake and exhaust for outstanding performance and economy. All models also feature air-adjustable rear shocks to accommodate variable passenger and luggage loads. Originally introduced as an option, ABS is now offered as standard equipment on all Touring models, in response to customer demand.

Touring Chassis
The new chassis that under-pins the 2009 Touring motorcycles from Harley-Davidson improves the handling, comfort and functionality of these machines, while preserving the timeless character that makes a Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycle the king of the road. The Touring frame, swingarm, engine mounts, exhaust system, wheels and tyres have all been redesigned, and together provide the foundation for what are truly all new motorcycles. Key styling elements - including the front end, large volume fuel tank, saddle bags and Tour-Pak - are essentially unchanged, so these Touring models are visually similar to the timelessly
distinctive motorcycles that have preceded them. Ride quality remains smooth, while handling is all the more confident.

The Frame
Forming the core of the 2009 Touring chassis is a new frame with a single spar, rigid backbone designed to sustain the demands of long haul touring riders and today's more powerful engines. The frame is manufactured with the latest coordinated motion robotic welding process, which offers outstanding dimensional accuracy and weld quality, and improved chassis alignment. The frame design results in a 50 percent reduction in parts, and a 50 percent reduction in the total length of welds. Bent frame tubes and T-studs have been eliminated, and the components of the new frame are joined with cast and forged node tube joints. The new frame is approximately 20 percent stiffer than the frame used in 2008, a key factor behind the improved handling of all Touring models.
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 is 60 percent stiffer than the rectangular box section design it replaces and contributes significantly to the enhanced handling of the new chassis. Overall chassis stiffness is increased by 67 percent. The engine isolation system has also been revised, resulting in reduced engine and vehicle shaking 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 last the life of the motorcycle.

Wheels, Tyres and Suspension
A new wheel and tyre combination plays a key role in the enhanced handling performance of the 2009 Touring chassis. Front wheel diameter is increased to 17-inches from 16-inches (except for the Road King Classic, which has 16-inch wheels front and rear). New cast aluminium wheels were designed using 'finite element analysis' for maximum stiffness with minimum weight. The Street Glide has restyled slotted disc cast aluminium wheels that have also been engineered to be stronger and lighter. All Touring models are equipped with new Dunlop Multi-Tread tyres designed specifically for the new Harley-Davidson Touring chassis. The wider rear wheel accommodates a new 180/65-16 rear tyre that is wider and has a lower aspect ratio than the MU85B16 tyre it replaces. The new rear tyre size contributes to the increase in cargo capacity. Front and rear suspension has been recalibrated to match the dynamics of the new chassis, wheels and tyres.

Powertrain
All 2009 Touring models are powered by the Twin Cam 96 V-Twin engine with Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) mated to the 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission and breathing through a sophisticated active intake and exhaust system. A new one piece welded exhaust header features a 2-into-1-into-2 design. On models so equipped, the exhaust catalyst is located in the collector. The rear pipe is restyled and now curves forward of the transmission. A new single piece heat shield replaces the previous two-piece shield for improved fit and styling.
Acceleration performance is improved on all models due to a lower final drive ratio, as a 68-tooth rear sprocket replaces the previous 66-tooth sprocket. The Isolated Drive System has been redesigned, and the rear wheel compensator is now integrated into the rear wheel hub, eliminating the bolt-on bowl for a cleaner look.

Styling, Comfort and Convenience
An increase in wheelbase allows the saddlebags to be moved rearward to increase passenger legroom forward of the saddlebags. Elimination of the left-rear exhaust pipe (which nows exits from the right), and the new routing of the right rear exhaust pipe improves rider & passenger comfort. The revised routing creates more foot room for the passenger, and reduces heat exposure to the rider's thighs and passenger's calves, while still retaining the popular twin exhaust look. Shorty dual antennas replace the previous longer whip antennas.