2009 FLHX

I test drove the 2009 FLHX (and other touring bikes) at MountainFest 2008 in Morgantown, WV. Less than 2 weeks later, I owned one.



The ride - we'll probably have to redefine Geezer Glide. The ride is stiff. A slight trade off for the increased handling. However, it's still comfortable for lon...g distance riding.

Handling - what a dream for a Touring bike. No wobble. Adequate lean angle for a touring bike (improved for 2009). I just returned from a 1,500 mile trip through the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina and I could not be more happy. I believe the new handling characteristics will sway some metric owners to buy a Harley.

Power - well, it's not going to win on the drag strip, but the power is smooth and full of torque. Much improvement over the 88". In fact, considering keeping this one relatively stock (Stage 1).

All in all, it's a great handling bike, big improvement over the previous touring bike. So much that I broke my rule of buying a new model in the year of release.

One more thing that doesn't get mentioned. The neck bearings can now be greased without having to add a 90* zerk or removing part of the fairing. Small - but I like steps in the right direction.

If I had it to do all over again - I would not think twice about trading. And it's a Harley that I know metric and performance minded enthusiasts would like as well. Read Full Review

09 FLHX

This is one of the best HD bikes I've owned as far as comfort and handling goes. I love all the changes made for 09. The new frame and swing arm are A1 and the only problem I could find with this bike was the short 4" windscreen as it looks great but is absolutely annoying at hwy speeds. Read Full Review

2009 Street Glide FLHX

This is my 6th new Harley since 1994. I've owned all Softail Classic models till now, so the ride is a hugh improvement over my softails. I had to change the stock 4 1/2" windshield to an 8" windshield because the wind was punching me right in the face, from all directions! The bike rid...es like a Cadi compared to all my other bikes. I just turned 600 miles and the only complaint is the whining noise in 5th gear. It's annoying! The dealership states when they change the fluid at the 1st scheduled maint (1,000 miles) it will go away. I've heard in other reviews that it won't. If this is the case, Harley will be getting an ear full from me. I didn't spend $19,500 for a new bike that whines in 5th gear all the time. If this was a new car you can bet every owner would be returning to the dealership because their 5th gear is making a whining noise. We'll see!! Read Full Review

Everything I could want in upgrading from a V Rod

Don't get me wrong the V Rod is a wonderful bike, but moving to a bagger was a scary step. Would it be nimble in the curves? would it have enough power compared to what I had? Well the answers for me are yes, yes and what V Rod. I can honestly say I have not looked back. The ride is comfortable, ...responsive and quick. I had not seen many speak on moving from the V Rod to the Street Glide so I was worried I would not be happy. First, things I did were to add a Passenger backrest for my gal and footboards. That allowed me to move the passenger pegs to the highway bar. Getting use to the more upright touring ride would have been hard except for the pegs on the highway bar, I now ride in the same way as the V Rod. Yes a bagger that can cut the curves and not worry about dragging parts off. Speed is quick and responsive. I have not heard the noise some speak of in 5th gear. Shorty windshield seems fine to me at 5'11" I must sit a little lower than some. Try a bike without a windshield and then you will love the shorty. The ride is very comfortable and you can tell the extra weight over the V Rod but only when parking, once moving it seems very light. The main upgrade on the list is the Rinehart exhaust and a stage 1 kit, not so much for power but to have the sound that seems to be missing. Heading out of Birmingham AL to the mountains of North Georgia this weekend to put some miles in and see the mountains. I did also order a set of Hog Tunes to improve on the highway sound, even the improved HD speakers for the model distort at speed. The stock chrome is plenty for most and the cruise control is a dream. I have only played with the rear cylinder cutoff but will sure help while at redlights and Thunder Beach sitting in traffic. Anyway, with the looks of the Street Glide and the ride you just can't go wrong. Read Full Review

WHOO HOO

I had an 07 Street Glide and 08 Road King and now this 09 Street Glide. Bike handling is like night and day between the 09 and earlier bagger models. I never got the dangerous wobbles; but, under certain conditions the rear would feel loose and handling would be upset. Under the same roads, highe...r speeds and more weight the 09 tracks solid. My only observation is HD needs to work on the rear compression and rebound rates...I keep throwing my passsenger in the air on bumps...lol Read Full Review