Cool New Exhaust!
How sexy is that? Ok, not very. When you step back from the 2009 product launch and think about the “all new” FL touring bikes, it’s easy to get a bit blaze. I mean who cares about a chassis change? How excited did folks get when Ford changed their F-150 chassis? Is it because you can’t see it? Who knows. But, you know what, there is an interesting story to be told about the new touring platform. So. Here’s my attempt at a summary of what I think is sexy about the all new FLs.
First, we gotta take a little trip down memory lane. Engineers and execs alike got an earful at the 100th Anniversary celebration for a couple of things. Remember Elton John? Well they fixed that. Saturday’s concert (this Saturday) is Springsteen. So. You gotta figure they heard the other chatter pretty clearly too. Lots of long-haul riders at the 100th and they weren’t bashful about telling anyone that would listen what they wanted in a new FL.
Keep the style, but improve performance and comfort. Since the 100th we’ve seen a list of great improvements to the FL models. The Twin Cam 96/103/110 power plants; a super-smooth 6-speed cruise drive transmission; an isolated drive system; electronic throttle control; Brembo brakes; ABS; and a 6-gallon fuel capacity - just to hit the high points. For 2009, the FLs get the last piece of the puzzle - a chassis that is literally new from the tires up. Agility, responsiveness, and passenger comfort are the product of this new engineering. I could rattle off a bunch of technical mumbo-jumbo, but that would just be wrong. So. Let’s keep this tactile.
So, I mentioned the exhaust. Really this is a big thing. Call it a 2-into-1-into-2 exhaust. Kinda schitzo, if you ask me. Can’t decide what it wants to be. Benefit: reduced heat. And, it looks cleaner!
Bigger wheels! How about a 17″ for the front? The rear wheel is a 16×5 now. Benefit: handling and capacity (110 more lbs. of allowable GVWR and 10 more lbs. of crap you can pack). Brand new tires. They look great. But, they’re totally redesigned as well. Better life - 25% better. Better handling.
There are some great cosmetic changes as well. How about that clean, fat rear fender? Hangin’ over that 180 rear tire. Don’t let the engineering hype fool you - the all new chassis cleaned up a lot of little things that have lingered since the …well, the 50s. A little form meets function here. Or, is it function meets form - I always get confused.
Ok. So. To really talk about the new frame (all new) and swingarm, I’ve gotta get a bit techy. I’m not even going to paraphrase - I’m just gonna steal the Milwaukee geeks’ words.
- The front-end geometry was altered with 18mm more trail to make the ride feel more responsive.
- To reduce powertrain vibration at idle, the new engine-mount system incorporates twin front isolators with a single tie link, and front and rear mounts tuned to balance chassis stiffness and engine isolation.
Where do they learn to talk like this?
- Wheelbase increased to 63.54 inches for greater highway comfort.
- The front and rear suspension has been recalibrated to match the dynamics of the new chassis.
Ok, my eyes are glazing over. If your still with me. Here is the kicker. I’ve seen this new baby naked. Sure is purdy. I’d be happy to just have a frame sitting in my garage. Ok. Let the jokes about my saddle time start - go ahead. I can take it.
There’s one way to figure out whether this hype is just a bunch of smoke - ride one of these new FLs. You’ll be all smiles when you get off. And, we’ve got demos in the store. Come on down and take one for a spin this weekend.
Hey, if you’re visual - like me - you’ll wanna check out the video on this page.
