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Home Motorcycle New Model Information 2009 Motorcycle Models 2009 Harley-Davidson model information

2009 Harley-Davidson FLTR Road Glide - First Ride

2009 Harley-Davidson Road Glide: Photo by Kevin Wing
2009 Harley-Davidson Road Glide: Photo by Kevin Wing
The 2009 Harley-Davidson Road Glide incorporates technological improvements while retaining the classic look Harley riders want.

The 2009 Harley-Davidson Touring lineup is new from the ground up. The Dunlop D407 Multi-tread tires are a perfect match for the new black 28 spoke cast aluminum wheels. The new frame and swingarm provide a solid base for the new components and provide greater carrying capacity.

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2009 FLTR Road Glide features

  • New 2-1-2 exhaust system
  • New engine isolation system
  • New Isolated Drive System
  • New 28-spoke cast aluminum wheels, 17" front and 16" rear
  • New Dunlop 407 tires, 130/80-17 front and 180/65-16 rear
  • ABS brakes
  • 40-watt Harman/Kardon audio system with CD/AM/FM/WB/MP3

Riding Impressions

2009 Harley-Davidson Road Glide: Photo by Kevin Wing
2009 Harley-Davidson Road Glide: Photo by Kevin Wing
I don't ride much during rainy season, so I had some concerns about the weather before starting our ride. All such concerns soon faded away—I found the 2009 Harley-Davidson FLTR Road Glide to be stable and confidence inspiring even when riding in heavy rain and windy conditions.

The wide fixed fairing provides excellent protection from the elements. My gloves and leather jacket stayed relatively dry considering the heavy rain we encountered on San Marco Pass. I noticed very minor buffeting at high freeway speeds, not surprising given the greater distance to the tall windscreen (located farther from the rider than the fork-mounted fairings on the other models). The one-piece, two-up Road Glide Classic seat allowed me to adjust my seating position during the ride, ensuring all-day comfort.



2009 Harley-Davidson Road Glide: Photo by Kevin Wing
2009 Harley-Davidson Road Glide: Photo by Kevin Wing
It's hard to believe the the Road Glide weighs 820 pounds while at speed. The handlebars and grip position, combined with well-placed and easy to use controls create a natural and comfortable riding position. Steering effort is light, consistent and precise, no doubt enhanced by the Road Glide’s frame-mounted fairing.

The tires have excellent grip and at times it felt more like riding a sport-tourer. 4-piston Brembo calipers, 300mm rotors (dual front and single rear) are well matched to the Road Glide's bulk. The front and rear brakes are easy to control. I was completely at ease with the balanced handling and strong brakes.

Ground clearance on the winding back roads was never an issue even when riding at a spirited "touring" pace. This sport-bike rider enjoyed riding the 2009 Road Glide even when pushing the limits.

No doubt about it, the 2009 Harley-Davidson FLTR Road Glide is up to the challenge of all-weather long-distance touring.

MSRP: Black $18,599, Color $19,049. Options included on test bike: ABS ($795) and California Emissions ($200).

For more information: Harley-Davidson USA

Credits

Photos by Kevin Wing (courtesy of Harley-Davidson).

More info

Roadcarvin Magazine Editor Dwight Domonkos took a first ride on the 2009 Harley-Davidson Touring models. Read more about the 2009 Harley-Davidson touring models he rode.

‹ 2009 Harley-Davidson FLHX Street Glide - First Rideup2009 Harley-Davidson Model Rumors and Gossip ›
Filed Under
  • 2009 Harley-Davidson Road Glide
  • FLTR
  • Mirage Orange Pearl
  • Motorcycle Gear
  • Motorcycle Reviews
  • Motorcycles
  • touring models

2009 H-D Road Glide VS 2009 Honda Gold Wing

Submitted by Roadcarvin Fan (not verified) on May 29, 2009 - 1:01pm.

Won't you put both bikes against each other and see which one offer the most accessories,handle the best,stopping(various distances),between cones,speed in the 1/4 mile,top speed,saftest to drive(amount of protection the comes with the bike (without accessories,etc. It would be nice to see the outcome. Respectfully M.Paoli ( you can mention my name- no problem)

FLTR vs. Chick Wing

Submitted by Roadcarvin Fan (not verified) on June 3, 2009 - 1:51pm.

And the point being??

Related features

  • 2009 Harley-Davidson FLHX Street Glide - First Ride
  • 2009 Harley-Davidson XR1200 Review and Road Test
  • 2009 Harley-Davidson Touring Model Overview
  • 2009 Harley-Davidson XR1200 Sportster First Ride
  • 9 New Models for 2010 - 2010 Harley Davidson Models Announced

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Dwight Domonkos

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Dwight is a longtime motorsports and motorcycle enthusiast. He's been riding full-time since the early 1990's (but he did borrow a few friends' bikes for a quick trip to the grocery store in his younger days.)

Dwight is a Roadcarvin.com co-founder and serves as editor and photographer, and manages business development.

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