2009 Harley Davidson Touring Range

Touring chassis

Improved Handling, More Comfort and Greater Capacity on Five Models

A new chassis designed to deliver enhanced handling, increased capacity and greater comfort for rider and passenger underpins the five model Harley-Davidson Touring family for 2009. 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 2009 Touring models continue a series of product innovations that can be traced back to a research study conducted by the company in 2002, and to 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.

Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycles, the kings of the road, have been tested by time and millions of miles in the hands of the most demanding long-distance riders in the world. 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 2009 Touring and VRSC models, in response to exceptional customer demand. The All-New Touring Chassis New from the tyres up, the new Touring chassis is based on a single-spar, rigid backbone frame. A new swingarm contributes significantly to the enhanced handling of the new chassis. The engine-isolation system has been revised to reduce engine and vehicle shaking at idle speed.

The wheel and tyre package is updated, with front wheel diameter increased to 17 inches from 16 inches on all Touring models except for the Road King Classic, while the width of the 16-inch rear wheel is increased. All Touring models are equipped with new Dunlop Multi-Tread tyres that improve handling and offer up to 25 percent more rear-tyre tread life. The wider rear wheel accommodates a new 180/65B16 rear tyre. Front and rear suspension has been recalibrated to match the dynamics of the new chassis, wheels and tyres.

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.

Key Touring Family Features

• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS): Now standard equipment on all the 2009 Touring models, ABS is designed to help the rider maintain control during braking events, especially those that happen in less than optimal conditions. The components of the Harley-Davidson ABS have been designed and packaged to be virtually invisible, preserving the uncluttered styling of the area around the wheels. Unlike many motorcycle ABS, Harley-Davidson ABS is not a linked system, meaning the rider maintains full, independent control of both front and rear brakes.
• Electronic Throttle Control: Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) is featured on all Touring models. All wiring from the throttle-grip sensor is routed through the handlebars. Additionally, the ETC unclutters the handlebar area for cleaner styling.
• Isolated Drive System: The Isolated Drive System compensator is now integrated into the rear wheel hub, eliminating the previous bolt-on bowl for a cleaner look. The Isolated Drive System reduces noise and vibration to the rider for improved ride quality under acceleration, shifting and cruising.