HD touring frame/engine updates in recent years...

 Hello, and have whatever you like on me.

Got some questions regarding changes to the HD touring line
over the years, so I know what to look for in "used bike
hunting".

What year did the Road Glide get the redesigned fairing
(with the chrome mounts and it's "tipped forward" a couple
of degrees)? Was it 2004? I recall demo'ing one at
Americade, and thought the change made an improvement in the
airflow around the front end -- seemed smoother (less
buffeting) and quieter.

What year did they add the larger-diameter rear axle? Did
they also modify the swingarm a little that year, too?

What year was the first year for the 96" engine? I believe
it was 2007, is that correct?

What year for the redesigned cam tensioner assembly? Did
that come stock from the factory with the 96" engine on
touring models in '07?

Redesigned frame with the fatter rear tire? 2008?

Smaller front tire? 2009? (I actually would prefer the
old-style front and rear wheels/tires, which I guess ended
in '07. Much better wear mileage-wise from the older designs
than from the new ones, or so I hear)

Thanks for any responses and while you're at it, have
another one on me!

- John

 wrote:


    I think that was 2010, but don't quote me........


    Correct.  In '07 the Road Glides came with the 96" motor & the
hydraulic tensioned cam chain.


    2009, all the touring bikes.


    All the tire size changes occurred in 2009 along with the
frame change.  '07 & up have the hydraulic cam tensioners.  '08 has
the old frame, but a 6 gallon tank.  An odd combination when looking
for aftermarket seats.  '09 started the new frames & tire size
changes.  2010 changed the angle of the fairing.  2011 saw the arrival
of the Road Glide Ultra & the 103" motor.
    From '07 on you get the better cam chain tensioners in a 96"
motor that can be bumped to 103" fairly easy.  From '09 on you get the
new frame, but the earlier frames can be stabilized for just a few
bux.


Jinks ('86 FXRS, '07 FLTR)
#64
Remember, "No good deed goes unpunished"