2009 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Standard Reviews

2009 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Standard

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First Reviewed August 27, 2009 Found in Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Reviews, Touring

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The Electra Glide Standard is still one of the most popular Harley-Davidson touring models sold today. Created with the full intention of properly balancing comfort, style, and touring performance, these three characteristics are flawlessly integrated into the 2009 model.

As with the other members of the Electra Glide family, this model gets a redesigned frame that is designed to increase strength, reduce vibration, and enhance overall ride quality. It is stronger and can safely handle an increase of 70 lbs in load capacity. Designers coupled the all-new frame with a new swingarm, wheels and tires, and engine mounting system, which allows the chassis to create a foundation for an all-new long-haul touring experience. 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 96 cubic-inch engine features a new isolated drive system and is rubber-mounted to the high-tech backbone. While it is still air-cooled, the motor is fed with an Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) system, has a touring-tuned 6-speed transmission, and has a new exhaust system. The 2-to-1 configuration reduces heat exposure to the rider and passenger, and a lower final drive ratio for improved acceleration performance.

Harley-Davidson also began offering an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS as a factory-installed option on all Touring models including the Electra Glide Standard in 2009. The ABS system is designed to help the rider maintain control during hard braking events, especially those which occur on surfaces which afford sub-optimal traction such as wet pavement or loose gravel. The components of the Harley-Davidson ABS have been designed and packaged in such a way as to be virtually invisible, in an attempt to preserve the streamlined appearance of the area around the wheels. Unlike many motorcycle fitted with ABS, the Harley-Davidson setup is not a linked system allowing the rider to maintain full, independent control of both front and rear brakes.

Aside from the "Bat Wing" fork mounted fairing, the bike includes exterior features such as injection-molded GTX saddlebags, one-piece two-u classic seat, full length adjustable footboards, and stainless steel touring handlebars. An optional sidecar is also available on the Electra Glide Standard. 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.

The Electra Glide is less expensive than some of its more dressy brethren which makes it a natural starting point for many custom touring projects. Stripped away are any type of rear passenger support, and excessive electronic wizardry as most of these items will be chosen à la carte by the end owner. While you may see a number of ’09 Electra Glides trimmed out in a host of custom paint schemes, Harley-Davidson has only made the bike available in three hues from the factory. These include the traditional Vivid Black and Black Denim as well as the new Flame Blue Pearl configuration.

Reviews of the 2009 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Standard (Model: FLHT) can be found below. Please share your own opinion of this motorcycle is you have had the chance to own one or have had the opportunity to ride one for a time. Your personal insight is invaluable to those who may be considering buying one themselves and are seeking out information on the performance, comfort, and value of this bike. Be sure to add your review in the proper place as many will write reviews for the ’09 Electra Glide Classic here by mistake. Also, please feel free to email photos of your Harley to pictures@hdreviewspot.net and we’ll be sure to add them to the ’09 Electra Glide Standard photo gallery.