#1
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First Ride Thoughts on the 08 FLHT
Gas Tank: Happy to have the extra gallon of range.Sucks now to fill because when it reaches the top it will spill out over the left side of the tank very easily.
Clutch:Pull is very soft.Almost too soft.Right away I noticed it engages right off the hand grip.I like some movement off the grip before it engages,because it seems it may not be completely disengaged when pulled in.It doesn't return to fully relaxed when released either.I have to push it out with my finger tips.I think a adjustment is in order. Trans:Heard the 5th gear whine...so?I don't know what all the whining is about,not that loud.That 6th gear is gonna be huge on the interstates.Engine really drops when you hit 6th.Shifts are nice and positive.Neutral could be a little easier to find,but that may improve.I also like the fact the primary chain tensioner is automatic. Brakes:WOW.You gotta try em.Great feel with the fronts.I noticed the rear peddle seems to have more travel before it does anything.Maybe designed that way or perhaps some air still in the rear.ABS will be tested first time I can get on some wet pavement. Suspension:The Showa brand suspension is a HUGE improvement in ride quality.It's like going from a 3/4 ton pickup to a Cadillac.Much better to ride on these crappy Illinois roads now. Seat:Soft like all the previous years.I do have to admit that after 4 hours in the saddle,unlike the stock 05 seat,I wasn't uncomfortable.We'll see.I'm tired of buying Corbin's stuff for every bike.(I've purchased 6 saddles from them over the years)I will need a backrest soon no matter which way I go with it. Engine:Stock pipes actually sound good.96 seems to have good power.Cable-less throttle is seamless.Fuel mileage seemed decent,but I haven't measured that yet.Induction noise is low with stock air cleaner,and I don't hear any unusual noise,but most important it wasn't leaking oil from the case half when I brought it home!Cruise works like the old cruise...perfect.I like the new way the oil temp sensor is mounted at the oil filter adapter.It seems to read quicker at the oil temp gauge. Dash:I like the digital clock function and miles to reserve features in the odometer display.6th gear light is a nice feature. Paint:Love that Crimson Red Sunglo.WOW.The way the metal flake POPS in direct sunlight is cool.Pin stripes complement the color well.Paint is "deep". Pans:The welds at the neck gusset look like crap.Three people looking at the bike all made comments about it.Musta been a Monday AM weld shop job 1. Dealer didn't program the fobs for security system to the bike initially.I'll do it but they should of. Overall:I'm happy I went with another Electra Glide Standard.I like the silver engine and trans.I like what the lack of a front "bumper" and saddle bag bars does to the look.The single color works well.The quick release system for the Tour Pac is a nice feature,easy to get that "Street Glide" kinda look.Don't mind not having a radio because I don't want one on my bike.So overall it's a great package for my style of riding.Its gonna be a great bike for our two up travels over long distances as well as slugging my ass back and forth to work. dj
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David John Riding my motorcycle is life. Everything before and after is just waiting. |
#2
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Quote:
I also thought stock pipes were not to bad. I rarely use 6th gear around here. Some people disagree, but bikes seems to cruise nice at 3k. |
#3
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Improvements from 01
regualr drain plug on primary 2 tripmeters, one for gas, one for trip] extended kickstand extended rear brake pedal easy pulling clutch Can check tranny on stand can add air without taking bag off, WTF took so long. Rocket scientists. Hopefully jackshaft won't leak with new design. |
#4
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Nice write up DJ...........
how about some pics????? |
#5
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Here's where you can find some pics.The color HAS to be seen in person and out in the full sunlight.dj http://www.doofclenas.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=140159
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David John Riding my motorcycle is life. Everything before and after is just waiting. |
#6
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Dave... nice review... sounds like a lot of good improvements.
I was glad to hear that you like the cableless throttle. What is it about the tank that makes it spill? Man, I'd like another gallon... would like the brembos too... |
#7
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Very nice bike. Happy Riding
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Cloudrider 2010 Former Original Doof Creator of the 43 & 7 hand signs... Original Cat Herder KC. |
#8
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Great writeup!
Sounds like they hit the mark with all of the new features!
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Don 06 K1200GT "And daddy won't you take me back to Muhlenberg County/ Down by the Green River where Paradise lay/ Well, I'm sorry my son, but you're too late in asking/ mister Peabody's coal train has hauled it away" John Prine |
#9
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There isn't as much of a "well area" that the filler sits in like the 05 had.So when it spits back when the gas reaches the top it just spills over.dj
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David John Riding my motorcycle is life. Everything before and after is just waiting. |
#10
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You just want a stock engine.
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#11
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For now.I'll see how well it pulls with Mary on the back and our gear packed.
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David John Riding my motorcycle is life. Everything before and after is just waiting. |
#12
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Actually I am fairly happy with the engine. When warranty is up, and I got the rest of it set up the way I want. Maybe cams/heads, lifters, bearings, freshen it up. I do like the sound of a cam.
But no plans anytime soon. |
#13
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Ya know,I'm just getting tired of sinking a ship pot full of money into all my "toys" over the years.I'm gonna let this one ride stock for a while before I do anything.
I may...and I say may,do the saddle.It has proving to be ok,but only ok so far. I'd rather spent a few hundy on upgrading my GPS from a Nuvi 350 to a Zumo 550 first. JMHO.dj
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David John Riding my motorcycle is life. Everything before and after is just waiting. |
#14
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At first Iloved how comfy the seat felt over my hard ass Mustang.
Join, we can shop for seats together. I added oil cooler, luggage rack and lid rails. I also added pipe, SE AC, and sert, cause every one told me I need to cool it down. I am not sure it really made a difference. Gonna put some highway pegs on and seat. But I know what you mean, I didn't want t start dumping tons on moeny into it. |
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