Segment:
Full-dress touring motorcycle
Target Audience:
Harley-Davidson owners seeking self-sufficiency in maintenance and repair
Competitors:
Other touring motorcycles from Indian, BMW, Honda (Gold Wing), Yamaha (Star Venture)
Vehicle Type:
Flagship touring motorcycle with integrated fairing, saddlebags, and premium amenities
Manual Value:
Provides critical information for maintaining and repairing a complex, high-value vehicle, saving on dealership service costs
Powertrain:
Engine, transmission, clutch, final drive
Chassis:
Frame, suspension (front and rear), wheels, tires, brakes (front and rear), steering
Electrical:
Ignition, lighting, charging system, starting system, instrumentation, infotainment, security system
Bodywork:
Fairings, saddlebags, fuel tank, fenders, seating
Maintenance:
Regular service checks, lubrication, fluid changes, filter replacements, tire pressure adjustments
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common problems, symptom-based fault finding
Repair:
Step-by-step disassembly and reassembly instructions for all major components
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), testing procedures for sensors and actuators
Technical Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, tolerances, electrical specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds
Engine Family:
Twin Cam 96
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, V-twin
Displacement:
96 cubic inches (1584 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
3.75 in. x 4.38 in. (95.25 mm x 111.25 mm)
Horsepower Estimated:
Approximately 70-75 HP (at crankshaft, model year specific)
Torque Estimated:
Approximately 85-95 ft-lbs (at crankshaft, model year specific)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (R+M)/2
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4 quarts (3.8 liters)
Oil Type Specification:
Harley-Davidson SYN3 or SAE 20W-50 motorcycle oil (refer to manual for specific grade and Harley-Davidson approval)
Type:
6-speed Cruise Drive
Variants:
N/A for this model year and configuration
Gear Ratios:
First: 9.59, Second: 6.65, Third: 4.94, Fourth: 3.79, Fifth: 3.23, Sixth: 2.79 (subject to minor variations, refer to manual)
Transmission Fluid:
Formula + Transmission Lubricant (or equivalent) or Harley-Davidson Synthetic Transmission Lubricant
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approximately 1 quart (0.95 liters)
Type:
Hydraulic, multi-plate wet clutch
Length:
93.1 in. (2365 mm)
Width:
35.5 in. (901.7 mm)
Height:
53.9 in. (1369.1 mm)
Wheelbase:
63.5 in. (1613 mm)
Dry Weight Estimated:
Approximately 770 lbs (349 kg)
Gvwr Estimated:
Approximately 1360 lbs (617 kg)
Payload Capacity Estimated:
Approximately 590 lbs (268 kg)
Saddlebag Capacity:
Integral hard saddlebags with locking lids (capacity in cubic inches/liters not precisely specified but substantial for touring)
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Motorcycles are not typically subjected to automotive-style crash testing or ratings)
Braking System:
Hydraulic disc brakes, front and rear. Dual 320mm front discs with 4-piston calipers, Single 292mm rear disc with 4-piston caliper.
ABS:
Optional (Anti-lock Braking System)
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED tail/stop lights, front and rear turn signals.
Security:
H-D Smart Security System (optional, includes immobilizer and alarm)
Fairing Windscreen:
Bat-wing fairing with integrated windscreen for rider protection and aerodynamic efficiency
Audio System:
AM/FM Stereo with CB/Intercom, CD player, and audio input jack. Typically 4 speakers.
Display:
Digital display for radio, clock, ambient temperature, gear indicator, and diagnostic information.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Auxiliary Input:
Yes, typically a 3.5mm audio input jack for external devices.
First Service:
1,000 miles (1600 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (includes oil change, filter, and inspection)
Subsequent Services:
Every 5,000 miles (8000 km) or 12 months for regular checks and fluid changes. Specific intervals for spark plugs, brake fluid, drive belt inspection/tensioning, etc., vary and are detailed in the manual.
Engine Oil:
Harley-Davidson SYN3 or SAE 20W-50 motorcycle oil
Transmission Oil:
Formula + Transmission Lubricant or Harley-Davidson Synthetic Transmission Lubricant
Primary Chain Case Oil:
Harley-Davidson primary fluid (usually a specific oil or lubricant)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (or DOT 5.1 for ABS models, confirm in manual) brake fluid
Cam Chain Tensioners:
Older Twin Cam models (pre-2007 typically) had issues with hydraulic cam chain tensioners. While largely addressed by 2009, maintenance and inspection are still relevant. The manual would detail checks.
Starter Clutch Noise:
Some models can exhibit a clicking or grinding noise from the starter clutch. Manual details troubleshooting and replacement.
Idle Quality:
Can be sensitive to tuning and air leaks. Manual covers checking for vacuum leaks and idle speed adjustments.
Brand Origin:
Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, in 1903. Iconic American motorcycle manufacturer.
Road Glide Introduction:
The Road Glide model line, characterized by its frame-mounted fairing, was first introduced in 1980 as the FLT Tour Glide. The 'Road Glide' name and distinct styling emerged later, evolving into the FLTR designation.
2009 Updates:
The 2009 model year was part of the FLHT platform evolution, featuring the Twin Cam 96 engine and Cruise Drive transmission as standard. Significant chassis and styling updates were introduced for the 2009 model year across many Harley-Davidson touring models.
Manufacturing Location:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; York, Pennsylvania, USA
Model Specific Awards:
Specific awards for the 2009 FLTR Road Glide are not as commonly publicized as automotive awards. However, the model is consistently recognized within the motorcycle community for its touring comfort, performance, and iconic styling.
Reliability Reputation:
Generally considered reliable with proper maintenance. The Twin Cam 96 is a robust engine, but like all complex machinery, requires diligent upkeep.
Emissions Compliance:
Meets EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards for the model year.
