On Friday (6/5) I took a day off work to go up to Battlefield HD in Gettysburg. The Harley Demo Truck was there and I figured I’d give myself a birthday present by jumping on my Classic and going to ride some bikes.

The folks at the HD semi rig were all very nice and helpful. They even had demo helmets there in case anyone needed one. Copy of my license and a couple “John Hancock’s” and away we went.

I rode a total of 6 bikes that afternoon (before I ran out of time) and my opinions are as follows. (and if it matters, I’m 5’10” @ 220 and ride 2-up almost 100% of the time)

1) Road Glide Special. This is what I went up to ride. Just had to get on one. Fits me fairly well. Handled really good, easy to maneuver, felt nice and light and nimble. Good power (remember, I am still used to an 80” EVO). Floarboard placement seemed just a bit scrunched up for my liking, but nothing I couldn’t get used to very quickly if I added highway pegs. The suspension I was not too thrilled with, it was jarring over some larger bumps that are on the test ride route. For 2-up, I’d have to change the rear suspension and seat. I wanted really bad to fall in love with the Road Glide, but it didn’t knock my socks off like I had hoped.


2) Next was a CVO Ultra. This bike fit me much better than the Road Glide. 110 has more than enough power. Didn’t care too much for the bars, but the ride was very nice and the handling was super. Clutch adjustment was kind of funky and I had to adapt quickly. Overall impression…it sure wouldn’t suck to own one of these, but didn’t have me running for the showroom.


3) Next was an Ultra Low. I was hoping to ride a standard Ultra, but they didn’t have one there. This Low, was like riding in a sardine can. Everything for me was just too cramped. The throttle was kinda twitchy as well. First mile in on the 8 mile route I wanted to turn around and get off of it. By the end of the ride, I couldn’t get off it fast enough and get some fresh air. I’m sure it has its place, but not under me.


4) Next up…a Fat Bob. It was getting warm, so I figured no fairing was in order. When I was looking for a bike a few years ago, we almost bought one, but never got a chance to ride one. Even though I can’t get past the rear fender, I wanted to give it a go. Right off the bat I enjoyed it. You can feel that you are on a motorcycle and I love the drag bar style rides and forward controls. Plenty of power and fun as hell to whip around turns. This was a fun bike. If I could afford a second bike, this would definitely be near the top of the list, but I’d still add a little windshield.


5) Next I wanted to ride the Low Rider, but as soon as I sat on it, I didn’t like the mid controls. It felt like another sardine can ride, so I passed. One of the “tour guides” talked me into giving the Breakout a go instead. I initially didn’t like that either, but what the hell, it’s a free test ride and since my Mrs. is infatuated with the Breakout, she’d probably get bent if I told her I had the chance to ride one and didn’t. As soon as I went the first 50 yards, I could tell I hated it. Bars way too far forward for me. Just as I started to get used to maneuvering the bike, I tried to lean into a turn and was startled when the foot peg drug the ground barely into my lean. Smooth riding bike…in a straight line. I hated this bike.


6) Last bike (which was actually the 2nd one I rode that day) was a CVO Road Glide Ultra. After I got over the initial shock of actually being on a CVO, we began our ride. The CVO Ultra is a bit taller than the Special and this bike fit me perfectly, and I mean absolutely perfect. The handling was fantastic. The 110 had gobs of power and you could tell this bike just wanted to run. The suspension was flawless. This bike had me smiling ear to ear. ¾ of the way through the route, I was in the left side of my lane, doing 50, and had a tractor trailer come the other way past me, and the damn bike barely moved. I literally said out loud, “Oh yeah…this one is me”. When we got onto the last section of the ride (the highway section) it was even more impressive. Thought to myself, “man…I could eat up some miles on this thing". It was the absolute most incredible riding experience I have ever had. I was in heaven. No way on this earth I can afford a CVO like this one right now, but I’ll never forget that short 8 miles on that bike as long as I live. (They had one on their showroom floor, and if my wife's SUV and my bike were paid off, I might have given it a try)


I am hoping like heck they come out with a standard Road Glide Ultra next year, but am also dreading it if they do because then I’ll have to figure out how to get one.

Sorry I didn’t get any pics, I was too busy riding and figured I’d take some when I was done, but when we got back on the last ride, they were all put away. All I know is that I had a blast that day.

 

Thanks for the reviews, especially your take on the FatBob. That bike sits well for me, and always feels like I could ride it without changing a thing. Guess I'm gonna hafta ride one and see for myself.

 

Too hard to form much of an opinion on a demo day ride. Being in a group, not being able to open up, short controlled trips. Just too difficult and boring for me. I can get just about as good of an idea if I am going to like a bike just by sitting on it.

IMO, much further ahead just going to a dealership and taking bikes out for a test ride. Have done so and never given much in the way of restrictions. Only once did a salesperson accompany me and I actually bought the bike. But to each their own and good of you to share your experience.

The Breakout is one I would consider but as you mentioned, having to reach for the controls is an issue that would have to be addressed. Easy enough of a fix but not necessary if a person could opt for the CVO. As far as the drag in corners I am used to that. Even the OL doesn't freak out like she used to.

 

Nice write up! When you tested the Low Rider did you have them remove the bolster pad? I'm only 5'5" and when I test rode it the first time it had the bolster pad on the seat and I was even cramped. When I got back I had them take it off and it made a big difference. So much so I bought one LOL.

 

IMO there hasn't been one Harley off the factory floor with great feeling handlebars,except the Heritage. When I pick a bike I pretty much plan on changing bars,seat,building an engine,and a ton of other things too. I pretty much just look at the platform and make my decision on how the bike will be and not what it is in stock form.

 

I would visit your favorite dealer and adjust the shocks on the RGS, then take it out and see how you like it.

 

After 2 years of riding Rushmore bikes at demo days, we bought the EG. We are waaaaay heavy and with the EG factory seat and air shocks maxxed, it rides great. I'm not changing anything for ergos. The RG and SG passenger portion of the seats are just fender filler.

 

Thanks for the write-up. After a demo ride, I bought a Fat Bob. Damn demo rides!

 

great write up, thanks for sharing.

 

Good review. Not surprised to see the Dyna getting its props.