I'm trading in my 2010 Ultra Limited but having a hard time deciding between the Ultra Classic or the Limited. The big difference between the 2 bikes is the water cooling. Does anyone know if water cooled is really that much cooler on the legs?

 

Haven't ridden a Classic so not sure about the difference in heat but the Limited is not intolerable for sure. Less heat than my last bike which was a 1400 sport tourer.

There are some other small differences like the upgraded infotainment, luggage rack on tail pack, and some other small stuff I can't even remember right now.

 

I have a Classic and love it. It will never leak coolant. For the first time in over a year, my right leg got hot. I was riding with shorts (big no no!) and it was 105 degrees in Phoenix. It was too hot to ride anywhere without AC. Bottom line: if it's too hot to ride don't ride. The hot leg issue was a distraction.

 

If it helps, my 2015 Water Cooled Ultra is definitely much cooler on my legs than my 2010 Air Cooled Heritage is. Of note, my Ultra still has the Catalyst and the original Exhaust except for a set of Street Cannon Mufflers and it's still cooler than the Heritage which is also a 103 Engine with a TTS MasterTune reprogramming of the ECM, V&H Long Shot Exhaust and a Harley Engine Oil Cooler.

 

I opted for the Limited. Yes, the wethead is cooler on the engine and rider. I'm not saying the difference is huge, but it is noticeable. My opinion, every little bit helps. I bought a 14 last August and have 6300 miles, no issues at all. I have several friends with them as well, with no issues. I'm convinced they have worked through any problems.

There are several differences between the 2 models. For the cost difference, the Limited is the value. I would have a hard time giving up the 6.5 radio, cruise control, and heated grips. The wheels on the Limited are easier to clean also.*

I did a quick detach tour pack for running around town. If there is a down side to a Limited, I would say it's the non removable lowers. To me, not much of an issue.

 

The difference in heat between my previous 2012 Limited and my 2014 Limted is incredible. MUCH more comfortable. Keep in mind that not only is the motor running cooler, but a lot of that heat is being routed out the ports in the lowers. You will still feel some heat, but much less. It's also nice not to have to worry about overheating when getting caught in heavy traffic. A bit more compression results in a small increase in power on top of that. After having both, I personally wouldn't own another full dresser without the wethead.

 

I would give up my wife before I'd give up the "Bonnie" !

 

Before getting my 2014 Ultra Limited, I had a 2011 Ultra Limited. In my opinion, big difference with the twin cam cooled engine.

Also as other have mentioned, the adds on the Limited are really worth it.

 

I had the 2011 Road Glide Ultra (39,000 miles) with some exh and motor mods which helped cool things down, I traded for the 2014 Limited (13,000 miles) and the performance was better and it ran cooler, I upgraded in Sept. 14 for a CVO Limited (10,600 miles) and with a tuner and catless header runs cooler than the 2011 RGU did. All engines we sit on run hot but the new Rushmore has great air movement allowing a cooler ride.

 

I've never noticed any engine heat at all on my '15 Limited, even on 100* days. The blistering heat from the big white dot in the sky beating down on me, though...

Wish that water cooled motor could do something about THAT!