Looking for some ideas and opinions. Theres a local rider here in the Richmond area with a 1997 Ultra. We are thinking about a potential bike swap. His bike is of course a full blown bagger which all Ultras are. Its got 36K, stereo, CB,all the bells and whistles, is burgundy and is in excellent condition. Mine is a custom built 1996, 19K on the ODO, Dyna Low Rider with a Paughco Springer, custom saddlebags and a **** load of custom parts and time to make the bike the way it is. Now, I know Ultras are worth more when standing alone, but my bike has so much custom stuff done to it that theres no issue in values if we swap. He never does distance riding and just rides local with his wife. He needs a bar hopper. I ride 150-200 miles with my wife just to go get lunch on the weekends, and 300-500 mile days are pretty common. The swap makes perfect sense to us but I am of course getting into another bike I know nothing about. I know my Dyna to be rock solid, low miles and runs perfect. With the other bike, I must take him at his word that its OK. And of course right away its going to need the cam bearing addressed. He's coming over this morning and we are going to ride each others motorcycles. If all seems OK, we are going to do the swap....maybe. What are all ya'alls thoughts? Sound like a deal? Am I foolish to get rid of my Low Rider after all the work I put in it? Is an Ultra so much better for two up long distance riding that only a fool would pass up this deal? Responses VERY welcome.
Neil

 

Go for it.You'll love the Ultra.

 

Neil - as you know, your beautiful customized Dyna and his (stock?) Ultra are two completely different types of Harleys. If you really want a bagger (and honestly, why wouldn't you??? ), you might do better to sell your bike on your own, and then just buy an Evo Ultra with the proceeds if that's what you want - and maybe have some money left over for customizing it. Personally, I love springers, and I would think they would command a higher price because there aren't all that many of them - but I really don't know. Probably a smaller market for springers than for baggers though...

I have a ton of stuff on Bertha, too, and I know I couldn't ever sell her and get anywhere near what I have in her - not that I would EVER sell her, cuz I wouldn't!

 

I have to believe that the ultra would be more comfortable for the type of riding you described, but it's your decision. My only frame of reference was going from a sportster to an RK, way more of a highway bike! Size takes a little getting used to.

 

Have you ridden a touring bike before?
Somehow, I don't think you have or wouldn't be askin' this question.
Am I correct in this assumption?
If I'm not then, consider this an appology.
If I am then I suggest that you ride a touring bike first and then you will better be able to answer your own question.

 

I agree

 

Thanks guys. Oh, yeah, I have ridden and owned touring bikes. I get they are better on the hyway, but they were never my first choice in motorcycle because I have ridden them. I like the size and feel of Dyna's, which is why I bought my Low Rider. But its getting to the point with the wife that a bigger bike is starting become a necessity. My concerns stem more about the practicality of swapping a known flawless running low mileage custom motorcycle, for a unknown much higher mileage bike thats bone stock. My issues are more with the economics of the trade. Is it a smart trade, or a foolish one? Thats where my issues are laying.

 

I don't think that there is any sound advice on this one.
Only you can decide.
Many different ways to look at it, both positive and negative.

 

Do dual test rides before making any decisions. He rides yours, you ride his. That might decide the issue for both of you right off the bat....

 

LOL, exactly. Thats my problem.

Thats the plan, but damnit...I'm sitting here waiting for him to call. I'm starting to get a little worried.