Reducing Weight of the FLHTCU
Reducing Weight of the FLHTCU
What's happening gentleman !!
I need to lean on you guys for some help, hope you don't mind brothers. Picked up a 2014 Ultra Classic, Have the 120R installed on it, incredible machine. I also have a 2011 Ultra Limited, bikes look almost identical.
The 2014 feels like it's 300 lbs. heavier, a little exaggerated but it's way heavier then my 2011. The 120R obviously added some weight, but it in no way made this bike feel like an Abrams Tank. I got my 1st Harley when I was 12, have had approx 12-14 motorcycles, did multiple safety courses, etc., so I'm not a light weight and know the feel of a motorcycle.
I want to start shaving weight off this bike. Where would you guys start ? Are there companies that make Carbon Fiber replacement parts for Harley, touring boxes, fairings, etc ? I haven't been able to find them.
Just wanted to put this out there, if anyone is educated or has worked or had experience with reducing the weight of your ride, would be great to hear from you.
Thanks guy, Be safe ....
I need to lean on you guys for some help, hope you don't mind brothers. Picked up a 2014 Ultra Classic, Have the 120R installed on it, incredible machine. I also have a 2011 Ultra Limited, bikes look almost identical.
The 2014 feels like it's 300 lbs. heavier, a little exaggerated but it's way heavier then my 2011. The 120R obviously added some weight, but it in no way made this bike feel like an Abrams Tank. I got my 1st Harley when I was 12, have had approx 12-14 motorcycles, did multiple safety courses, etc., so I'm not a light weight and know the feel of a motorcycle.
I want to start shaving weight off this bike. Where would you guys start ? Are there companies that make Carbon Fiber replacement parts for Harley, touring boxes, fairings, etc ? I haven't been able to find them.
Just wanted to put this out there, if anyone is educated or has worked or had experience with reducing the weight of your ride, would be great to hear from you.
Thanks guy, Be safe ....
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3,427
Likes: 164
From: Home
Are you sure it is extra weight and not a handling issue?
Open up the 2011 & 2014 parts manuals and see if there have been any changes between the years. A little time consuming but has the potential to save a lot of $$$.
Open up the 2011 & 2014 parts manuals and see if there have been any changes between the years. A little time consuming but has the potential to save a lot of $$$.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
Trying to lighten up a Harley Davidson touring motorcycle is like throwing deck chairs off the Titanic.
I'd take a fraction of the money you'd spend doing that and put it on training with Ride Like a Pro or Midwest Motorcycle Training; Total Control is good as well. I know this isn't going to be a popular answer but it's the straight truth. Few people want to admit that they don't handle their motorcycle as well as they want to. The shame of it is that with just a days worth of training you step thru a door that takes you to a level you never thought possible.
I've attended these training courses and I can tell you they absolutely make a difference. At one muti-day course I met a fellow HD Forums member. I'm sure he'd agree.
I'd take a fraction of the money you'd spend doing that and put it on training with Ride Like a Pro or Midwest Motorcycle Training; Total Control is good as well. I know this isn't going to be a popular answer but it's the straight truth. Few people want to admit that they don't handle their motorcycle as well as they want to. The shame of it is that with just a days worth of training you step thru a door that takes you to a level you never thought possible.
I've attended these training courses and I can tell you they absolutely make a difference. At one muti-day course I met a fellow HD Forums member. I'm sure he'd agree.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 600
Likes: 10
From: Rochester, NY
The stock 2014 Ultra Classic dry weight is about 879 Lbs. The dry weight of a 2011 Ultra Limited is 857 Lbs. That's a 22 Lbs. difference. I'm not sure what the weight difference between the stock motor and the SE 120R is but I doubt it's noticeable. Really it's just the larger piston that would add weight. The seat height is taller on the 2014 but the rake and wheelbase are the same on both. Maybe they changed the center of balance over the years but who knows? Could also be the torque and horsepower of the 120R that your not use to maybe a different suspension setup.
If you still think it's too heavy take the bikes to a scrap metal yard and ask if you can use their drive onto scales. That will give you actual evidence instead of all our speculation. Just make sure both bikes have a full tank and the same rider when you weigh them.
If you find out the 2014 is much heavier then think about shaving weight of yourself. Your fairings, saddlebags and tour pack are already light weight fiberglass. Carbon Fiber won't help much. Fiber will help you though. Taking a huge dump before you ride might help
Good Luck!
If you still think it's too heavy take the bikes to a scrap metal yard and ask if you can use their drive onto scales. That will give you actual evidence instead of all our speculation. Just make sure both bikes have a full tank and the same rider when you weigh them.
If you find out the 2014 is much heavier then think about shaving weight of yourself. Your fairings, saddlebags and tour pack are already light weight fiberglass. Carbon Fiber won't help much. Fiber will help you though. Taking a huge dump before you ride might help
Good Luck!
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Fathertime500
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Nov 16, 2011 05:17 PM
