Looking to upgrade from my 2000 RK. Looking at an ultra and a Road Glide. Both are 2012. RG has 13k miles, Ultra has 21k miles. Ultra has Stage One air cleaner with stock pipes. Road Glide is pretty muck stock. Has tour pack with rear speakers and communications. Both are at a same dealer and the Ultra is $1k more. Any and all input is welcome. What to look for, questions to ask.
Thanks in advance for your help.

 

2 totally different bikes obviously. You should ride both before doing anything else.

 

well exactly the same bike ( suspension, frame, geometry, brakes, sheetmetal, drivetrain etc.) except for the plastic.

the fairing types make for VERY different riding experiences.

The scientists have proven the road glide is better--- but I bought the batwing again.

i prefer the way it handles the wind and how I experience the weather- good or bad

so do test rides.

I think you'll be happy with the changes to the motor- 15 cubes..about 13 more HP ( stock 88 vs 103), a 6th gear, the frame, suspension, brakes and EFI.

the abs is awesome and if one of those has and the other doesn;t- I ( me) would make my decision based on that alone - aside from safety in traffic, I ride dirt roads and the abs brings a whole new level of control on loose surfaces

mike

 

The fairing design and how it is mounted, the seat height, the tourpak (or lack of), etc make them 2 totally different animals at the end of the day. Obviously they are both touring bikes with the same frames and plenty of other similarities.

 

I'm a batwing chap, much like Mike, so that would be my choice, but if you are undecided then the one question you have to ask is "can I ride them both please?"!

 

Ride both of them if both looks appeal to you. If you ask me the miles really don't matter much they are both barley broke in. If you like the Ultra better maybe a little wheeling and dealing is in order! Good luck.

 

I just cant imagine upgrading, but not choosing a Rushmore bike. They are so much better. Go ride one, you'll see.

If you can't go Rushmore, at least ride them both, batwing vs sharknose, big difference. I have owned both.

 

I'm not arguing, but where did you get this information?
Or are you just making a statement based on their popularity?

Yes - if I was in the market - I'd buy a Road Glide.

Thanks
H

 

I've rented two bat wing bikes, and wound up buying a Road Glide Ultra. Going around the big rigs on the interstate is very comfortable hardly any turbulence. The RGU just gobbled up the miles. Set the cruise, turn up the tunes and enjoy the ride. The shark puts you in a class of their own.

 

The price difference is huge and I personally don't think they are that much better. They are marginally better, but not at the cost they come with...This is not sour grapes. I have rode a ton of them. I looked at getting a new Streetglide (mainly for the tunes) and honestly didn't think the difference was enough...I am ordering a detachable fairing and keeping my bike.