2016 Ultra Test Ride
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 209
Likes: 8
From: Northern Wisconsin
2016 Ultra Test Ride
We rode a '16 Ultra demo bike yesterday to try it out. It's for sure a nice ride. But it didn't have enough Convincing Power built into it to get us to abandon our old Evo's yet. The pillion seemed to have more room than our older bikes - not sure what year they changed the shape of the seat and moved the Tour-Pak back what seems to be about an inch compared to our older 'Glides.
The TC103 definitely has more power than the 80 cube Evo. But then we rarely, if ever, use all the Evo has in it, so not much Convincing Power there.
The '16 seems heavier than the old Evo 'Glides. But handles reasonably well, although I can't say it's night and day difference compared to the old ones. So the Convincing Power there is a little short too.
The biggest things we liked about it was the (apparently) more room for my wife on the pillion. And the sound system, which is very impressive. We liked the single latch outfit on the saddlebags. But it would cost us 20 Large to get that over what we got now.
So our overall impression of the '16 was that we like it. The extra room on the pillion being probably the thing we liked the most.
The TC103 definitely has more power than the 80 cube Evo. But then we rarely, if ever, use all the Evo has in it, so not much Convincing Power there.
The '16 seems heavier than the old Evo 'Glides. But handles reasonably well, although I can't say it's night and day difference compared to the old ones. So the Convincing Power there is a little short too.
The biggest things we liked about it was the (apparently) more room for my wife on the pillion. And the sound system, which is very impressive. We liked the single latch outfit on the saddlebags. But it would cost us 20 Large to get that over what we got now.
So our overall impression of the '16 was that we like it. The extra room on the pillion being probably the thing we liked the most.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,331
Likes: 56
From: north of Daytona
Would have to agree, the 103 has more power than the 80 CI.
We rode a '16 Ultra demo bike yesterday to try it out. It's for sure a nice ride. But it didn't have enough Convincing Power built into it to get us to abandon our old Evo's yet. The pillion seemed to have more room than our older bikes - not sure what year they changed the shape of the seat and moved the Tour-Pak back what seems to be about an inch compared to our older 'Glides.
The TC103 definitely has more power than the 80 cube Evo. But then we rarely, if ever, use all the Evo has in it, so not much Convincing Power there.
The '16 seems heavier than the old Evo 'Glides. But handles reasonably well, although I can't say it's night and day difference compared to the old ones. So the Convincing Power there is a little short too.
The biggest things we liked about it was the (apparently) more room for my wife on the pillion. And the sound system, which is very impressive. We liked the single latch outfit on the saddlebags. But it would cost us 20 Large to get that over what we got now.
So our overall impression of the '16 was that we like it. The extra room on the pillion being probably the thing we liked the most.
The TC103 definitely has more power than the 80 cube Evo. But then we rarely, if ever, use all the Evo has in it, so not much Convincing Power there.
The '16 seems heavier than the old Evo 'Glides. But handles reasonably well, although I can't say it's night and day difference compared to the old ones. So the Convincing Power there is a little short too.
The biggest things we liked about it was the (apparently) more room for my wife on the pillion. And the sound system, which is very impressive. We liked the single latch outfit on the saddlebags. But it would cost us 20 Large to get that over what we got now.
So our overall impression of the '16 was that we like it. The extra room on the pillion being probably the thing we liked the most.
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 209
Likes: 8
From: Northern Wisconsin
It probably goes without saying that it would. But it seems to come at the expense of heat. Riding thru town at slow speed, and sitting at stop lights, the '16 is a nut roaster. Neither of our old Evos are. Once you get moving again so air flows over it, then it cools off. But there's definitely more heat there than our older 'Glides put out.
Out on the road at 60mph, even with the 6spd overdrive gear, it was turning the same engine rpm as our older ones - 2,400. So they're not using the extra torque available in the TC103 for anything more than improved 1/4 mile time, or maybe high-gear roll-on for passing. And with the old 5 speed, just drop a gear and the old Evo comes right into its torque curve and has plenty of power.
The extra power of the TC103, as far as I'm concerned, is zero advantage over what we got unless you're real lazy and don't feel like shifting down for a pass at road speed.
The whole idea of riding it was to test it to see if it is so much better than what we got, that it would convince us that we have to have one. It failed to do that. Sure it's got a bunch of electronic wizardry that our older ones don't have. But bluetooth and USB and touch screens are not what we buy a touring motorcycle for.
Out on the road at 60mph, even with the 6spd overdrive gear, it was turning the same engine rpm as our older ones - 2,400. So they're not using the extra torque available in the TC103 for anything more than improved 1/4 mile time, or maybe high-gear roll-on for passing. And with the old 5 speed, just drop a gear and the old Evo comes right into its torque curve and has plenty of power.
The extra power of the TC103, as far as I'm concerned, is zero advantage over what we got unless you're real lazy and don't feel like shifting down for a pass at road speed.
The whole idea of riding it was to test it to see if it is so much better than what we got, that it would convince us that we have to have one. It failed to do that. Sure it's got a bunch of electronic wizardry that our older ones don't have. But bluetooth and USB and touch screens are not what we buy a touring motorcycle for.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,121
Likes: 489
From: sunny florida
I agree with you , I had a 2001 FLHTCI that I kept for 10 years , it was punched out to a 95ci motor , I kept it tens years because none of the new ones were that much better than what I had , finally in 2011 the Road Glide bug bit me or I would still be on it
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 209
Likes: 8
From: Northern Wisconsin
We looked at one too and sat on it but didn't ride it. I don't know if I'd like the frame-mounted fairing or not. I felt like I was sitting out in the open, too far away from the fairing for it be effective. And my wife was wondering about turbulence on the pillion, reminiscent of our Goldwing days. It was the first thing she mentioned when she climbed aboard and was looking around. And without even trying it she voted "no". If she votes "no" that fast when even looking at a bike, it don't get bought or even considered, no matter how good the sales pitch is.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
The other day my buddy had his '86 Electra Glide in my garage. I needed to move it. I almost felt as if I could shove the thing threw the wall it wad so light, as compared to my 2013. Yeah, they are NOT the same bike.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 209
Likes: 8
From: Northern Wisconsin
Yeah, according to the owner's manual, the weight of our '86 and '89 is 760 wet. According to the propaganda brochure they gave us to study about the 2016 Ultra Classic, it says the weight is 879 in "running order". So it gained 119 lbs someplace. Which is about what it felt like - not excessive, but I could tell it was heavier.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 699
Likes: 13
From: Northeast
It looks like you'll be able to hang onto some cash since your happy with what you have 
but I'll tell you one thing the 103 H/O sure is nice compared to an 80 when touring through the hills on a fully loaded bike with gear and passenger.
but I'll tell you one thing the 103 H/O sure is nice compared to an 80 when touring through the hills on a fully loaded bike with gear and passenger.
