looking for a new bike
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 152
Likes: 33
From: Mich.
looking for a new bike
I know this is a question that needs to be answered my myself in the long run, but just looking for ideas from people that may have some experience.
I run a 2010 ultra limited and looking at going to a new bike next spring. Right now I'm looking at either a new limited or a street glide special.
With the limited I will get a removal tourpack and a street glide seat for my solo riding. With the glide I would like to add a pack and get a bigger seat for when the wife rides with me.
We don't do a lot of two up riding as far as number of days a year, but we do take a few road trips a year. So somewhere between 3000, 5000 miles a year with her on the back.
Wife is bigger gal around 220. Will the glide with a pack be alright for her in your opinions. Or would I be better off going with the limited and strip in down.
My thoughts are I like the looks of the glide over the full tour bike. I also like the idea of it being an inch lower. I'm 5' 10" so it is sometimes hard to push the big bike around when in the saddle. The higher bike also makes it a little harder to balance at slow speeds with the high center point and the extra weight. With all that said if she is going to be unhappy because of the ride all those points are pretty much out the window.
Also if anyone has any pics they might be able to share of what the tourpack looks like added to the glide that would be great as well.
Well I rambled on enough thanks for any thoughts you might have on comparing these two bikes.
I run a 2010 ultra limited and looking at going to a new bike next spring. Right now I'm looking at either a new limited or a street glide special.
With the limited I will get a removal tourpack and a street glide seat for my solo riding. With the glide I would like to add a pack and get a bigger seat for when the wife rides with me.
We don't do a lot of two up riding as far as number of days a year, but we do take a few road trips a year. So somewhere between 3000, 5000 miles a year with her on the back.
Wife is bigger gal around 220. Will the glide with a pack be alright for her in your opinions. Or would I be better off going with the limited and strip in down.
My thoughts are I like the looks of the glide over the full tour bike. I also like the idea of it being an inch lower. I'm 5' 10" so it is sometimes hard to push the big bike around when in the saddle. The higher bike also makes it a little harder to balance at slow speeds with the high center point and the extra weight. With all that said if she is going to be unhappy because of the ride all those points are pretty much out the window.
Also if anyone has any pics they might be able to share of what the tourpack looks like added to the glide that would be great as well.
Well I rambled on enough thanks for any thoughts you might have on comparing these two bikes.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 668
Likes: 72
From: Wisconsin
Have to sat on the Ultra low? Made for the vertically challenged. 
I am 6' 1"so I have no issues. Have a buddy. 5' 9" 28 inch inseam he loves it. Also I think it's 2015 and later the trans cover is 1.5 inches thinner. So your feet will hang down just a bit more. That trans case can be added to a existing bike as well but it's like $400 just for the part. Also a seat mode can make it easier to reach the floor/ground. Good luck
I am 6' 1"so I have no issues. Have a buddy. 5' 9" 28 inch inseam he loves it. Also I think it's 2015 and later the trans cover is 1.5 inches thinner. So your feet will hang down just a bit more. That trans case can be added to a existing bike as well but it's like $400 just for the part. Also a seat mode can make it easier to reach the floor/ground. Good luck
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Conventional wisdom ever since the SG was introduced is that it is easier and cheaper to make an Ultra into an SG, for solo use, than to make an SG into an Ultra, for touring use. As for that lower seat, you shouldn't be trying to push the bike around while in the saddle! Get off to do that. Sorted!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,442
Likes: 1,429
From: pensacola fl
Ive read many different post on this question. Most answer get the bike with all the goodies and if you don't want to use the tour pack, take it off. Cheaper than buying stuff piece by piece.
As for getting better footing and backing up, get a seat that lowers you, just an option among many
As for getting better footing and backing up, get a seat that lowers you, just an option among many
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 6,157
Likes: 2,564
From: CT/FL
This is probably your best bet. While the SG looks 'badass' you give up too much to look 'cool'. At my age, at least, it's not worth it.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 377
From: Georgia
You asked for opinions so here's mine.
Go with the ultra, maybe even the low as suggested. Get the removal kit for the tour pack and change the seat as needed for solo.
As for the wife's comfort, you can always add a tour pack relocation kit to move it back 2 inches or so. That makes a much bigger difference than it sounds like. Also, 2014 and newer give the passenger more space I believe.
As for control, your concern about center of gravity is only a factor in your mind. I'm not trying to be snide when I say that but with a proper riding technique it really is a non issue. No matter how long you've been riding take a course like "Ride Like a Pro". You will be amazed at how comfortable you will become. Two up, solo, big passenger or small it really won't matter.
Go with the ultra, maybe even the low as suggested. Get the removal kit for the tour pack and change the seat as needed for solo.
As for the wife's comfort, you can always add a tour pack relocation kit to move it back 2 inches or so. That makes a much bigger difference than it sounds like. Also, 2014 and newer give the passenger more space I believe.
As for control, your concern about center of gravity is only a factor in your mind. I'm not trying to be snide when I say that but with a proper riding technique it really is a non issue. No matter how long you've been riding take a course like "Ride Like a Pro". You will be amazed at how comfortable you will become. Two up, solo, big passenger or small it really won't matter.
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 152
Likes: 33
From: Mich.
I do have the relocation kit on the bike now and yes it does make a big difference. I have the video ride like a pro and would take a class if there was one near me, but not really anything close. The video has helped and I have become a lot better at the slow maneuvering of the bike. I still have some work to do but it is better. I also agree with its in my mind. I know what the bike is capable of, but with anything if you struggle you lose confidence in your own ability. Got a lot of miles on street bikes and was amazed at how different low speeds were on the big bikes. Thanks for the thoughts so far.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,630
Likes: 185
From: Mountain West, Big Sky Country
strip when solo bolt it on when touring with wife
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
I've done both. It is easier to strip down a Limited to a Sport Ultra than to dress up the SG. Personally I like the clean looks off the SG more than my Limited with pen stripes, but wife wasn't as comfortable with the seat and SG tour pack.
So, I think it really depends on how much your wife does ride with you and how much you like the SG paint compared to the Limited.
Strangely, use to be the SG shocks weren't near as good as the limited shocks, but the shocks on my 14 limited aren't any better than my 09 SG shocks. Limited is a great bike, but those shocks are challenging.
Just between you and me: My wife rides with me even less than your wife rides with you, so a laguna Orange SG with a tourpack has been at the back of my mind.
All that being said, the Limited is crazy comfortable and fun to ride.
Beary
So, I think it really depends on how much your wife does ride with you and how much you like the SG paint compared to the Limited.
Strangely, use to be the SG shocks weren't near as good as the limited shocks, but the shocks on my 14 limited aren't any better than my 09 SG shocks. Limited is a great bike, but those shocks are challenging.
Just between you and me: My wife rides with me even less than your wife rides with you, so a laguna Orange SG with a tourpack has been at the back of my mind.
All that being said, the Limited is crazy comfortable and fun to ride.
Beary