Why Does My 2018 Ultra Ride So Rough?
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,149
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From: WACO
Why Does My 2018 Ultra Ride So Rough?
Purchased 2018 Ultra last month with 8,500 miles on it. Have put about 1,500 miles on it. It takes the big bumps well. It's the small road imperfections , or bumpity bumps, as I call them that seem to be magnified mainly through the bars. Front tire could be slightly out of balance but I don't think that is cause. Have adjusted rear shocks. When it catches a groove or uneven spot it jumps over like a rabbit chased by a coyote. My 2007 Ultra does not ride near as rough as this 2018. It still has the hard as a rock OEM Dunlops on it. Which I believe could be the problem. Hopefully that's all it is. My 2007 has Michelin Commander lll's on it and rides like a dream. Thanks.
Banned
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 14,866
Likes: 31,162
From: Whiskey Falls, Texas
For what you pay for a touring bike, Harley Davidson's stock suspension sucks ***.
Some may disagree with that, that's fine, your opinion.
One of the first things I did to my 2016 Ultra Limited when I bought it was upgrade the suspension, both front and rear. The difference is not only something you feel in the seat of your pants, and the bars, the difference between stock and quality aftermarket suspension is amazing.
Some may disagree with that, that's fine, your opinion.
One of the first things I did to my 2016 Ultra Limited when I bought it was upgrade the suspension, both front and rear. The difference is not only something you feel in the seat of your pants, and the bars, the difference between stock and quality aftermarket suspension is amazing.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,191
Likes: 2,423
From: USA
Ayep.
And based on past experience, I agree with your speculation about how much better it will be with the Michelin Commander's. I've never run either variant of the III's, but I've run the II's several times and thoroughly enjoyed them.
And based on past experience, I agree with your speculation about how much better it will be with the Michelin Commander's. I've never run either variant of the III's, but I've run the II's several times and thoroughly enjoyed them.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 503
Likes: 107
From: South Korea
The stock suspension isn't great so there's only so much you can do. Try setting up your shocks as detailed in the owner's manual. I used that as a baseline and after a couple rides, I have it set up just a little firmer than the manual calls for. I'm giving up a little comfort for better stability in tight cornering.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 187
Likes: 107
From: galway ireland
My 17 FLHTP the stock suspension was very basic. Alright for smooth roads but before I did a big Baltc ride this summer I did full Wilburs made to my spec.
hitting a big bump at speed would have been dangerous, easy enough for us to get a back injury.
I am talking about Romania. Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece, Albania etc where road surfaces can be unpredictable.
hitting a big bump at speed would have been dangerous, easy enough for us to get a back injury.
I am talking about Romania. Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece, Albania etc where road surfaces can be unpredictable.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Virginia
You have about 10k miles on original tires I assume and ready for new skins. I’m a big fan of American Elites, have run them exclusively on all my bikes for close to 10 years. The rear shocks would be the next thing I would upgrade. A decent after market set will improve your ride tremendously. Lots of choices out there.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 1,300
Likes: 2,143
From: NC
Something else to consider also, is that the PO may have altered the forks with stiffer springs, heavier wt. oil etc, etc, also back to my 1st question what air pressures are you running? Some like to the max pressure listed on the tire, which can harshen up the ride quality, worth checking.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 8,015
Likes: 6,909
From: NC
Purchased 2018 Ultra last month with 8,500 miles on it. Have put about 1,500 miles on it. It takes the big bumps well. It's the small road imperfections , or bumpity bumps, as I call them that seem to be magnified mainly through the bars. Front tire could be slightly out of balance but I don't think that is cause. Have adjusted rear shocks. When it catches a groove or uneven spot it jumps over like a rabbit chased by a coyote. My 2007 Ultra does not ride near as rough as this 2018. It still has the hard as a rock OEM Dunlops on it. Which I believe could be the problem. Hopefully that's all it is. My 2007 has Michelin Commander lll's on it and rides like a dream. Thanks.
