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Hi guys, I just joined. I've done lots of reading on the forums. I'm looking to buy my first harley, a 2023 ultra limited. I'm coming from my first bike, a suzuki boulevard c50.
My main question is, how hot are these bikes to ride?? Given my suzuki is a smaller cc, and has no lower fairings, I'm worried about feeling too hot on the ultra with lowers and a bigger engine. Its winter in canada, so test riding is out of the question.
Any feedback is appreciated! And thanks for all thr knowledge so far.
All I can tell you is that "heat" is NOT AN ISSUE for me on my 2015 Utra Limited. Naturally, if I'm in stop and go traffic on a 90+ degree it can get very warm but never a "deal breaker". When in motion, "heat" is never a problem. My regular passenger (my wife) also never has an issue with excessive heat when riding with me...........
Just cut a deal and buy it......this "dead of winter" time is probably a great time to negotiate a decent price and let them store it till the weather breaks.
All I can tell you is that "heat" is NOT AN ISSUE for me on my 2015 Utra Limited. Naturally, if I'm in stop and go traffic on a 90+ degree it can get very warm but never a "deal breaker". When in motion, "heat" is never a problem. My regular passenger (my wife) also never has an issue with excessive heat when riding with me...........
Just cut a deal and buy it......this "dead of winter" time is probably a great time to negotiate a decent price and let them store it till the weather breaks.
Good luck!!
Which kind of brings me to another question..how much can you get off at the dealership? Bike is $29,000 CAD plus taxes and whatnot. It's a 23 that was part of a rental fleet with 16,000 km. And say about 3500 CAD for 5 year extended warranty. I hate haggling, but what would be fair amount to ask off the bike?
It depends on where you are riding and what time of year.
It depends on what type of riding gear you are wearing.
Some friends of ours decided they wanted a Harley because they saw us enjoying ours and taking long trips they could not do on their sport bike. Immediately they were complaining that the bike is TOO HOT!
They where riding in shorts, flip flops and sneakers!
We have proper riding socks for the summer from companies like Harley, Alpine Stars and Klim. Alpine Stars is my favorite. We wear proper full leather CE rated boots for safety. They are water proof, provide good grip on the street when stopped and shield your skin from the direct heat.
I can ride all day, 500+ miles in 85 degree temps and never have uncomfortable feet. I realize they are ready for a break and a bath when I stop for the evening and remove the boots and socks.
I think anything at or above 90 degrees gets really uncomfortable on these bikes but that is just me.
The advantages these heavy weight touring bikes offer far exceeds the heat they create. You can talk to many and they all have shields, coolers, fans, exhaust modifications and more. I have not found the need for those.
You really enjoy the new bike. Best of luck.
Last edited by Cosmic Razorback; Jan 18, 2025 at 10:40 AM.
About the only time heat is an issue is during the dog days of summer riding in stop and go traffic. If you're moving heat is not an issue (at least IMO). I installed one of these Harley CoolFlow fans and they really remove the heat when heat is an issue (parade riding or stop and go). Expensive but worth it.
FWIW, I never buy a bike w/o test riding b/c you won't know what you're getting into/onto. What if the balance is all wring, or fit/feel are off. Other than your 1st bike, what do you have for riding experience (BRC, ERC, etc.)?
Also, ditch the ESP (warranty) w/ dealer & contact Motorcycle Agent (Jim Palmer). He can advise/offer much better coverage. Good luck on whatever route you pursue.
I went from a 2008 Ultra-Classic twin cam 96 to a ‘21 Ultra-Limited 114 M8 (and later a ‘23 Ultra-Limited) and the difference was night and day as far as heat. The lower fairings have very effective vents that can be opened during warmer weather and provide good airflow across your feet and lower legs.
In my experience, once the temp gets above about 95 F (35C), I feel more heat coming from the sun above than I do from the bike below. During the summer I ride through stop and go traffic daily in 90F+ temps (32C) on my commute home.
That price seems in the right ball park to me compared to what similar bikes in my area are being listed for. There are still quite a few leftover new 2023 models around here but the dealers still want full MSRP plus fees for them.
My twin cooled (air & water) ‘23 Ultra runs cooler than my ‘20 Heritage.
The only time I’ve ever felt any heat was on hot days in stop & go traffic with a ‘little’ on the right leg from the exhaust.
As others have mentioned, with it being a rental make sure to look over it well. Ask dealer to see the service records and of any damage repairs.
Wait for a dry day & test ride if you can.
Beautiful bike & you’ll love the ride!!!
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Question about 23 ultra limited
