Disappointed, need advice...
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 806
Likes: 1
From: NorthTexas
RE: Disappointed, need advice...
ORIGINAL: max56
Opinions on bikes are pretty biased. You sound like you're very particular in what you want. Listening to what WE want is not going to help much. You need to ride other bikes. Eventually, you'll run across the bike you're looking for. Good luck with whatever you end up with.
Opinions on bikes are pretty biased. You sound like you're very particular in what you want. Listening to what WE want is not going to help much. You need to ride other bikes. Eventually, you'll run across the bike you're looking for. Good luck with whatever you end up with.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,140
Likes: 17
From: Wisconsin
RE: Disappointed, need advice...
ORIGINAL: 392heminut
I rode my 77 FLH shovelhead for 20 years before I got my Ultra. The shaking at idle on the Ultra doesn't bother me at all!
I rode my 77 FLH shovelhead for 20 years before I got my Ultra. The shaking at idle on the Ultra doesn't bother me at all!
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,750
Likes: 2
From: Bucks County PA
RE: Disappointed, need advice...
Most recently came from a Vulcan 1600 which was silky smoothe when I stopped, but the bike was so bulky it felt like it was going to drop when I put my foot down. When I first rode the FLHRC I thought there was something wrong with. The shaking was unreal... but as soon as I ran it, man was it smooth. I don't even notice the shaking at idle any more... the sound of the engine is so glorious it doesn't matter.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
RE: Disappointed, need advice...
ORIGINAL: IsurvivedNMU
Now for the bad. My softail was a balanced motor. This bike shakes all over. Cool at an idle, but I greatly dislike the shaking as you stop. It feels like an old car with warped brake rotors. Not a comfotable feeling at all. There were a few stops that I was totally consumed by the feeling that something must be wrong with the bike, but the more i rode it, it just seemed to be the engine... Not what I expected out of a touring bike.....
Now for the bad. My softail was a balanced motor. This bike shakes all over. Cool at an idle, but I greatly dislike the shaking as you stop. It feels like an old car with warped brake rotors. Not a comfotable feeling at all. There were a few stops that I was totally consumed by the feeling that something must be wrong with the bike, but the more i rode it, it just seemed to be the engine... Not what I expected out of a touring bike.....
I also assumed that a taller guy would not have wind issues on this bike..... I was wrong....
I dont know what I seem before, but I think the rear tire needs some gearth. The width of the tires sucks, IMHO. It would look great with a 200 tire on the back.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 398
Likes: 0
From: Williamston, SC
RE: Disappointed, need advice...
After years of riding Harley's the shaking on the newer touring bikes is nothing new, just brings back memories and now it feels like a real bike.
I had a softail before my Ultra, wouldn't trade back for any amount of money.
They make a 200 tire kit yo can get for the touring bikes, would look sweet but not needed and would cut down on the MPG.
A Sert, PCIII, or Thundermax would help with the shaking some. You could extend the front end for the longer part too. Forward controls or extended brake and gear levers would help too.
Maybe it might be best to go to one of the local fabricators and let them make you a bike to your specifications, it wouldn't cost any more than buying one and making the changes you are talking about.
Any way just my 2 cent worth, I love my Ultra, it's everything I've ever wanted in a bike or it will be when I finish working on it, that's part of owning a bike making them to suit you and your style of riding. Good luck.
I had a softail before my Ultra, wouldn't trade back for any amount of money.
They make a 200 tire kit yo can get for the touring bikes, would look sweet but not needed and would cut down on the MPG.
A Sert, PCIII, or Thundermax would help with the shaking some. You could extend the front end for the longer part too. Forward controls or extended brake and gear levers would help too.
Maybe it might be best to go to one of the local fabricators and let them make you a bike to your specifications, it wouldn't cost any more than buying one and making the changes you are talking about.
Any way just my 2 cent worth, I love my Ultra, it's everything I've ever wanted in a bike or it will be when I finish working on it, that's part of owning a bike making them to suit you and your style of riding. Good luck.
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Disappointed, need advice...
Thank you for all the replies. I agree with all of you. The shaking is cool at idle, surely not what I expected when coming to a stop. And after the 40 mile ride, I was used to it. I guess I thought it was a little more sporty, and that might be the root of my issue. I do not want to go back to my softtail... I would not have sold it if i liked it... I always thought the road king is/was the sporty touring bike... Maybe it is... Maybe my idea is a little different...
The bike is sure footed and rides like my wifes denali when moving. Sounds good with even stock pipes, and turns like a dream... I guess i just want some sport. I was happy with the power... I guess it was the sport look...
Sorry for the rambling, but I just cannot get to the root of my issue, and I would like to pick up my bike for the year. A buddy of my fathers has an Ultra. I think I might hop on that to see if there is any difference to me. I like the looks of the King better, but....
The bike is sure footed and rides like my wifes denali when moving. Sounds good with even stock pipes, and turns like a dream... I guess i just want some sport. I was happy with the power... I guess it was the sport look...
Sorry for the rambling, but I just cannot get to the root of my issue, and I would like to pick up my bike for the year. A buddy of my fathers has an Ultra. I think I might hop on that to see if there is any difference to me. I like the looks of the King better, but....
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
From: Northern Virginia
RE: Disappointed, need advice...
The windshield is easy to fix. And the shaking at idle is normal - and most of us like it. Dunno why you'd want a fat rear tire, unless it's for looks. It would actually detract from the bike's handling.
I'd say take a look at a Softail Deluxe if you're wanting the 'B' engine, but want some of the touring amenities the FLH series provides. Or maybe the V-Rod series - that'd give you both the smoothness and fat-tire look you're after.
Good luck.
I'd say take a look at a Softail Deluxe if you're wanting the 'B' engine, but want some of the touring amenities the FLH series provides. Or maybe the V-Rod series - that'd give you both the smoothness and fat-tire look you're after.
Good luck.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 414
Likes: 0
From:
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
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 324
Likes: 0
From: N.C and N.Y
RE: Disappointed, need advice...
I.m 6'3 and I just went with the taller windshield and no wind problems , the bike shakes at idle
but thats just a harley being a harley,at top speed smooth as silk...been riding my 03 king for years, I wouldnt go back to a solftail ..But everyone sees,feel and rides something defferent.
Just my 2 cents
but thats just a harley being a harley,at top speed smooth as silk...been riding my 03 king for years, I wouldnt go back to a solftail ..But everyone sees,feel and rides something defferent.
Just my 2 cents
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Disappointed, need advice...
Its not the shaking at idle when stopped that gets me, I like that. It was the shaking while stopping.... That was off to me.
I am starting to think I am just trying to get too much out of one bike.
I am starting to think I am just trying to get too much out of one bike.