He didn't like it
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Yakima, WA
I was riding a 1200 Custom for a couple years until my wife started riding with me. About a month later we were on a RK and loving it. I too did not want the large faring or the tour pack. I have my "cruiser" for riding to work and solo without the backrest or the windshield. When we ride together we have both installed and love the ride.
The RK is at least as nimble as the Sporty once you get used the the weight and balance difference so I know it has better handling than the softail you're riding. Try riding a RK somewhere for a weekend ride and tell me you and he still do not like the "touring/bagger". I think you'll both be pleasantly surprised and glad to gave it a try.
Just my 2 cents.
The RK is at least as nimble as the Sporty once you get used the the weight and balance difference so I know it has better handling than the softail you're riding. Try riding a RK somewhere for a weekend ride and tell me you and he still do not like the "touring/bagger". I think you'll both be pleasantly surprised and glad to gave it a try.
Just my 2 cents.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,711
Likes: 3,438
From: SW WA.
Hmmmm...sounds like someone my not have gone in completely open minded. It's also possible the size of the bike was intimidating.
Honestly, I was initally put off by the weight but more at a stop then while rolling. After a thousand miles or so you find it's not really the issue you thought it would be.
Honestly, I was initally put off by the weight but more at a stop then while rolling. After a thousand miles or so you find it's not really the issue you thought it would be.
That's exactly right, you can not judge any bike in 15 minutes riding around the block and especially not one of these bikes.
There is an adjustment period and most EG riders will echo this,once you get the hang of it you'll love it but it takes some getting used to.
I toss mine around like a sportster lol,I'm on my second EG now and coming up on 150,000 miles with this one.
Here let's take a spin on mine.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbOxJ0uOUH0
Last edited by Y2K; Aug 7, 2008 at 01:29 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
Great replies, but one more quick note: Ride Like a Pro! I, too, felt a little uneasy at first but after practicing the RLAP moves in an empty parking lot, my confidence factor went through the roof! Have him watch how those small ladies handle a big bike; then he can do it, too. It just takes practice.
JRay
JRay
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas, NV
We started off with a Road King ... loved it! The HD Sundowner seat made it a comfy ride for my wife and for myself ... the Kuryakyn passenger pegs were also a plus ...
Last year we bought an Ultra Classic. It isn't anymore comfortable, but it is a better cruiser for us. I don't think we'll ever change ... and it is heavier, but I'm not finding that a problem.
Last year we bought an Ultra Classic. It isn't anymore comfortable, but it is a better cruiser for us. I don't think we'll ever change ... and it is heavier, but I'm not finding that a problem.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 248
Likes: 0
From:
I'll add my .02 also. I came from a VTX 1300 and have 10000 miles (so far) this year on my 07 Ultra. I would never go back! I love this bike. I'm 5'8" and it took a couple of days to get used to the added weight. My wife loves the ride and we use the intercom all the time. 15 minutes is not enough time to judge this bike. We use all the features and like em. The bike is just as nimble as the 1300 was when you get used to it. Renting one, for a day, is a good idea.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,380
Likes: 9
From: Texas
I'll agree with others in that for the first 15 minutes, any bike but your own is going to feel awkward. I ride an '08 Ultra but sometimes take my wife's '07 Deluxe out for a spin and it really feel strange for the first few hours. It's too light, my feet don't sit right, constantly dragging the footboards in corners, etc. It's not that any other bike is good or bad, its simply different for a period of time.
An Ultra might not be the right bike for you and your husband, but I doubt that could be determined in 15 minutes. He may not have wanted one to start with for other reasons. It is a heavy bike, but after a while I guarentee you will not notice the weight, it rides and handles great. The only problem I have with mine is when riding 2-up with my wife is that she has a tendancy to fall asleep behind me on long rides. That says enough about the comfort for me.
If you are still interested in an Ultra, convince him to rent one for the weekend and take a trip on it..experience all the good points about the Ultra.
An Ultra might not be the right bike for you and your husband, but I doubt that could be determined in 15 minutes. He may not have wanted one to start with for other reasons. It is a heavy bike, but after a while I guarentee you will not notice the weight, it rides and handles great. The only problem I have with mine is when riding 2-up with my wife is that she has a tendancy to fall asleep behind me on long rides. That says enough about the comfort for me.
If you are still interested in an Ultra, convince him to rent one for the weekend and take a trip on it..experience all the good points about the Ultra.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,697
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
I spent several weeks riding my Ultra by myself until I was confidant to take the wife along. I love my Ultra. Please do yourself a favor,, rent the Ultra and let him ride it alone for a weekend. He will love it and then you will soon be enjoying it also.
Also you did not say what model the one was your husband tested. Rent a new model you will love it.
Also you did not say what model the one was your husband tested. Rent a new model you will love it.
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 Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 914
Likes: 1
From: Republic of Texas
You've got a lot more replies than you need to make an informed decision here already, but, my advice is, if you don't like a bike, DON'T BUY IT. It's really that easy.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 914
Likes: 1
From: Republic of Texas
Great replies, but one more quick note: Ride Like a Pro! I, too, felt a little uneasy at first but after practicing the RLAP moves in an empty parking lot, my confidence factor went through the roof! Have him watch how those small ladies handle a big bike; then he can do it, too. It just takes practice.
I've been screwing around with motorcycles for some 50+ years now, still alive and riding, and we didn't have all that "RLAP" stuff to kick start us in those days. Somehow, some of us are still around to enjoy the sport today. Who'da thunk it? Sha-zaam.