Road Glide or Ultra Classic
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
Rent them both. I did and bought an Ultra. I liked the feeling of more room from the RG fairing but noticed quite a bit more buffeting than the batwing. I didn't like the stock windshield height on either bike. I changed to a Clearview recurve and it's perfect - no buffeting for me or the wife.
The batwing gives you the best protection but isn't very aerodynamic so if you're looking for 85 mph + touring, give the RG a closer look
The batwing gives you the best protection but isn't very aerodynamic so if you're looking for 85 mph + touring, give the RG a closer look
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
Forgot to add that I'm with you on the advantage of a CB. All my riding buds have one and it's very handy for calling passing opportunities, keeping in contact when separated by traffic lights and warning following riders of road hazards. One of my buddies has a J&M setup and it's OK but isn't nearly as user friendly as the UC unit
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
I think coming from Honda, the shark nose styling will most likey be up your alley. In my long motorcycle travels over the past few years I haven't seen very many RGs out loaded for long distance touring. I seem them locally here in Colorado at the bars. This could just be Colorado, or could just be that I notice Ultras more. Rent both, and see for yourself which is more you riding style and comfort style.
Novice
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Howell, Michigan
Ride my UG 100miles day commuting to/from work through 2 lane farm country with twisties and deer galore. No complaints and I like the idea of having a battleship under me. Also, low speed manueverability isn't as bad as some might think.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,051
Likes: 50
From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)
My current ride is Road King, and I've spent a ton of $$ making it an ULTRA. My next ride WILL be an ULTRA. I know that RG is a sweet ride with the fixed fairing and all, but I just can't get past the looks. It's a personal thing I'm sure, as I have friends that love them. Even my brother has one, and he swears by it. Go with what you really like. But by the time you convert a RG to an ULTRA you'll have spent more $$ than buying the ULTRA outright. (Unless you buy used parts off FLEABAY)
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,383
Likes: 3
From: Texas City, TX
Rent them both. I did and bought an Ultra. I liked the feeling of more room from the RG fairing but noticed quite a bit more buffeting than the batwing. I didn't like the stock windshield height on either bike. I changed to a Clearview recurve and it's perfect - no buffeting for me or the wife.
The batwing gives you the best protection but isn't very aerodynamic so if you're looking for 85 mph + touring, give the RG a closer look
The batwing gives you the best protection but isn't very aerodynamic so if you're looking for 85 mph + touring, give the RG a closer look
Other minor differences I encountered between the Ultra and the RG are: 1) the Ultra has a better seat than the RG (at least for me) but I'd probably be upgrading the seat on either one eventually. It's just that I'd upgrade the RG's seat faster than the Ultra's.
2) As I said before, I'm tall so seat heights are not an issue for me. The RG was a little lower than the Ultra (probably just the difference in seats!) which made it feel a little more cramped at a stop but that's really picking nits at this point. 3) The handlebars on the RG had me feeling like I was "reaching" a bit for the grips. That's a sensation I'm definitely not used to feeling so a swap of the bars may be in order for me on the RG at some point. I don't remember getting that feeling from the Ultra.As with so many things, it all depends on what your personal preferences are. One thing I'm certain of, we really can't go wrong with either bike.
Ride Safe,
Steve R.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 648
Likes: 3
From: San Tan Valley Arizona
IMO, the ultra is called the ultra for a reason. Its got stuff that you gotta buy to put into a road king. I think its the nicest touring bike harley makes.
The road king has it in the cool factor tho. RK is for people who like to tour but don't wanna be called granny glide.
I'd go for the ultra personally
The road king has it in the cool factor tho. RK is for people who like to tour but don't wanna be called granny glide.
I'd go for the ultra personally
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,602
Likes: 5
From: Southern California - Palm Springs Area
I've had a couple touring HD's. A Ultra - Road King Classic - Now a Roadie (RG).
Each has there own personalities..
Ultra: all the bells and whistles nice cushy bike overall - Great for longer hauls but a bit heavy on the ft end due to the fairing - So adds a bit of weight on slow in town driving
Road Glide: Best handling touring bike HD Makes thanks to the frame mounted fairing. as far as communication if you don't need a CB just get a couple of intercom head set (BlueAnt or others) so you can talk to you passenger and if riding in a group they can broadcast to another bike @ around 400' - If you want to up-grade to a TourPak with a quick release, you can find them around $1400.00
Road King: Great all around bike. Want to keep it local just pop-off the windshield and it's a looker. Want to take it Touring you can Add a quick release TourPak and even a Quick release Fairing (aftermarket fairings area GREAT as the have a far better stereo set-up then HD ever had.
Each has there own personalities..
Ultra: all the bells and whistles nice cushy bike overall - Great for longer hauls but a bit heavy on the ft end due to the fairing - So adds a bit of weight on slow in town driving
Road Glide: Best handling touring bike HD Makes thanks to the frame mounted fairing. as far as communication if you don't need a CB just get a couple of intercom head set (BlueAnt or others) so you can talk to you passenger and if riding in a group they can broadcast to another bike @ around 400' - If you want to up-grade to a TourPak with a quick release, you can find them around $1400.00
Road King: Great all around bike. Want to keep it local just pop-off the windshield and it's a looker. Want to take it Touring you can Add a quick release TourPak and even a Quick release Fairing (aftermarket fairings area GREAT as the have a far better stereo set-up then HD ever had.
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Joe Kucinski
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,048
Likes: 1
From: Canada
Love the RG coming from a Heritage. The best changes were the CV windshield which solved the crappy stock windshield and I've got a set of fabric lowers that lay nicely in the bottom of my saddle bags untill I need them in the rain or cold.
On touring, I have the detachable backrest with luggage rack and put a Saddleman T-Bag. More storage than any tour pack.
The scooter handles like it's on rails. It all depends on your riding habits. For me it's 50/50 hwy/city. Now that my wife rides her own, even better, although she had no complaints about riding on the back. She enjoyed the shield, stereo, and really liked the cig lighter so she could light a smoke at speed....lol
On touring, I have the detachable backrest with luggage rack and put a Saddleman T-Bag. More storage than any tour pack.
The scooter handles like it's on rails. It all depends on your riding habits. For me it's 50/50 hwy/city. Now that my wife rides her own, even better, although she had no complaints about riding on the back. She enjoyed the shield, stereo, and really liked the cig lighter so she could light a smoke at speed....lol
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,345
Likes: 0
From: Metro Denver
Go rent both bikes for a weekend each. After 1 weekend riding each, you'll figure out what bike is the 'right' bike for you. Many dealers put the Tour-Pak on the Road Glide so you'll have that additional benefit with your other half on the bike!
After riding both, get an '09 HD Catalog and list out the items you'd want to put on both bikes and see which one fits your budget (if that matters) and go from there!
Either way, riding each of the bikes will give you plenty of knowlege and direction!
- -
KoalaCowboy
After riding both, get an '09 HD Catalog and list out the items you'd want to put on both bikes and see which one fits your budget (if that matters) and go from there!
Either way, riding each of the bikes will give you plenty of knowlege and direction!
- -
KoalaCowboy