SG VS Classic?
Novice
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 15
Likes: 4
From: Nashville, TN
I seem to be in the same dilemma right now. The SG speaks to me. However if I decide to go ahead and buy a Harley (it would be my first one, been a Ducati and Japanese bike rider for 18+ years), I want it to be practical too. I don't get a lot of free weekend joy riding (4 kids under 12), so I need to get my riding in on my commute, running errands, etc. In this respect, having the tour-pak is almost a must for practicality.
I like the lack of the bag guards, and the clean front fender on the SG. But I am a short guy, and the bag guards may just save me some bacon down the road if I drop it.
Then, when I look further, what would make the Ultra worth it over the Classic? Or should I get an SG, and get a tour-pak and new seat?
I am also worried about seat height. I went to the dealer today, and I can almost flat-foot the SG in sneakers. In boots I would be fine. I didnt sit on the Ultra, but am worried that the classic or the ultra might require some mods to the seat and/or suspension for me to be comfortable. I am barely on the ***** of my feet on my Ducati, so I am used to feeling short, but the HD weighs a LOT more even though it carries its weight lower.
What to do, what to do?
Keep it coming guys, this discussion has been helpful to me in addition to the OP.
I like the lack of the bag guards, and the clean front fender on the SG. But I am a short guy, and the bag guards may just save me some bacon down the road if I drop it.
Then, when I look further, what would make the Ultra worth it over the Classic? Or should I get an SG, and get a tour-pak and new seat?
I am also worried about seat height. I went to the dealer today, and I can almost flat-foot the SG in sneakers. In boots I would be fine. I didnt sit on the Ultra, but am worried that the classic or the ultra might require some mods to the seat and/or suspension for me to be comfortable. I am barely on the ***** of my feet on my Ducati, so I am used to feeling short, but the HD weighs a LOT more even though it carries its weight lower.
What to do, what to do?
Keep it coming guys, this discussion has been helpful to me in addition to the OP.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,500
Likes: 332
From: Blue Grass (KY)
I have the EGC, like the SG but I too love the trunk...as for the height, I'm only 5'7" w/ 28" inseam, the Sundowner seat makes all the difference....love it.
But, ya gatta get what turns you on....I too would like a SG, or EGC or UC or......I want them all....
But, ya gatta get what turns you on....I too would like a SG, or EGC or UC or......I want them all....
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 491
Likes: 1
From: Belleville, MI
Honestly the SG is the best looking of the group, but is the most expensinve since it costs the same as the EGC but you get "less" (less is more?). I really like the look of the bikes without the tour pack. Does the tour pack make the bike more "tippy" since you are adding weight way above the center of gravity? I can see where it could be very useful though.
In my case I dont think ride height is an isse, I'm only 5'10" but I can easily falt foot the SG with some room to spare. After about 250 miles on the rental I didnt mind the stock SG seat at all, much better than the Mustang Wide Vintage on my Deluxe, just needs a backrest and just a hint of more padding and to be narrowed a little in the front. I think it just needs a backrest.
As you guys have said for looks its the SG, for functionality / value its the Classic. Im going to try and see if I can get test rides on each back to back this week and see which feels better on the road.
In my case I dont think ride height is an isse, I'm only 5'10" but I can easily falt foot the SG with some room to spare. After about 250 miles on the rental I didnt mind the stock SG seat at all, much better than the Mustang Wide Vintage on my Deluxe, just needs a backrest and just a hint of more padding and to be narrowed a little in the front. I think it just needs a backrest.
As you guys have said for looks its the SG, for functionality / value its the Classic. Im going to try and see if I can get test rides on each back to back this week and see which feels better on the road.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 15
From: Pacific Northwest
Man, you're gettin' alot of lip service here over what amounts to a personal preference issue and it's YOUR personal preference. Kinda like asking which is better: natural breasts or implants? Go ride each model and make your own decision. There's also an E-glide Standard to consider.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,356
Likes: 8
From: Roswell, NM
Before I bought my Ultra I was going to take off the tour pack so It would look "cooler" when I was riding. After a week with it and the many things I can haul,that idea went away for good. It's all in what your ideal ride is, looking cool and picking up women? SG
Being able to haul things and still pick up women? EGC.
Best of everything? Ultra
Being able to haul things and still pick up women? EGC.
Best of everything? Ultra
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,754
Likes: 4
From: GA
It's such a personal thing. When my wife started riding her own, I traded an Ultra for a SG and I couldn't be happier. The Ultra was bought for two-up riding and the features I wanted were on the SG - ABS, cruise, stereo, etc., plus a solid paint job and lowered "sportier" look. I added lowers and the HogTunes speakers and I have the perfect bike - for me. Nobody can make that decision for you.
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
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 491
Likes: 1
From: Belleville, MI
Excellent advice. I guess since they are nearly the same mechanically it is just a style vs function debate. I do know this much, I dont need an Ultra. After checking both out on the HD site, Im debating more between the SG and EGS since the EGS is $2000 and I can add tunes for $500. The bigest turn offs though are the light in the front fender, "missing" rear trim and the silver engine (but you really only see that on the left side). Im going to the dealer tomorrow to hopefully test ride both and get a better, up close look.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,838
Likes: 500
From: Northern WV
.... I do know this much, I dont need an Ultra. After checking both out on the HD site, Im debating more between the SG and EGS since the EGS is $2000 and I can add tunes for $500. ...... Im going to the dealer tomorrow to hopefully test ride both and get a better, up close look.