Thinking about going from RK to Ultra
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From:
Thinking about going from RK to Ultra
I'm considering going from a Road King to the Ultra. I love my RK and it fits perfect. The wife and I went on a demo ride on a Ultra and we both liked it but it was a short ride only 15 minutes. Anyone out there made the transition? Was it worth it? Any regrets?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,961
Likes: 263
From: Conroe Texas
I just did the switch last week, I can say that the RKC is the best looking bike ever made in the world period. It is also a great touring bike, however now that I am turning 45 I needed to get a bike more fitting to my age, not to mention that I have finally reached a point in life that I can afford these things, after years of raising a family its time to get the most comfort out of life. The 09 Ultra is a greatr bike, got the ABS option, the ride is much more true than my 07 RKC, however, I was very happy with the RKC ride. Its just that I was spending so much money making it into a convertable Ultra King, DCC Faring, Hardbags, King Tourpac, etc etc, when I seen and rode a 09 Ultra I ordered one right then and there. Stereo and ride mak this bike, very happy, wish I had more room in the garage to have kept both the RKC and the Ultra but it was not to be. The Ultra does sit a little taller so I suggest you rent one for a day and do 500 miles on it.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 578
Likes: 0
From:
I had an 06 RKC that had 27k on it when I traded for an 08 EGC. I loved (and still miss the ol' King) but, after two trips to the Dragon's tail from Central Florida with my girlfriend I decided to make the trade. the last trip was 1800 miles round trip and I realized a radio would be nice. On the way back my girlfrield's leg kept going numb so I had to stop every 60 -70 miles. When I got back, made the mistake of riding an 08, fell in love with her vivid blackness. AS far as the MC goes, I put a short windshield and a short antenna on the EGC and she feels almost as sporty as the RKC. Financially, I took a big hit on the trade in and, honestly, wish I would have kept the King. I just didn't have the spare case (I think it was around 2500) to get a better seat and a fairing for the King, so went the easy and more expensive route of trading her in. In a nutshell, if you can trade w/o taking a financail loss, I would do it as the bike's are great. If not, see about getting a fairing and a tour seat/wtour pak for your King. ride safe.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,551
Likes: 2
From: Contributor to HDForums.com
Funny you mention this. I was at my dealer last weekend and saw an '09 RK Aqua/Cream (don't know if that is the right color name, but it's close) that just turned my crank. I asked my sales guy if I should consider trading and he talked me out of it.
He said once you've ridden an Ultra, nothing else compares. After I got on my bike and headed out, I thought to myself "Wow, I could have really screwed up back there".
Glad my salesguy is such a stand up fellow!
He said once you've ridden an Ultra, nothing else compares. After I got on my bike and headed out, I thought to myself "Wow, I could have really screwed up back there".
Glad my salesguy is such a stand up fellow!
Novice
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: East Central Indiana
We had a 2000 RK and made the switch in Oct. of 2003 when we bought our 2004 Ultra. I for one have never looked back and the wife hasn't either.
We rode a friends Ultra and we were sold. The radio, cruise, full faring.......the list goes on...:-)
If you tour a lot or if you are going to start GET THE ULTRA!!!!!!
We rode a friends Ultra and we were sold. The radio, cruise, full faring.......the list goes on...:-)
If you tour a lot or if you are going to start GET THE ULTRA!!!!!!
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
From:
I moved up late 07, now 38000 miles later am still loving the Ultra Classic, Love the radio, storage, ride, etc... It's a Road King on steroids.... But I'd suggest riding one for a while first (rental for weekend trip?) if your not 100%.... My bet is you'll be posting how great your new ride is though.
Trending Topics
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 420
Likes: 1
From: Northern Virginia
I traded an '05 RKC for my '08 Ultra Classic. Sometimes I miss the RKC for short trips around town; but, nothing beats the Ultra for touring. That radio and CD player makes a world of difference on those long trips. I would make the switch again if posed with the same situation.
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: Aug 2006
Posts: 944
Likes: 2
From: Tennessee
Once you get the batwing you're stuck behind it FOREVER! Keep what you have, get an aftermarket batwing, the ones with 6x9's or 4-6.5's would be cool, lowers, and a detachable tourpak. You end up with the same basic bike but you have a bike that you can get out from behind the batwing, use the windshield or nothing at all.
