Upgrading...Suggestions?
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,212
Likes: 1
From: Maryland
HarleyLew,
I have an 03, and I am assuming the handlebars have not changed in configuration too much, other than the TBW (Throttle by Wire) setup they have now. I have the same problem you do, and I am adding a set of Khromewerks 300505's. Click here to see them. The same model for your bike with the TBW I believe is the 300515's. I am waiting on my parts now, expecting them in this week sometime, so I can't give a progress report as of yet. There are plenty of write-ups on the forums about this, do a search. You will find a variety of different handlebar models that have been a great upgrade for some, and a bust for others. I am hoping mine are a great upgrade.
Be sure to buy the manual for your bike once it is available. It will have all of the instructions on how to do the work yourself. I figure at least an all day job on this one, as I need to install a longer clutch cable to get the job done.
I have an 03, and I am assuming the handlebars have not changed in configuration too much, other than the TBW (Throttle by Wire) setup they have now. I have the same problem you do, and I am adding a set of Khromewerks 300505's. Click here to see them. The same model for your bike with the TBW I believe is the 300515's. I am waiting on my parts now, expecting them in this week sometime, so I can't give a progress report as of yet. There are plenty of write-ups on the forums about this, do a search. You will find a variety of different handlebar models that have been a great upgrade for some, and a bust for others. I am hoping mine are a great upgrade.
Be sure to buy the manual for your bike once it is available. It will have all of the instructions on how to do the work yourself. I figure at least an all day job on this one, as I need to install a longer clutch cable to get the job done.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 7
From: Rochester N.Y.
Well Lew , it's hard to beat the protection from the cold that you get with an ultra.
The batwing,lowers,air deflectors,and shield offer some great comfort for the road wherever you ride.
As far as mods go , ride the heck out of it and you'll know what you need in time.
Mine has so much stuff on it , I haven't even figured out all the radio buttons yet.
The handling and different vibration intensity will put a smile on your face , as well as the tour pack is adjustable for your passenger now from the factory.
The seat,handlebar,floorboard position seems a bit better than my last bike (06 FLHT) and the seat is better designed and a smidge taller.
My only gripe is that the grips seem a bit small in diameter 1.4" and the throttle by wire felt a bit weird for the first couple hundred miles.
Other than that , I'm hard pressed to find anything I don't like yet.....
Thanks for your service also.
Mick
The batwing,lowers,air deflectors,and shield offer some great comfort for the road wherever you ride.
As far as mods go , ride the heck out of it and you'll know what you need in time.
Mine has so much stuff on it , I haven't even figured out all the radio buttons yet.
The handling and different vibration intensity will put a smile on your face , as well as the tour pack is adjustable for your passenger now from the factory.
The seat,handlebar,floorboard position seems a bit better than my last bike (06 FLHT) and the seat is better designed and a smidge taller.
My only gripe is that the grips seem a bit small in diameter 1.4" and the throttle by wire felt a bit weird for the first couple hundred miles.
Other than that , I'm hard pressed to find anything I don't like yet.....
Thanks for your service also.
Mick
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
From: Southern IL
I can highly recomend some form of rider backrest, and highway pegs as your first mods. 'Course I'm all about that comfort thing these days. Also, at the risk of sounding like a beginning rider, I recomend watching "How to ride like a pro". I found out that these big hawgs don't handle quite like their little brothers, and even after I've been riding 35+ years, I picked up a couple of handling tips that made handling the big bike MUCH easier, and thus, made riding much more enjoyable. I know--all you guys that have been riding all your lives are snickering, but all it takes is one or two little tips to make a HUGE difference. Trust me--I've been riding all my life too.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,196
Likes: 1
From: Reno, Nevada
I can highly recomend some form of rider backrest, and highway pegs as your first mods. 'Course I'm all about that comfort thing these days. Also, at the risk of sounding like a beginning rider, I recomend watching "How to ride like a pro". I found out that these big hawgs don't handle quite like their little brothers, and even after I've been riding 35+ years, I picked up a couple of handling tips that made handling the big bike MUCH easier, and thus, made riding much more enjoyable. I know--all you guys that have been riding all your lives are snickering, but all it takes is one or two little tips to make a HUGE difference. Trust me--I've been riding all my life too.
+1... I have done a lot of mods to my bike, but the rider backrest is one of the best things I have done for comfort of riding!
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 141
Likes: 1
From: Germany
Thanks for all the great advice!!
Good news...sold the King for what I was asking. So, now Moma is ok with the upgrade. I'm waiting until I get to Germany to purchase. Not to keen on the out-a-sight buying option. I will deffently have to ride it to understand what I need...as I recall my RK was the same way. I just didn't want to ape the UC and have it looking like booty.
Great inputs yall...keep'm coming!
Thanks,
Lew
Good news...sold the King for what I was asking. So, now Moma is ok with the upgrade. I'm waiting until I get to Germany to purchase. Not to keen on the out-a-sight buying option. I will deffently have to ride it to understand what I need...as I recall my RK was the same way. I just didn't want to ape the UC and have it looking like booty.
Great inputs yall...keep'm coming!
Thanks,
Lew
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