Touring Models Road King, Road King Custom, Road King Classic, Road Glide, Street Glide, Electra Glide, Electra Glide Classic, and Electra Glide Ultra Classic bikes.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Classic vs ultra

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 19, 2008 | 05:22 PM
  #11  
gunner11's Avatar
gunner11
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,356
Likes: 8
From: Roswell, NM
Default

It's just nice to have the extra's and not have to worry or plan which extra to put on next. I'm glad I went with the Ultra, and I have used all the extra's at one time or another. the lowers are great in the winter!
 
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2008 | 05:23 PM
  #12  
moondog99's Avatar
moondog99
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,583
Likes: 3
From: Sevierville, TN
Default

I picked the Classic, I did not care for the lights on the trunk, nor did I want the intercom, or the lower fairings. To me all the add ons on the Ultra I did not want or need. For me it would have been a waste of my money. If you don't need the extras on the Ultra like me just get the Classic I have absolutely no regrets.
 
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2008 | 05:33 PM
  #13  
Araba Shriner's Avatar
Araba Shriner
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,213
Likes: 0
From: Cape Coral, Fl.
Default

Even though I strip it down from time to time, mine is an ULTRA -

there is a difference... just sayin
 
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2008 | 05:43 PM
  #14  
Rich13115's Avatar
Rich13115
Intermediate
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Ohio - Southwest of Akron.
Default

I went thru the same thing in 05 and I bought the Classic but just traded her in for an 08 ultra last year. I didn't think I wanted the lowers but now that I have them I really do like em. The lowers and cruise control are what sold me on the Ultra plus I like the fender emblem better. LOL. :0) on the Ultra.
Either bike is good so you really can't go wrong.

FNG
Rich
 
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2008 | 09:19 PM
  #15  
tn_chopper_man's Avatar
tn_chopper_man
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 508
Likes: 0
From: Southeast, TN
Default

You can't go wrong with either. I have had both and it's
Ultra for me without a doubt....Their is a difference and not just the extra's.
 
Reply
Old Dec 20, 2008 | 05:07 PM
  #16  
buckweet's Avatar
buckweet
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 655
Likes: 0
From:
Default

yep.....ultra for me too.....

weet
 
Reply
Old Dec 20, 2008 | 08:15 PM
  #17  
RickDeVon's Avatar
RickDeVon
Banned
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
From: Pine Mountain, Ga.
Default The Real Deal

They are both the best touring machines on the planet!
If you ride two up the Ultra is the way to go!
If you ride solo add another bag behind you and away you go!
 
Reply
Old Dec 20, 2008 | 09:24 PM
  #18  
will2002's Avatar
will2002
Extreme HDF Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 10
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 10,788
Likes: 2,222
From: Texas
Default

I've had 1 Classic and 3 Ultras.---- Go with the Ultra. Most, again I say "MOST" buyers who don't, soon wish that they had. Just a lot more "bang" for the buck! Ya won't be sorry if ya do, and ya might be if ya don't.
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Dec 20, 2008 | 09:32 PM
  #19  
witnesstoo's Avatar
witnesstoo
Stage III
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: SE Tx
Default Pick the options you want.

I went with the classic, even though I do want an intercom, etc. ... this is a good option for those that are a bit handy at doing electrical work themselves ... if you want all the extras and are not handy about such things, then the Ultra is probably a good idea.

I moved the StarCom1 Advance system I had previously on a Victory and then Triumph, rather than go with the stock intercom, etc. If you don't want the rear speakers, lights, or hard lowers this is a very good option (I did not want any of them). A Classic with a StarCom (or similar system) gives you and intercom system and music to the head sets, allows you to input gps, etc. without being limited to the Harley specific systems. So I have the intercom, the HD stereo input into the headsets, mp3 player on the GPS, XM radio on the GPS, the GPS, cell phone hook up (that I rarely use) and the option to put in a two way radio if I ever decide to do so --- all at a fraction of the cost of the factory systems, and not tied to the factory made components for integration into the helmet headsets --- and I like the options of the Starcom as far as selecting how you want the system to work (e.g. choice to either mute music or not with the intercom). A much cheaper, and more flexible system than the Ultra for someone that can do their own work.

Just my opinion, your mileage may vary

Chuck
 
Reply
Old Dec 20, 2008 | 10:03 PM
  #20  
UltraBrian's Avatar
UltraBrian
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 0
From: Nashville, GA
Default

I got my Ultra because they did not have a Classic in Purple Haze. Just kidding. Got the Ultra because I got a good deal on it with a trade-in. Plus, I would not have been satisified knowing that I did not get a bike with all the bells and whistles. That's just me. Picky....but happy.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:36 PM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE