My wife and I seriously considering upgrading to either a E Glide Classic or Ultra.
1. Is the seat the same on the classic & Ultra classic ?
2. How big of a pain in the butt is it to do the detachable kit for the tour pak on the Ultra , with all the exta wiring, etc. I'd like to go with that , and have a detachable sissy bar / backrest for around town , and short trips.
3. Is the stock stereo pretty good on the classic , and if not , can it be easily upgraded ?
4. Is the Ultra worth the extra $2000 ?

As much as my wife loves to ride , if I knew then what I know now ,I would have bought an E glide in the first place.

 

1 seat is the same
2 not easy with the extra wiring even more so if ultra has a amp
3 radio can be upgraded
4 if you like the lowers,intercom,better radio,and a few other things I would say yes.

 

For me the radio is fine on the Classic. As far as the extra cost being worth it that is up to you. Alot of people say it is better to have the extras in case you want them. Personally for me it was not. I took part of the 2k and added what I wanted. Lowers and wind deflectors. That still leaves me with $1400 to play with as I see fit.

 

+ 1.......cheeper in the long run to get the Ultra but I do like my Classic,I got the detach tour pac and the quick attach back rest but very seldom take the pac off maybe 3 times in 8 yrs......

 

I've had both and I will try to answer some of your questions.
(1) The seat is the same

(2) The kits to convert the tour pak to quick removal is
approx. 425.00 at regular prices from HD shop. I have all
the parts list needed to do this which could be ordered
at a 20% discount if your local shop will not discount.

(3) The stock radio is just as good but what you will miss is the
rear speakers which your wife will love. You can adjust the volume
toward the rear so that you do not have to have the radio super loud
up front so that she can comfortably hear. On trips I listen
to CB as well when on the super slab. The intercom is available
if you choose on long trips. Your wife also can change stations
from the rear controls.

(4) Is the 2,000 extra worth it to you is your call.

It is for me because of the following:

Rear speakers for exceptional sound and apperance also
gives some support to the arm rests.

CB which I listen to while traveling on Interstates

Lights in Tour-pak for safety reasons and apperance

Vented Fairing lowers. Only use sometimes but there if needed

Intercom if wanted to use(have used some)

Cruise Control(use alot on trips especially out west)

Tank emblem not as important but still looks better(IMO)

I hope I haven't missed anything but I went from a Ultra to
Classic then back to Ultra. The Ultra is well worth the 2,000 extra
to me. But that's just my tastes and that's why their is the Classic.
Both are great bikes but for me it's the ULTRA
Good luck in your decision and ride safe!!!!

 

Don't forget cruise control, which is standard on the EGU but not the EGC, and is a must on a touring bike, IMO. The kit is about $250 and should be an easy install on the Classic since the servo is already on the bike. Lowers are also a very nice item, and to add those you're looking at ~$500 (Zanotti's). So, for the extra $1250 that remains you'll get some extra bling and a few radio enhancements (intercomm and CB). Did I miss anything?

Personally, I think the EGC is the best bang-for-the-buck in the touring line.

 

Well that is a loaded question. My answer to your question is it depends on your needs. As for me I chose the Classic over the Ultra. I don't talk to rubber duckies and if my wife wants to talk to me she just leans up. I don't do much riding when it is cold but if I ever decide to I will buy a set of lowers from the dealer for around 750 and get the quick disconnect kit for them. I had cruse put on when I ordered the bike. I also had a light kit installed when I picked up the bike for around 50 bucks it lights up the rear and does not look obnoxious like an after thought. The main reason I went with the Classic was the trade in price. Check out trade in prices on the two and see for your self then decide. I trade every couple of years or so when ever the warranty runs out. I got an extended one this time so it will be a few years on this one. It all boils down to personal preference. Next time you pull up to a large gathering of bikes check and see how many Classics there are as opposed to how many Ultras there are. You will be surprised at the amount of Ultras there are out there. Good luck on your choice both are great bikes.

 

I have owned 3 EGC and now have an 08 Ultra. I never thought I needed an Ultra but the cruise and lower fairings are well worth the extra $$$ to me. I don't use the CB or intercom but they are there if you choose to. As stated the tank emblem and extra pieces painted two tone on the Ultra is nice also.

 

The last time I checked trade in prices the Ultra was still commanding about $1,000 more than the EGC. May not be the full $2k premium but it's still holding on to half of it. And if you end up adding the lowers, cruise, etc. to an EGC then at trade-in time you don't get credit for any of that. That put the Ultra ahead in my book.

 

Had an 07 EGC and traded for an 08 Ultra Anniv edition (my son now has the EGC). Wife likes the seat better on the 08 - did install the tourpak Relocator to give her a little more room after I put a back rest on it. Like the lowers - live in Upstate NY and on cool days the lowers are nice. Put the IDS on the 07 and was a worth while add on. Cruise is a must have for highway traveling.

What I added to the 07 - back rest, floor board extenders, cruise, tourpak docking station so it can be removed, back rest for when the tourpak is removed, highway pegs and rear light kit (turn signals as running lights). I rarely removed the tourpak.

The tourpak on the Ultra has a little less usable space due to the lights on the tourpak.

Long story short - I like the Ultra better.