When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I have been riding a 1980 Honda CB900C. Great bike. Now I want a larger bike for touring. Many folks say Wing. I have read much regarding the Wing and Ultra. I like the looks of the Ultra and would like the experiance of riding a HD. My concern is will the Ultra (stock) have enough power to make me happy or will I be disappointed? I weigh 270 and will be riding two up frequently.
I'm on my second Electrglide. Put 90K miles on the first. I am 280 lbs, ride two up and pull a Bushtec trailer on longer trips. Bone stock and happy with the power. It's not a hot rod dragster, but the power is more than adequate.
I don't think owning a Harley is for the power factor. I could own many different bikes that giddy'up much better. Our Harley EGU was the weapon of choice for reasons of comfort, features, style and resale.
Just my .02, I have a 79 XS1100 Yam (inline 4), which would be a similiar bike to your CB. I had a 1340 FLHTC 1340 at the same time. Your CB has acceleration, quickness and speed. The Harley has the torque that will get you up hills with your size without the endless downshifting, you may do now. It will not feel as fast or quick... but for touring you will love it. If you are now want to lope down the highways and enjoy touring no problem. BE SURE to go and rent to see how you like it first. That is The best way to know for your self...
I'm gonna disagree with all these other guys. I was disappointed with the power of the stock Ultra. It was the first big road bike I had ever owned that felt underpowered. To be fair though, I only rode it 1000 miles before I had it changed to 95 Stage II. That woke it up. While it's still not a rocketship, it does haul the freight. My .02
02 Classic..........
Had a stage one with kerkers when I bought it.
Put stockers back on it.
Ride two up all the time.
I weigh 280
No problems at all.
It is a touring bike.
My initial impression was the same...lack of "ooomph"...I went from a streetlight stampede hot rod (an EVO FXSTC with major ***** built in and 92 bhp). However, this is a GeezeGlide touring machine...meant to roll on down the highway cruising in creature comfort. It'll purr along at 75 mph to 85 mph fine. The surge of the hot rod Softy is no longer needed and the transformation from earplugs and bird's nest hair, buzzing ears, watery eyes, etc. to CDs, CB, electronic cruise, and a quiet and relaxing ride makes it a different experience...and maybe I'm gettin' old, but the Softy had its place...the Ultra has its own. Stage I is all I did...I use the bucks for better beer, better steaks, better hotels.
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.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
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.
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.
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.