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A couple of you on this thread have discussed a similar dilemma that I went through, which lead me to my Street Glide purchase.
My wife falls into that "occasional" category when she rides with me. I couldn't justify the extra money for the Ultra, when typically a couple of hard bags is more than enough for me, and I like the sleeker looks of the SG.
With the quick-release brackets on mine I can mix & match backrests, hard packs, luggage rack, etc. For now, I am keeping things pretty simple behind me.
If you KNOW you are going to get hooked on that big tour pack, wrap-around seat, etc.; then buying the Ultra right off the bat will save you money.
Couch time with your shrink will be on you. I refused to go immediatly from my beautiful Fatboy to the Ultra. Too much of a geezer jump for me. LOL
The Street Glide gives me options to lean more geezer (racks, pack, bags, etc.) and also lets me believe that I can sport this puppy out (under-bag wraps, stage II, etc.).
BTW: The tunes, weather band channels, and CD player really are awesome. I was quite used to simply having my iPod along once in a while. But I am quite hooked on the entertainment now. Heeeeeee heeeee heeeee.
I have to second what Poorboy said here - I think you are missing the BEST option - and that is a StreetGlide with a tourpack and rider boards. I have included pics of my bike with and without tourpack. The TP takes about 2 minutes to put on or take off. The Streetglide seat needs replacing for the wife also - I have a Roadglide seat I bought off this board for 50 bucks and sent it to Mean City Cycles for the wide Double decker in the back - wife loves it. I bought the tourpack and read boards when i bought the bike, I also got rear crash bars and pullback handlebars all for about $2000. This give several advantages-
1. It is already lowered - this is FANTASTIC. It rides better than my 07 Classic did - the new bikes are fantastic as far as the ride. (make sure you get an 09).
2. It is sportier - this will ease the shock on your EGO.
3. You get the radio and the Shiny gauges - very nice
4. The fenders are clean - I think a better look. Also, no rails around the saddle bags
5. You don't have all the wires to deal with on the tourpack like you would on a removable Ultra pack.
6. Good Resale if you ever want to sell it.
7. For a set of 99 dollar Hogtunes speakers, you have a fantastic stereo.
I really think you should consider this. My wife LOVES to ride on the new bike with the tourpack - it sound like your wife and mine are related ;-)
The Electra Glide Classic may be your best shot, it is less then an Ualtra, better then a Standard, and is more of a touring rig then eather of the Road Kings with a tour pac,
good luck. Just a though, would your wife like to ride her own bike? ? ?
Decision's, Decision's, Decision's....Yea gotta love it
I myself went with a Street Glide mainly cause I'm more into style then function.
You on the other hand seem's like your the exact opposite. Road King's are nice but your going to give up alot of the features of a true Touring bike. I think you've already narrowed it down to one of the EG's. The right decision would probably be the Ultra, but from the sound's of it you'd be very content with a Classic. Why buy the Standard when your going to turn around and dump a ton of money into it to make it what you want. I myself think the black and chrome motor is a big plus also. That would be pricey to change. Well, whatever your decision is, it's going to be a HUGH improvement over that Dyna. Remember also, there are going to be some nice discounts on the '09's real soon and you might just want to hold off on this decision for another four or five weeks until you see what the Motor Company has to offer for the year 2010. Good luck...Rich
Just depends on what ties your shoes really...but i went from a '03 RK to an EGS..wanted to add the radio..have crusie and abs..and the '09 frame updated etc..I know the natural...silver..motor is a no no for some guys..but with the denim black it seems to work ok..I kind of SG'd it with the lower shocks..lower windshield..seat etc..but I like that you can turn 'em into anything you can dream up
I've had a ton of Harley's, but best bang for the buck is the EGC....me I have one now but I'm looking at the UC again...
It's a decision only you can make...everyone likes what they have, be it a RG, SG, RK or any of the touring bikes...your bike, your choice.
Are there any bad ones? I don't think so...
If she is contributing to the finances of the purchase, save yourself a lot of trouble and get an Ultra. If you are the one footing the bill, buy what you want and a few aftermarket pieces that will suit her needs the small percentage she is on.
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