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Because when ya don't get the Ultra, you're constantly pricing the stuff to make yours into an Ultra! At least that's what I have been doing.
Lowers, Tour Pak, CB/Intercom - Add those up to put on after the fact and you're over the $2k by a long ways..
I got around the CB/Intercom with the Scala Rider Q2 headsets but the Tour Pak and Lowers...I wish I had all the time. If you're not ever going to go anywhere substantial these things may not matter, but if you think you are..the $2k is worth it for sure!
I took the $2k difference between the Classic and the Ultra and added stuff that I really wanted. Didn't want the CB or rear speakers and much prefer the clean look of the tour pak without the lights on the back. I did add vented lowers and the fairing deflectors that come on the Ultra. But the other $1500 went towards things I wanted.
After 10 years on a RK wanted to get the Classic-had no intentions on even considering the Ultra but it was the end of the 08 model year and got a deal I couldn't refuse on an Ultra-couldn't be happier. If you can afford it get the Ultra you wont regret it!
Probably a good percentage of the Ultra riders asked that same question at one point. Here's the way I approached it.
First question, will you have a passenger for any length of time on the bike? If so, will she (he?) want to listen to the music/CD? That makes the upgrade for rear speakers and rear controller well worth the investment. I can't tell you the exact price for that add-on, but it's a LOT more than the price you'll pay getting the Ultra to begin with.
Second question, do you ride long enough at a time that you get numbness in the right hand or get fatigued? If so then cruise control is a must have, and it's a $270 option for the EGC. Frankly, I can't imagine going on a long trip without cruise control now. And it is true cruise control, not just a throttle lock. That way the bike adjusts to terrain changes and keeps a constant speed.
Last, if the $2k is no big deal then spend it ... you'll be glad you did. As noted, it is easier to have it and take it off than it is to have to buy it to put it on. The value of the add-ons for the Ultra far exceeds the $2k price difference.
I didn't want nothing but the cruise control on the Ultra so I bought an EGC and bought the cruise control and added it and spent the other $1800 on chrome. No regrets and will do the same on my next one!
I bought the classic, because I didn't need or want all the extra bling. But, if you think you might want it down the road it's cheaper to buy the ultra and take the extras off until you need them.
There are more smaller details with the Ultra, you get a tool kit, luggage bags for the tour pak and saddle bags, Tour pak liner, a stereo headset, the lights/brake lights on the tour pak, cruise control, vented lowers with storage, Heat deflectors for the thighs, adjustable baffles on the bat wing.
If you plan on major trips with a passenger, it's nice to have the intercom not only to talk without turning your head and yelling back on the highway, but for music through the headsets, GPS directions, etc.
If you plan on belonging to a HOG chapter and go out on group rides, it's nice to have the CB if other members have them, you stay in the loop as to whats going on. It's a very valuable tool if your a road captain.
Had '06 RKC as I was frustrated at first when it comes to storage while traveling. As frustration continues pile up for another 3 more years. Had enough here, Had enough there so I decided to purchase an Ultra with all the extra bling. Now, I'm spelling it here...Oh, What a relief it is to own an Ultra !.
My lady noticed another thing...On cold days, She stays warm with the help of the Tour Pak and it's rear speakers after experiencing plethora of cold whiffs on her back with the wide open backrest of the RKC. Also, She absolutely loves all the extra storage including the Organizer Kit.
Just go, get the Ultra and you'll understand why....
Not regretting the Ultra one a bit,
Thorey
P.S. I still miss my RKC, it's nostaglic looks and wish I could keep it for solo riding.
I have an 09 Classic. Had to have the cruise, but thought I could live without the other bells & whistles. I listen to my ipod alot, so a stereo upgrade to Hogtunes would've been nice for better sound. Ultra's back speakers would have been nice for that. This is my 1st Harley, and knowing what I know now, I might have gotten the Ultra. No regrets though, at all, on the Classic. Gotta have the cruise, though! Guess it gives me an upgrade to look forward to in a few years! We're always wanting to upgrade. Good thing I don't have a boat!
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