Ultra Versus SG
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Joined: Jun 2009
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From: ND
Ultra Versus SG
After reading posts about SG's and ultras I would like to understand a few of the differences between a street glide and an ultra other then the looks.
Of course the ultra has a higher seat height, more weight, and so on.
But the ride is what I am curious about, since the ultra has such a higher seat height (3.4 inches this year), I have never ridden one. My hubby has a shorter inseam then me, he is considering an ultra or streetglide for his next bike.
What is the difference with the ride of an ultra versus a street glide, for one up or two up riding. Some people have told me that the ultra is not as easy to manuever in town.
Thoughts.
Thank you.
Of course the ultra has a higher seat height, more weight, and so on.
But the ride is what I am curious about, since the ultra has such a higher seat height (3.4 inches this year), I have never ridden one. My hubby has a shorter inseam then me, he is considering an ultra or streetglide for his next bike.
What is the difference with the ride of an ultra versus a street glide, for one up or two up riding. Some people have told me that the ultra is not as easy to manuever in town.
Thoughts.
Thank you.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,045
Likes: 36
From: ST. Louis
Other than what you can see the only difference in ride quality Ultra vs Street Glide is that the Street Glide’s rear shocks are 1” shorter to give it a lower sleeker look.
Shocks:
This gives less travel on HARD bumps in the road. Both models are “air shocks”, so they can be adjusted very easily, for weight, road conditions. The Street Glide shocks can be changed out very easily to Ultra’s shocks, or some aftermarket guys who swears theirs are better than stock.
Seat:
The one thing that will need to be changed or upgraded on the Street Glide will be the seat for “two up touring riding”. The stock seat is for looks, not comfort. There are lots of ways to get a better more comfy seat for less than $400. But if the Ultra is to tall for him he might have to change out the Ultra seat anyway.
Either bike will need to be tailored to fit his size and your alls comfort level.
Ultra guys think Ultras are the only way to go and Street Glide guys think the Street Glide is the only way to go. Go figure.
Shocks:
This gives less travel on HARD bumps in the road. Both models are “air shocks”, so they can be adjusted very easily, for weight, road conditions. The Street Glide shocks can be changed out very easily to Ultra’s shocks, or some aftermarket guys who swears theirs are better than stock.
Seat:
The one thing that will need to be changed or upgraded on the Street Glide will be the seat for “two up touring riding”. The stock seat is for looks, not comfort. There are lots of ways to get a better more comfy seat for less than $400. But if the Ultra is to tall for him he might have to change out the Ultra seat anyway.
Either bike will need to be tailored to fit his size and your alls comfort level.
Ultra guys think Ultras are the only way to go and Street Glide guys think the Street Glide is the only way to go. Go figure.
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 72
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Other than what you can see the only difference in ride quality Ultra vs Street Glide is that the Street Glides rear shocks are 1 shorter to give it a lower sleeker look.
Shocks:
This gives less travel on HARD bumps in the road. Both models are air shocks, so they can be adjusted very easily, for weight, road conditions. The Street Glide shocks can be changed out very easily to Ultras shocks, or some aftermarket guys who swears theirs are better than stock.
Seat:
The one thing that will need to be changed or upgraded on the Street Glide will be the seat for two up touring riding. The stock seat is for looks, not comfort. There are lots of ways to get a better more comfy seat for less than $400. But if the Ultra is to tall for him he might have to change out the Ultra seat anyway.
Either bike will need to be tailored to fit his size and your alls comfort level.
Ultra guys think Ultras are the only way to go and Street Glide guys think the Street Glide is the only way to go. Go figure.
Shocks:
This gives less travel on HARD bumps in the road. Both models are air shocks, so they can be adjusted very easily, for weight, road conditions. The Street Glide shocks can be changed out very easily to Ultras shocks, or some aftermarket guys who swears theirs are better than stock.
Seat:
The one thing that will need to be changed or upgraded on the Street Glide will be the seat for two up touring riding. The stock seat is for looks, not comfort. There are lots of ways to get a better more comfy seat for less than $400. But if the Ultra is to tall for him he might have to change out the Ultra seat anyway.
Either bike will need to be tailored to fit his size and your alls comfort level.
Ultra guys think Ultras are the only way to go and Street Glide guys think the Street Glide is the only way to go. Go figure.
Texas Fat Boy,
I've seen photos of your bike with the chopped tour pak attached. Combined with the fairing lowers and the slightly higher shield, you have the best of both worlds while still retaining the cool factor and uncluttered look of a Street Glide. Nice choices
I have an 08 Dark Blue Pearl Street Glide and am happy to see exactly how my bike would look with that set up. Thanks much.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 611
Likes: 1
From: Creektown aka Lower Alabama, but not that low
I've never ridden a SG, but if I were going to ride only solo, I might give it a serious look. However, I ride (rode-wrecked it) an Ultra and I can imagine my wife and I riding anything else. Comfort is good on trips. The saddlebag guards are great for keeping the bike off of you in a slide I might add.....
As far as maneuverability, LEOs ride Harleys and compete in rodeos with them. I think if there were a more maneuverable one, they'd ride it. It takes training and practice, but the Ultra will turn and ride well.
As far as maneuverability, LEOs ride Harleys and compete in rodeos with them. I think if there were a more maneuverable one, they'd ride it. It takes training and practice, but the Ultra will turn and ride well.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,077
Likes: 26
Street glide has 1" shorter shocks, rides a bit less plush.
Street glide stock seat is next to useless
Other than that, differences are cosmetic, and some functional items and electronic toys (ultra has CB, tour pack with rear speakers, intercom, fairing lowers, rear floorboards, saddlebag guards)
Handling differences? your splitting hairs. Same chassis, only diff is the rear shocks. Some feel the tour pack makes the ultra more top heavy, I never could tell if it was on or off when mine was quick detach. They are ALL minor variations of the same bike. They all ride and handle 97 percent the same, IMHO. (yes, even the sainted Road Glide)
If he wants an Ultra, get the Ultra and put a lower seat on it, and/or the lower shocks.
If he wants a Street glide, but wants all the goodies, you can do that to...
Street glide stock seat is next to useless
Other than that, differences are cosmetic, and some functional items and electronic toys (ultra has CB, tour pack with rear speakers, intercom, fairing lowers, rear floorboards, saddlebag guards)
Handling differences? your splitting hairs. Same chassis, only diff is the rear shocks. Some feel the tour pack makes the ultra more top heavy, I never could tell if it was on or off when mine was quick detach. They are ALL minor variations of the same bike. They all ride and handle 97 percent the same, IMHO. (yes, even the sainted Road Glide)
If he wants an Ultra, get the Ultra and put a lower seat on it, and/or the lower shocks.
If he wants a Street glide, but wants all the goodies, you can do that to...
Last edited by flyingace; Jul 9, 2009 at 07:37 PM.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,045
Likes: 36
From: ST. Louis
Texas Fat Boy,
I've seen photos of your bike with the chopped tour pak attached. Combined with the fairing lowers and the slightly higher shield, you have the best of both worlds while still retaining the cool factor and uncluttered look of a Street Glide. Nice choices
I have an 08 Dark Blue Pearl Street Glide and am happy to see exactly how my bike would look with that set up. Thanks much.
I've seen photos of your bike with the chopped tour pak attached. Combined with the fairing lowers and the slightly higher shield, you have the best of both worlds while still retaining the cool factor and uncluttered look of a Street Glide. Nice choices
I have an 08 Dark Blue Pearl Street Glide and am happy to see exactly how my bike would look with that set up. Thanks much.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,803
Likes: 11
From: El Paso, Texas
Yeah and We Love our Ultras....................Another old, and comfortable Dude!!!! PS: and the ladies really like the Ride