Changed passenger footpegs to footboards. She saw some ultras sunday and thought they looked more comfortable. She likes he look of the backrest. I have the sg for 2 yrs and itching for a new ride. She wants me to test ride ultra which is good for me. Thought shorter shocks might be a factor plus windshield is too short. Complains about wind in her face. I am liking the new ultra limited for 2010...

 

My wife made me buy an Ultra in 08. Mine was a bigger change though as I changed from a Heritage Classic. Once again she knew what was best!!

 

There is no comparision, comfort= Ultra, cool= SG

 

I had the same thoughts ,but now glad i kept the SG cause the wife is gonna get her own ride .The Ultra is the two up cadillac no question .

 

I ride a 2007 EGC.

Last 2 bikes I test rode were a 2010 SG & 2009 Ultra.

If I was in market to trade, I'd be riding an Ultra. Just my 2 cents.

 

Unless you want all of the bells and whistles like CB, and intercom just add a detachable tour pak, taller shocks and passenger floorboards to you Street Glide. Still have the good looks of the SG with the comfort of an Ultra.

 

These threads always kind of mystify me. Do people realize that they are basically the same bike? Just with some differences? (sometimes I think people think there is something magical because of the "Ultra" in the name) There is nothing on the Ultra (comfort wise) that cant be added to a SG.

1. 13" shocks. Probably the biggest change. You can typically find 13" takeoff shocks on Ebay for around $100 or less, often with zero miles on them. Just make sure you get the right year, as the 09-10 shocks ARE different.

2. Seat. Again, pick up a used Ultra seat on Ebay. Personally, I think most HD seats are crap, and better to invest in a quality aftermarket seat, but it at least puts you on par. The 08-up Sundowner is pretty good, and relatively inexpensive. The PRE-08 sundowner has a smaller passenger section, and is not as comfortable in the back.

3. Passenger floorboards, again, you can find them cheap, if you will accept the standard shaped ones (vs the streamliner) I changed my Streamliner boards to the traditional ones so I could run the extended reach pans, and so they would all match. And, I just like the footroom better on the D shaped pans. Never cared for the Streamliner shaped pans. You can find these cheap from people who changed to fancier floorboards.

4. Taller windshield (may help get the air up and over your passenger better)

5. Backrest. The king tourpack does have the tallest passenger backrest available, several inches (4-5) taller than any of the sissybar/backrest options. You can always make it quick detach if you want to have the option of running in "SG Mode"

You don't have to change to an Ultra to get the comfort. Just make a few changes to your SG. Granted, the tour pack does not come cheap, but its cheaper than trading bikes.

BTW, there is a 08-up Sundowner seat, and a set of streamliner passenger floorboards both listed in the Classifieds right now. $200 and $160 respectively (thats a killer deal on the floorboards)

 

ww1flyingace, While your comments have some valid points, I believe it's cheaper to remove items from an Ultra or Classic to get the SG look than it is to add the items to make a SG have the options/comforts they have. Tried to tell my brother that in 2006 when we were trading our bikes for 2007 models. After buying all the stuff for his SG, he had more money in it than I did in my EGC. But he HAD to have that Blue Denim paint.

They are same wheelbase except for shocks being smaller on the SG. I found that riding one, it was a little harsher than the Classic or Ultra. Again, because of shocks.

The seats from an Ultra might not fit a SG because of the console difference on the 2 bikes/years. That may not be the case with the newer years and the 6 gallon tanks. I'm not sure about that.

 

You are correct on 07-older seats. Starting in 08, they are all the same.

As for "Striping the Ultra" is cheaper, Make ALL the changes, not just taking the bumpers off the fenders, (take the fender rails and lights off, fill the holes, and repaint) and taking the tourpak off, and compare money. And in MY criteria, that includes repainting the bike entirely, to get rid of the pinstripes, which was the biggest factor in my purchase of the SG over an Ultra or Classic. I HATE the pinstripes on every color of those bikes but black.

It depends on what you want, and how much of a Street Glide you want. IF you want the CB/intercom and lowers, than the Ultra may be the better choice. If (like me) you want single color paint with NO stripes, NOTHING on the fenders, etc, the SG route is cheaper. (trust me, I did the math) Pulling the trunk and lowers of the Ultra, or Classic, does not a StreetGlide to me make. (been there, done that) Yes, to some people its splitting hairs, but to ME, who has to plunk down 20k+, getting EXACTLY what I wanted, was worth the money.

 

Huh? The Ultra is NOT longer and the shocks are only an inch taller than the Streetglide. Both bikes use the same frame. The seat on the Ultra is better, but the Sundowner is almost as good.