Why a touring bike?
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,285
Likes: 0
if my wife hadnt bought my 07 wideglide as a surprise while i was in iraq, id have an ultra right now, my ol man just bought a 09 pearl white ultra to match my wideglide, I am so jealous, there is no comparison on ride comfort....
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,890
Likes: 3
AGREED! Well stated! Do a demo ride and see for yourself.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 699
Likes: 391
From: Fellows. WI
I bought a used, low mile FLHTP and converted it to two up. I have a detachable backrest and luggage rack. I kept the police air ride seat and got the matching Mustang pillion.
I ride solo most of the time, but it's nice to have a bike that can carry stuff plus can haul my wife and I in comfort when need be.
I ride solo most of the time, but it's nice to have a bike that can carry stuff plus can haul my wife and I in comfort when need be.
Account Retired
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,245
Likes: 12
From: Here
Thanks so much for this info and the rest as well. Seems I have much homework to do. I'll check into the renting thing. Not sure whats availiable around here. It seems that I'll be able to get one sooner than later since I can probably trade the wideglide in , since veryone is pretty much convinced that the touring bike will be much better. I am a working individual who has other interests away from bikes so having 2 reallky doesn't seem like a smart move. And in the same breath, I don't want or feel I need all the horns and whistles on a bike either. However, I'll do my homework and get back. Thanks for the info.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Nashville TN (where else?)
I remember walking into Boswell's HD, in Nashville TN, back in '91, to buy my first Harley. The owner of the dealership walked up to me, and said, "I've got just the bike for you." He pointed to a shiny new Ultra. I told him that was for old men, and I wanted the FatBoy that was sitting right next to it (I'd just seen Arnold in Terminator II, and loved that bike). It was a rigid mount, and they didn't have the balanced engines back then. The dealership had a free 500 mile service.
I put the 500 miles on the first day. I couldn't feel my hands, feet, or butt. But I looked cool (or so I thought).
I brought the bike in the next morning for my free service. As it happened, they were prepping an EG Classic for the dealer to ride on a rally to Longview, TX (with permission from the buyer of the bike), and then he was going to deliver it to him in Mempis, and ride the tradein back to Nashville. Since there would be miles put on it anyway, I asked if I could ride it for 5 miles or so. I got out on I-40, and within seconds, I couldn't get the smile off my face. I went back to the dealer, and told him I didn't want the FatBoy anymore, and could he get me a black Ultra. He found one in Indianappolis, and had it trucked down that day. I only lost $300 on the transaction. I picked up the Ultra the next morning. I had a shoulderbag with some personals, and had no idea where I was going. I hit the road, and late that night, I checked into a motel in Miami.....about 900 miles.
If you like that kind of riding, get an Ultra. If you're going to do around town riding only, there are other choices. If you're going to do both, get an Ultra with a quick disconnect for the Tour Pak, and you have the best of both worlds.
One guy's opinion. Good luck with whatever you pick.
I put the 500 miles on the first day. I couldn't feel my hands, feet, or butt. But I looked cool (or so I thought).
I brought the bike in the next morning for my free service. As it happened, they were prepping an EG Classic for the dealer to ride on a rally to Longview, TX (with permission from the buyer of the bike), and then he was going to deliver it to him in Mempis, and ride the tradein back to Nashville. Since there would be miles put on it anyway, I asked if I could ride it for 5 miles or so. I got out on I-40, and within seconds, I couldn't get the smile off my face. I went back to the dealer, and told him I didn't want the FatBoy anymore, and could he get me a black Ultra. He found one in Indianappolis, and had it trucked down that day. I only lost $300 on the transaction. I picked up the Ultra the next morning. I had a shoulderbag with some personals, and had no idea where I was going. I hit the road, and late that night, I checked into a motel in Miami.....about 900 miles.
If you like that kind of riding, get an Ultra. If you're going to do around town riding only, there are other choices. If you're going to do both, get an Ultra with a quick disconnect for the Tour Pak, and you have the best of both worlds.
One guy's opinion. Good luck with whatever you pick.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 7
From: Hoffman Estates, IL
Just a few years ago, I couldn't imagine having a HD touring model as my only bike. Now, I can't imagine having anything else.
THAT SAID: I did get the Street Glide - It's a little more "stripped down" but with the option to add whatever you need. The detachable Tour Pak (or simply a passenger backrest and a large bag) and you're set.
THAT SAID: I did get the Street Glide - It's a little more "stripped down" but with the option to add whatever you need. The detachable Tour Pak (or simply a passenger backrest and a large bag) and you're set.
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 326
Likes: 0
From: Central AR - Ozark Foohills
Get the Ultra.
I didn't think I would like it after riding a Heritage, then a Road King just seemed to big; not so handles fine around town. The wife can ride in comfort for hours. like stated before if she is happy, then life is grand and a 500 mile trip is just like a ride around the block.
And you will never have to say "I wish I had of gone ahead and bought the Ultra the first time."
I didn't think I would like it after riding a Heritage, then a Road King just seemed to big; not so handles fine around town. The wife can ride in comfort for hours. like stated before if she is happy, then life is grand and a 500 mile trip is just like a ride around the block.
And you will never have to say "I wish I had of gone ahead and bought the Ultra the first time."
