2011 Ultra disappointing
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 410
Likes: 1
From: Reseda, CA
The MOCO is very slow to change and that is why they are still in business. For the most part they are still working to provide the Classic American motorcycle as well as the H-D lifestyle, whatever that is. I agree that other companies have more updated technology and that is what their customer base is focused on, but H-D does not think that their marketing has to revolve around new tech on classic bikes. You can see that in any commercial or add they make. New tech is not the H-D selling point. The MOCO will understand that they need to update the tech to be competitive with other companies when the sales numbers tell them so.
Besides that, the MOCO makes a lot of money selling the H-D logo. People who buy an offical salt & pepper shaker, or a poseable action figure, or any other H-D trinkets are not doing it because the company is an innovator of motorcycle technology.
Anyway, if you don't like the new bikes you don't have to buy them. However, if you do get a new bike, know that you will have to put even more money into it to get it right for you, because that is the way the MOCO wants it. Just check out the parts catalog and see for yourself.
Besides that, the MOCO makes a lot of money selling the H-D logo. People who buy an offical salt & pepper shaker, or a poseable action figure, or any other H-D trinkets are not doing it because the company is an innovator of motorcycle technology.
Anyway, if you don't like the new bikes you don't have to buy them. However, if you do get a new bike, know that you will have to put even more money into it to get it right for you, because that is the way the MOCO wants it. Just check out the parts catalog and see for yourself.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,183
Likes: 836
From: KMHT KFMY
I think you'll find that BMW touring bikes have had something similar for a long time, and many of the other options you guys are jokingly tossing out there as improbable are actually standard equipment on other brands of touring and sport touring bikes.
But then again I'm still waiting for a water cooled engine in a bagger frame, think VROD engine in a bagger
In the mean time I'll make my 03 bagger better with aftermarket parts such as Progressive Suspension, Magra Hydraulics, Performance Machine brakes, Power Commander engine management module, etc etc etc
But then again I'm still waiting for a water cooled engine in a bagger frame, think VROD engine in a bagger
In the mean time I'll make my 03 bagger better with aftermarket parts such as Progressive Suspension, Magra Hydraulics, Performance Machine brakes, Power Commander engine management module, etc etc etc
Novice
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Southern Md.
Traded my 08 RG for a 2011 Ultra first bike I have ever owned that wasnt black. I am very happy with the color and the bike itself is much improved over the 08. Frame is a huge difference TBW much better and the brakes make the bike seem alot lighter than it is.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 362
Likes: 0
From: Piedmont,SC
re
I am with ya bro!!!
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 173
Likes: 3
I hope Harley keeps 'em like they are (air cooled and personally upgradeable). I recently bought an '07 RG and love it. If I wanted something more refined I could have looked at Japanese or German bikes. My wife and I love the look, the sound, and the fun. To each his own, I love and noisy shakey v-twin.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Tennessee
Got my 2011 Vivid Black Ultra Limited 1 week ago, 1477 miles so far and i love it, i sold a 1997 Goldwing with 96,000 miles and a 2006 Heritage classic with 32,000 miles, and yes i put them all on. The new Goldwing does not come standard with CD, CB, Tour Pak Power point, and i rode both and loved the seating position and wind protection of the limited, wife also got less air, also comes with a nice set of liner bags. Would love to see reverse on my limited but hmm maybe later.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 104
From: Mississippi
I just looked at the Harley site, the 2011 Ultra does not even have any changes to even talk about besides some new colors.
What a disappointment, I will be keeping mine.
All their money and research people and this is ALL they could come up with, someone needs to retire.
What a disappointment, I will be keeping mine.
All their money and research people and this is ALL they could come up with, someone needs to retire.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Nawth Gawga Mountains
. . heads up display; gyroscope; automatic giant flashing yellow lites in fog and rain; electropnuematic center stand; backround music that plays the theme from "easyrider"; built in radar detector; ice maker in trunk; expresso machine with auto refill in "included" cup holder at handlebars . . hmmm. . .that should do it for now . .
