Moved from a '07 RG (added Bagger Brace, Reinhart TDs, tourpack, Clearview Large windshield, Corbin dual tour seat, E3 tires) to a 2011 RGU late last Thursday. Life has not let me ride much in the last week, but I have a few observations from the first 200 or so miles:

1) The suspension - what a ride! The RG Ultra has the full touring suspension, while the RG Custom has the shorter shocks of the SG. Ride is smooth as silk, but still handles like a RG. Front is softer than the '07, so it will really drop the nose when you slap .....
2) The brakes - WOW! The '07 was pre-Brembo, the new one adds ABS as well. Check your mirrors before you slap 'em hard - and hang on!
3) The motor - it took a couple of days to figure it out, but it sounds like the local PD's bikes. On the test ride, it pulled well at low rpm, started fading around 3200, and was mush by 4000. After 200 miles, it had loosened up to where it pulled hard to 4000, then mush. This is with factory everything - and it's at the dealer for a Pro Pipe 2-1, a/c and download. The factory exhaust (with CA emissions) combined with 100 degree days had me very thankful for the factory heat deflectors, but made traffic miserable. My '07 really came alive with the RTDs, so I'm anxious to see how the PP 2-1 does. The stock exhaust is so quiet, and the ride so smooth, it's real easy to be doing 85 in a 55.....
4) The lowers - really smooth out the airflow. Still have the stock windshield on it, and I get less buffeting at the helmet than I ever achieved with the '07.
5) The seat - it's an improvement over the previous HD seat, but I have an appointment at Corbin Saturday. I ride 300+ mile days often. 'Nuff said.
6) Overall, the 2011 RGU is taller, wider, and heavier than the '07 - but it handles better over the same roads. It also fits my 6'4" body better. So far, I like it more each time I get on it.

The Road Glide Ultra is exactly what I wanted. It's not for everybody, but if you like to tour on a sharknose - it may be for you! I don't think there will be many of these available next June!

 

......... enjoy the new ride, Teach ......... you're envied by many out here

 

You know your not making this easy on the rest of us teach

 

Nice review! Enjoy your new ride!

I saw one at our local dealer and was a sweet looking ride (black with gold'ish pin stripes). Still hard to give up my 09 (as it's paid for and do not want another payment right now).

 

Nice write up! Thank you!! I want one more and more everyday! Makes it hard to not have a payment again, but my X is paid for so Im kinda spoiled at not having one!

Thanks again for the write up-its making my decsion easier!

 

How can I convince my wife that a new RGU would be safer? As that's the only argument that works.

 

ABS is standard!

 

I picked up my merlot RGU last Tuesday, and I already have over 1000 miles on it. Nuff said!

 

One thing I noticed on the new rides is you might be able to get air into the tires without laying on the road. That is no fun in the CA heat.

It keeps getting better!

 

The world of fugly has been pullin at me hard...