Making a lighter(weight) ultra ?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 144
From: Albuquerque New Mexico
Having almost been sucked under the wheels of a big rig I was passing on yamaha virago 750, I'll gladly handle the weight of my UC. I have had the UC in 50+MPH crosswinds and still felt safe because the weight is planted. When riding my wideglide, the winds got so fierce here in Utah, it blew off the face shield on my 1/2 helmet. Winds get wicked at times here in the high desert. I'm sure Harley has that factored in on building touring bikes, and no matter what, the TC96 or larger motors handle the weight just fine......Even as I say that, I have cammed and piped my TC96 for more HP and torque, but at least I had a good base to start from.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,475
Likes: 1
From: Knoxville TN
Lighter Glide. All I can think of is to take every thing off of it that doesnt make it go or stop. Then cut, shave, drill holes in every part from motor and frame ect with out it falling apart. Or if you want a HD that runs and weighs about 325 pounds,,,,, get a XR 750,,,,,,,,,, course it will weigh just a lil more when you put lights on it to make it street leagle,,, ha ha......... Man,, I sur would like to have one of those. Shoulnt have sold my KR.
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 928
Likes: 1
From: Long Island NY
[QUOTEFLHTom1948
I am also lightening my FLHT; i removed the saddlebags and guards, the crash bar, the trunk and heavy rack that mounts it, traded my heavy dual gauge pod for a tach that mounts to the handlebar clamp (much lighter),removed the fairing, i went to spoke wheels; 3.5 x 21" with the new Dunlop Elite 3 Radials, and 18" rear, i lowered the rear 1" with Progressive Suspension 12" shocks (big difference)with Sta-Bo bushings in the rear fork Pivot Shaft, and lowering springs in front. There is a much lighter battery (3 lb.s) called a "speed cell", that i'm looking into. I'm running short V&H "Radius" pipes (lighter), and a lightweight plastic gas tank. My bike used to weigh 850 lb.s, now weighs 690 and handles 100% better. It also accelerates like a raped ape
][/QUOTE]
He has giving some ideas on how to get that weight down , he is definitely thinking about it and trying new stuff, have to hand it to him , GREAT JOB! But too much for me, Thanks so much for your ideas!
This is the E mail I received about lowering the bikes weight , it is not 200 lbs like I thought but it is a TON of weight. But this is what I would have to do to get that kind of weight loss.
This changes the bike too much for me and it almost makes it a Cruiser type bike? In which case I could go to the RK and make it an easier weight loser ?
This is a tough thing to do but I believe in the future they will be making Tourer Models that will be light , not light that it will be blown all over the road but a weight that will get better mileage and have a better weight/LBS ratio .
It is coming we can not keep getting heavier and bigger as the Metric market is now seeing.
I am also lightening my FLHT; i removed the saddlebags and guards, the crash bar, the trunk and heavy rack that mounts it, traded my heavy dual gauge pod for a tach that mounts to the handlebar clamp (much lighter),removed the fairing, i went to spoke wheels; 3.5 x 21" with the new Dunlop Elite 3 Radials, and 18" rear, i lowered the rear 1" with Progressive Suspension 12" shocks (big difference)with Sta-Bo bushings in the rear fork Pivot Shaft, and lowering springs in front. There is a much lighter battery (3 lb.s) called a "speed cell", that i'm looking into. I'm running short V&H "Radius" pipes (lighter), and a lightweight plastic gas tank. My bike used to weigh 850 lb.s, now weighs 690 and handles 100% better. It also accelerates like a raped ape
][/QUOTE]
He has giving some ideas on how to get that weight down , he is definitely thinking about it and trying new stuff, have to hand it to him , GREAT JOB! But too much for me, Thanks so much for your ideas!
This is the E mail I received about lowering the bikes weight , it is not 200 lbs like I thought but it is a TON of weight. But this is what I would have to do to get that kind of weight loss.
This changes the bike too much for me and it almost makes it a Cruiser type bike? In which case I could go to the RK and make it an easier weight loser ?
This is a tough thing to do but I believe in the future they will be making Tourer Models that will be light , not light that it will be blown all over the road but a weight that will get better mileage and have a better weight/LBS ratio .
It is coming we can not keep getting heavier and bigger as the Metric market is now seeing.
Last edited by legendzzz; Jan 30, 2011 at 08:09 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Give a center stand some thought. Once the bike is upright it's fairly easy to move around. You have the motor to inch it forward, a reverse can be added for moving it backwards. The Ultra rides like an Ultra because of the weight. Mine have always plowed thru anything including some really bad cross winds. I like it just the way it is, a reverse for it is in my future.
Kevin
Kevin
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,086
Likes: 154
From: Buffalo, NY
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 Captain
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 609
Likes: 0
From: Grand Rapids MI
While you're busy trying to make your Ultra into something different without loosing the Ultra (LOL goodluck!), try this...any time you stop to park, make sure you turn the front end to the full right position. I don't practice this due to weight not being an issue for me yet, but have heard a few times now it really helps when lifting her off the stand.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 609
Likes: 0
From: Grand Rapids MI
Must admit, never thought i would ever read such on a HD site...lol
The irony of it all