Need some input - Buying a Bagger
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 579
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
Between the two bikes, I would easily choose to go with the brand new Road Glide with upgraded frame. Having said that, I'm in complete agreement with others that recommend a new or low mileage Ultra. It would be much better for both you and especially your passenger for 2 up road trips. I went through the agonizing decision process before I bought my Ultra, and now I couldn't be happier with my choice.
Last edited by E N AZ; Feb 24, 2011 at 11:01 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 106
From: Colorado Front Range
Any touring platform '09 and newer. You will find amazing deals out there on bikes that somebody has done some decent add-on's to already...and be easily withing the $16k-$18k range. You will love a RK but just ride a few and you'll know when it's right.
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,096
Likes: 107
From: Joplin, MO
Gotta love those kings. Unbeatable classic looks. Just install a windshield for long rides. Pull it off for around town. Fairing gives more shield from wind, but if you are used to not having anything on your bike, then just the windshield will be a big improvement.
Thread Starter
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,606
Likes: 2
From: Denver, Colorado
I didn't read all the post in this thread, but I bought a new 10 roadglide with abs, cruise and security for 21K. This was MSRP. I think 18K is a little high, but that is just my opinion. I love the roadglide, but I think a used ultra also should be considered. ABS should be a must on your bike.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 897
Likes: 0
From: South-Central Minnesota
One of the "benefits" of the older frame bikes is rear tires will be considerably cheaper...just because a 140mm rear tire generally runs much less than 180mm tires that the new bikes have...but there is a trade off in handling that most people will probably never need.
Yes, the 09 and up bikes have many improvements that I've experienced as recently as this fall when a friend let me take out his two day old Screaming Eagle Road Glide Ultra...but if budget is a major concern, there is nothing that older bike can't do for you and the $2k you save could later be spent buying a quick detach batwing fairing with stereo which essentially makes it an electraglide. I also have friends with those detachable fairings and they never take them off either because the ride is so much better with them on...for what it's worth.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,932
Likes: 4
From: 46th State, USA
Between the two, I would chose a Road Glide Ultra. You would probably appreciate the extra storage.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,647
Likes: 11
From: Stockbridge, GA (Atlanta)
totally agree--long trips a Eglide classic is the best bang for your $$$$
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,508
Likes: 169
From: WPB, FL
Sooner Or Later
If your intentions are to upgrade the RK with tour pack, fairing, radio etc. just go with the Road Glide now (finances permitting). To me it came down to a matter of what style bike I wanted to ride. I have always had a soft spot for the "classic" Harley look. My RK gave me that and a platform for me to mod as my riding needs changed.
But I gotta admit that the Road Glide sounds like a pretty good deal. Newer frame and a lot of the ammenities right away sounds nice. Anything you buy, you will probably spend money on to set it up to your liking. In either case, you have a decision to make most bikers can only dream about!
Enjoy the ride!!
But I gotta admit that the Road Glide sounds like a pretty good deal. Newer frame and a lot of the ammenities right away sounds nice. Anything you buy, you will probably spend money on to set it up to your liking. In either case, you have a decision to make most bikers can only dream about!
Enjoy the ride!!