Just bought my first HD
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Stage II
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Central Florida
Just bought my first HD
So the wife and I have been riding for about 7 years now and owned only Kawasaki from this point. Have a 1981 CSR 250, 2004 Nomad, and 2008 Vulcan. We have just made a purchase on Friday night on a new 2011 Ultra Limited Cherry/Merlot. It will be delivered sometime mid-week to the house. We are also big into message boards, so I thought it would be a good time to send a message, poke around, and get some input from other drivers.
Any issues with the bike so far? The exaust may need to be changed, so I am going to start with that question -- any videos / reviews of what it can sound like? Not sure I like the standard sound -- seems tame.
Really look forward to meeting new folks and enjoying the HD.
Any issues with the bike so far? The exaust may need to be changed, so I am going to start with that question -- any videos / reviews of what it can sound like? Not sure I like the standard sound -- seems tame.
Really look forward to meeting new folks and enjoying the HD.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 811
Likes: 10
From: Oklahoma
Congrats on the new bike and welcome to the forum.
The opinions on exhaust are nearly as numbered as the members on this forum.
In my area it seems like the vast majority are replaced with either Rinehart Racing or Vance and Hines.
That being said, both (as well as EVERY other company making exhausts) have been reported to have occasional issues, as I suppose any mass produced items are suject to. I think both companies have reasonable customer service and procedures for dealing with any issues that might arise.
Might ride it a little while and look around at bike nights or your local dealer on Saturdays to see what others have on their bikes and get an idea of what looks and sound you like.
Have fun, enjoy that new bike with friends and ride safe!!
The opinions on exhaust are nearly as numbered as the members on this forum.
In my area it seems like the vast majority are replaced with either Rinehart Racing or Vance and Hines.
That being said, both (as well as EVERY other company making exhausts) have been reported to have occasional issues, as I suppose any mass produced items are suject to. I think both companies have reasonable customer service and procedures for dealing with any issues that might arise.
Might ride it a little while and look around at bike nights or your local dealer on Saturdays to see what others have on their bikes and get an idea of what looks and sound you like.
Have fun, enjoy that new bike with friends and ride safe!!
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 4
From: Arizona
So the wife and I have been riding for about 7 years now and owned only Kawasaki from this point. Have a 1981 CSR 250, 2004 Nomad, and 2008 Vulcan. We have just made a purchase on Friday night on a new 2011 Ultra Limited Cherry/Merlot. It will be delivered sometime mid-week to the house. We are also big into message boards, so I thought it would be a good time to send a message, poke around, and get some input from other drivers.
Any issues with the bike so far? The exaust may need to be changed, so I am going to start with that question -- any videos / reviews of what it can sound like? Not sure I like the standard sound -- seems tame.
Really look forward to meeting new folks and enjoying the HD.
Any issues with the bike so far? The exaust may need to be changed, so I am going to start with that question -- any videos / reviews of what it can sound like? Not sure I like the standard sound -- seems tame.
Really look forward to meeting new folks and enjoying the HD.
)
MODERATOR
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,108
Likes: 1,964
From: New England
As for the exhaust, don't dwell on that too much...you'll find guys that change them out immediately and begin to have issues with sound and performance. FWIW, the same exhaust on one bike may not sound or perform well on another.
Remember, the ECM plays a big part in how the bike runs and sounds...start with learning about the various tuning products and programs available as well as their respective advantages and disadvantages as you can quickly burn through thousands of dollars and get nowhere.
Good luck!