Your Opinions Please
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Tourer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 305
Likes: 10
From: Charlotte, NC
Your Opinions Please
OK, next week I turn 65. In my book that's not old, and I'll bet when you get there you'll think the same thing. Anyway, I have a 2007 CVO Ultra that I dearly love. I've truly enjoyed putting over 30K miles on her the past four-plus years. I've made all the upgrades it needed like IDS, Screamin Eagle compensator, reworked seat by Mean City Cycle, Xieds, etc. so I'm very satisfied with my ride. Lately though, I've noticed that the old gal seems a lot heavier when lifting off the sidestand and during slow manuevering in parking lots and such. My riding buddies tell me that I'm getting too old for an Ultra, and say that, at best, I should be riding a Road King. Some have even said I should go to a Dyna or Soft Tail.
So lately I've been looking at the local dealership's inventories and I've found a 2011 RKC with only 3800 miles on it. The dealer is asking $18,995 for it. According to Kelly Blue Book, my bike has a trade-in value of $20K so I'm thinking if I could swap even and get them to throw in a couple of goodies like a back rest and some chrome, I might consider trading. But at the same time I'm thinking how comfortable the Ultra is and would I regret giving her up.
So, after all this rambling, I'm throwing out the question: What do you think I should do? Also, do you think I'm just dreaming on my trade-in deal, or do you think I would stand a chance of swinging it?
So lately I've been looking at the local dealership's inventories and I've found a 2011 RKC with only 3800 miles on it. The dealer is asking $18,995 for it. According to Kelly Blue Book, my bike has a trade-in value of $20K so I'm thinking if I could swap even and get them to throw in a couple of goodies like a back rest and some chrome, I might consider trading. But at the same time I'm thinking how comfortable the Ultra is and would I regret giving her up.
So, after all this rambling, I'm throwing out the question: What do you think I should do? Also, do you think I'm just dreaming on my trade-in deal, or do you think I would stand a chance of swinging it?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8,039
Likes: 1,305
From: Jayhawk Country
Here's my thoughts. I just traded my 11 Ultra Limited last Saturday for a brand new 11 RKC. I don't think age has anything to do with it, I'm 50 and still feel as strong as a horse. But I never really felt comfortable on the Ultra. It felt top heavy and overall a very bulky ride for my style of riding. I absolutely love the RK and I think you will too. That being said I bought my brand new bike for $1k under MSRP and I added the passenger backrest for 35% off list the day I bought the bike. I don't think you are out of line on the trade. I don't regret my decision for a minute. I'm very pleased with this bike. I would go ride the RK though and make sure.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
From: Pearl River, LA
I would ask- Do you tour, long rides, etc. where the tour pak is needed? Also practice using clutch and brake to keep power to the rear wheel when slow speed maneuvering in the parking lots. Do you solo mostly? I'd be thinking twice before I got rid of what you're riding now. Good luck with your decision.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,006
Likes: 1,240
From: On the Front Range, CO
+1. If you aren't using the tourpak often, take it off. It will really change the way the bike feels.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 20
From: Southeast GA
Yep, that'll make it feel like a Road King. The lowers will help too. Then drop the rear 1-2". Be a lot lighter with a lower center of gravity and you'll still have a CVO.
Last edited by vickers1; Oct 11, 2011 at 10:36 AM.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
That's a tough call..I'm in my early 50s and can't honestly tell you how much bike I can handle in 10years. One thing for sure tho, when I start to wonder like your doing, I'm either going to a trike or I'm hanging the helmet up...unless that's how I want to go out, in the saddle doing what I love up to the last minute. Great epitaph in my book.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,932
Likes: 4
From: 46th State, USA
I am also 65 years old. I took the tour pak off of my '09 Ultra Classic and was surprised how much difference it made in handling and it didn't feel near as top heavy. I weighed the tour pak after removing it and it was almost 40 lbs. Other than the fairing, a Road King isn’t going to handle a lot different than your ‘07 CVO.
You should at least consider removing the tour pak first and then decide.
You should at least consider removing the tour pak first and then decide.