Ultra Limited vs Road King
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 31
From: Western Illinois, land of bad roads, and corrupt politicians
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
From: Pearl River, LA
Do not test drive a Road Glide! I rented one in Vegas a few years back. Came home and bought one. I'm a big guy and the RG lets me stretch out. Fairing is not in my face. And I can whip it around better than my old softail. I have taken Advanced Rider Course and I do practice. Good luck with your decision. BTW- my wife made me get the RG. She loves it.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Eastern, NC
"Trying to convince my first wife that we need to trade up to an Ultra from our Road King Classic".
That's hilarious!!! Trying to convince my first wife, sounds like you're already planning for the second.
I've only owned a Limited, so can't help with the convincing.
That's hilarious!!! Trying to convince my first wife, sounds like you're already planning for the second.
I've only owned a Limited, so can't help with the convincing.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 524
Likes: 6
I'm with CurtisO who is extolling the virtues of the RoadGlide Ultra. I was riding a '07 RoadKing Classic and I'm loving my '12 Ultra. The wife says she feels more secure with the trunk behind instead of just a small backrest. As Curtis said the fairing is not in your face and every time you turn the handlebars your aren't having to crank your windshield, fairing and everything else attached the to fork. In corners there is less wind buffeting. And I think its cool they are calling the Roadglide the "Shark." There is actually and very nice RoadGlide forum also. Best of luck to you in your decision but I don't miss my RK at all.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 524
Likes: 6
Do not test drive a Road Glide! I rented one in Vegas a few years back. Came home and bought one. I'm a big guy and the RG lets me stretch out. Fairing is not in my face. And I can whip it around better than my old softail. I have taken Advanced Rider Course and I do practice. Good luck with your decision. BTW- my wife made me get the RG. She loves it.
You are so right Curtis and where did you get that koool windshield?
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: St. Petersburg
Had a RK. Great bike. But the LTD is the shizznit. I'll go the depot or parts store for 1 item here in the city just to ride. Its not TOO big. The long rides are a no brainer. Com. , Stereo , Ride, Comfort, Storage, Weather protection, is all good. I did go to 7" windshield instead of the stock convenient store cashier window to help the view. And , my wife rides her own. I ride solo 99.999999 %. It is alittle heavy though.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,140
Likes: 17
From: Wisconsin
I don't have an Ultra, but traded in my '08 RK for a Street Glide, which of course is not quite the Ultra ride, but oh so much better than the '08 suspension. I don't think you gain anymore room and your passenger can be just as comfortable on the RK with a good touring seat and backrest. Fairings are great in weather, especially the combination of upper and lower. The bottom line is what do you want it for? The RK is versatile, I miss removing the windshield on those beautiful sunny days, but then I love the fairing on those cold and rainy days. I had hard bags and a detachable tour pak on my RK, so it is the same for me on the SG. You can put detachables on anything, including a fairing on the RK. The big thing for me would be the new frame and suspension upgrade you get going to '12, plus the 103" motor. Oh yeah, I don't like the Road Glide looks, but if you ride one of those, choosing anything else for the ride quality will be real tough. Them bikes were made to ride ......
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 934
Likes: 2
From: Goldsboro, NC
I traded my 04 road king classic for an 08 Ultra. Best move I ever made. My wife actually suggested it, she wanted a little more comfort then the road king provided her for our mountain trips. Best move I have made, the Ultra is the ticket.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,508
Likes: 169
From: WPB, FL
For what it's worth, a seat I tried from an Ultra made the bike ride and feel way more cushy, similar to the Ultra. IT'S AMAZING HOW BIG OF A DIFFERENCE THE SEAT MADE! The only reason we didn't stay with it was because it was to wide for the grabrails she likes.
I use the King as my daily commute, 20 minutes local each way, as well as on longer trips, 2 up. To me it is ideal in size and munuverability no matter which way I use it. While I did miss my Sporty, the RK helped me get over it really quick.
If your heart is set on an Ultra and the timing and money are right, I'd say go for it! You only go around once!!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,404
Likes: 11
From: Southern Nevada (Pahrump)
It depends on what you feel the bulk of your riding is going to be. If you primarily ride around town and the occasional 2-300 mile rides the Road King is more manageable. If you plan to do a lot of touring the Limited is your friend.
Like stated previously don't let the "bling" be your deciding factor. Be honest with yourself about what you plan to do with it. I traded my Ultra in for a Road King because my riding habits didn't warrant muscling the Ultra around town. I sure do miss the Ultra when we go on longer trips but I love my Road King (at least that is my mind set on 3/13/2012).
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Like stated previously don't let the "bling" be your deciding factor. Be honest with yourself about what you plan to do with it. I traded my Ultra in for a Road King because my riding habits didn't warrant muscling the Ultra around town. I sure do miss the Ultra when we go on longer trips but I love my Road King (at least that is my mind set on 3/13/2012).
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