Ultra Limited vs Road King
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Novice
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 16
Likes: 2
From: N.W. PA.
Ultra Limited vs Road King
Trying to convince my first wife that we need to trade up to an Ultra from our Road King Classic. All you Ultra owners please chime in.
.Is the ride that much better in 12 than a RKC in 08?
.Is there any more room on an Ultra compared to the RKC?
.How does the intercom and radio work? We use Scala Multi set now which works pretty
good, but just a pain keeping charged up.
.Does the upper and lower fairings keep any more weather off of you than a RKC
windshield.
We have never rode an Ultra or any bike with fairings, just like an idea of what to expect. We will take one for a ride before buying. Just need real reasons to give why we need to up-grade from a perfectly running bike, other than want a new one.
Only reasons I have now is that saddlebags lock and are weather tight.
mhbrkc
.Is the ride that much better in 12 than a RKC in 08?
.Is there any more room on an Ultra compared to the RKC?
.How does the intercom and radio work? We use Scala Multi set now which works pretty
good, but just a pain keeping charged up.
.Does the upper and lower fairings keep any more weather off of you than a RKC
windshield.
We have never rode an Ultra or any bike with fairings, just like an idea of what to expect. We will take one for a ride before buying. Just need real reasons to give why we need to up-grade from a perfectly running bike, other than want a new one.
Only reasons I have now is that saddlebags lock and are weather tight.
mhbrkc
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
If you are planning 3,4,500 mile days the Ultra will have you enjoying the ride more, somewhat better weather wind protection and arriving happier.
For shorter rides, less of a diff.
the suspension is the same RK/Ultra. the Ultra has more weight with the extra fiberglass and electronics- a little tuning with the shock pump will get you a good ride- I like a floaty cadillac ride and the big ultra seat for long days in the saddle.
the ultra passenger seat is way comfy and she can lean securely into the tour pak.
but, really...you just want it
and it'll have ABS that the RKC may not have, the ABS is great and really, really worth having
you really do need to test ride a few bikes ( both of you)- the H-D demo fleet schedule is on the website.
riding 4 or 5 bikes in succession answers questions
mike
For shorter rides, less of a diff.
the suspension is the same RK/Ultra. the Ultra has more weight with the extra fiberglass and electronics- a little tuning with the shock pump will get you a good ride- I like a floaty cadillac ride and the big ultra seat for long days in the saddle.
the ultra passenger seat is way comfy and she can lean securely into the tour pak.
but, really...you just want it
and it'll have ABS that the RKC may not have, the ABS is great and really, really worth having
you really do need to test ride a few bikes ( both of you)- the H-D demo fleet schedule is on the website.
riding 4 or 5 bikes in succession answers questions
mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Mar 13, 2012 at 01:29 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 791
Likes: 2
From: Canada
Can't comment on the RKC comparison , but would suggest that if the wife has a big say in any new bike purchase, you might try and take her out for a test ride on those models you have it narrowed down to, maybe even an upgrade or two ?? Good Luck though, and let us know how you make out.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8,039
Likes: 1,305
From: Jayhawk Country
I traded my 11 Limited for an 11 Road King Classic. My opinion, you lose a lot of the riding experience with a fairing. The Ultra is a beast, not a good in town bike. You may like it, I did not. You need to go take a good ride on one and not let the WOW factor convince you. The radio sucks, the lowers are nice in the cold. My wife felt very confined with the tour pack, but they are comfy.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 816
Likes: 3
From: Michigan
Can't comment on the '12 but, I got a "11 Limited and couldn't be happier. The Fairing and Lowers give it a totally different feel in the wind.
I made my tourpak removable and only use it for the longer rides. Having a stereo is bad ***. Enjoy the h3ll out of it.
I may make the lowers a quick disconnect but haven't decided yet.
My RKC is sweet but I like the Limited better.
Hope this helps.
I made my tourpak removable and only use it for the longer rides. Having a stereo is bad ***. Enjoy the h3ll out of it.
I may make the lowers a quick disconnect but haven't decided yet.
My RKC is sweet but I like the Limited better.
Hope this helps.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8,039
Likes: 1,305
From: Jayhawk Country
One other thing to note on the Limited, the thing is like a sail in the wind. The wind blows right through the Road King but hits the Limited like a wall. Definitely go test ride one.
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 224
Likes: 0
From: Republic of Texas
I can't really comment on the RKC, but I love my Ultra Limited. Not sure why anyone would say the radio sucks. Mine works great, whether using speakers or the helmet comm. Intercomm also works great, you just have to mess with connecting and disconneting cables when you get on and off. Wind protection is a ton better than my Fat Bob with a windsheild and lowers. My wife loves the pillion seat and back rest. I rarely use the saddlebags around town, but I use the tour pak to stash my helmet, gloves and jacket, every day. ABS and cruise are awesome. Never really thought I needed heated grips, but I've used them a lot this Winter. It's a big bike, and took some getting used to, but I can easily cut U-turns in 18 feet, with some practice, now. I'm sure RKC owners feel the same about their ride. You'll just have to try it out, and make your own decision.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,404
Likes: 11
From: Southern Nevada (Pahrump)
I had a 2011 Limited & it was the bomb. Super smooth ride will all of the amenities offered by the MoCo. My wife loved the bike, but for me I didn't enjoy it for my style of daily riding. For serious road trips it was awesome but around town it was a little clumsy. For two-up riding I don't think it can be beat, but if your riding solo allot it may not be for you. It wasn't for me fwiw. Good luck, should be an easy sell to the o\l after she rides on it.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 532
Likes: 10
From: Cottleville, Mo.
RE: Limited vs Road King
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).
)
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).
)