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Getting a Harley (finally)!

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Old Apr 23, 2012 | 07:55 PM
  #1  
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Default Getting a Harley (finally)!

Hi all, after 12 years of sportbikes (faired and unfaired)...my quest to own a new Harley will happen in a couple weeks. After TONS of research on this board and several others...I've narrowed my choice to a road glide (vs. street glide).

I refrained from asking newbie questions and researched until I was blue in the face. Thanks to everyone's posts!

That said, I'm now deciding between RG custom vs. ultra. On occasion, I'd like a tour pack for long rides, storage, and 2up.

I understand you can go ultra and get a detachable tour pack - which some say is pricey and not worth the $$$ if you don't detach often.

I have the reverse issue....I prefer the look without the tour pack and will attach the tour pack <10 a year.

Question: should I get a RG custom and add a tour pack....OR....get an ultra with a detachable (quick release) tour pack.

I've done research, but I'm hitting a wall. I don't know how big of a question this is so I appreciate any/all feedback; particularly if you went through the decision yourself.

--Chris
 

Last edited by Mana Tribe; Apr 23, 2012 at 07:59 PM.
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Old Apr 23, 2012 | 08:01 PM
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I think you answered your question already. You will only use the tour pack infrequently but prefer the Custom. The answer seems to be to get the Custom with a detachable TP. That's what I have, but in 04 there was no RG Ultra. :-)
 
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Old Apr 23, 2012 | 08:01 PM
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Well congrats on getting the Harley! I rode imports until 2002, now on 3rd Harley.

 
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Old Apr 24, 2012 | 05:40 AM
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RG "custom" vs RG "ultra" ?? Damn, I like your options !!!!

Figure the costs differences between the two:
adding everything to the custom vs making the ultra detachable
then decide which model has the color(s) you desire

Personally I'm not a fan of the tour-pak, I prefer the 'old school' look
with luggage on the rack.

Figure your total costs vs what color(s) and options are avaliable, and have fun !!
 
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Old Apr 24, 2012 | 08:40 PM
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Whatever you can get the best price on. The difference between the two is negligible(?). But I really hate that shark fairing (sorry RG owners). Good luck on the purchase enjoy the experience.
 
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Old Apr 24, 2012 | 09:07 PM
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It would seem to me which fairing you prefer is more important than the tour pack issue, since they can be added or removed. I'd head to your dealer and ride both, figure out which you prefer and go from there.
 
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Old Apr 24, 2012 | 09:12 PM
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go ride em both the handling is very different between the two fairings and the difference in ride(12vs13 inch shocks)i think the ultra is a great value,either way you'll spend a bunch on mods anyway.
 
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Old Apr 24, 2012 | 09:18 PM
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Default Classic Vs Ultra

Originally Posted by 68 Shovelking
It would seem to me which fairing you prefer is more important than the tour pack issue, since they can be added or removed. I'd head to your dealer and ride both, figure out which you prefer and go from there.
I think what the OP is asking is Roadglide Custom Vs Roadglide Ultra. Sharknose all the way.
 
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Old Apr 24, 2012 | 09:39 PM
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Ha, if you do ANY Two up group roding get the Ultra, bike to bike comm and intercomm is worth it alone. I always thought I would remove the tourpak but once you have it you'll always fill it with stuff even going to and from work, its invaluable in making it a daily driver, and your significant other will LOVE the comfort of the wraparound tourpak, rent each and go for a 500 mile day on each and you'll know which one you and your girl want!
 
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Old Apr 24, 2012 | 09:40 PM
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Originally Posted by rkoivisto
I think what the OP is asking is Roadglide Custom Vs Roadglide Ultra. Sharknose all the way.
I don't know what the cost difference is between the Custom and the Ultra. You get lowers with the Ultra, which is nice. I love having the lowers on my EG Ultra, both for touring and around town. If you go Ultra, you can sell the fixed tourpack you've removed on ebay for a nice buck. Will that offset the cost differnce between the the two models? Check on the cost of upgrading the Custom vs. changing to detachable tourpack, figure you'll get some $$ back from selling the tourpack and you have your answer.
 
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