. Nuff said.
Experienced HD Riders Please Assist
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 4
From: pittsburgh, pa
Throw some pipes on it and you won't hear nearly as much engine noise. Put some quality oil in the tranny and primary at your first oil change and that will make it shift much smoother that the stock HD oils. Recommend a quick search on primary/tranny oil recommendations....don't want to derail this thread.
Enjoy the ride and welcome to the forum!!!
Enjoy the ride and welcome to the forum!!!
Sparky is right about the lubricants. When I switched to Redline synthetic engine oil on my '04 the valve train noise quieted by about 25%, and the Redline shockproof trans lube really made a difference in the shift quality and noise in my transmission. Smooth, light shifts (snick-snick instead of clunk-clunk) and definitely quieter. I plan to change to the Redline on all three for my RGU at the earliest opportunity.
I have to disagree on the pipes, though. I find the stock exhaust is better suited to a serious touring bike like the Road Glide Ultra. I want a deeper tone but don't want increased sound volume, so I'm going with the Von Braun "Radio Flyers" on my RGU. They are only slightly louder than stock. I've had enough of the "in your face" sound of the true duals w/large baffle mufflers that were on my '04. My riding enjoyment has gone way up with the quieter exhaust. But you have to do what YOU like. Just sayin' as on RGU rider to another.
Also, check out roadglide.org. You'll get a lot of great information specific to the RG.
Welcome to the shark tank!
Ride safe.Mike
Last edited by PghCycle24; May 15, 2012 at 09:38 AM. Reason: typos
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8,039
Likes: 1,305
From: Jayhawk Country
All great advice here. I do however disagree with the 6th gear shift point. Manual says you can shift into 6th at 55, I typically hit 6th gear when riding solo between 55 and 60. I see no reason to even have a 6th gear if you aren't going to use it until you hit 70, really, what's the point of having it if that's the case. Opinions will differ, my bike doesn't lug in 6th at 55. I have a RKC though and is about 100 pounds lighter than the Ultra and not pushing near as much wind. I traded my 11 Limited in on my 11 RKC and immediately could tell the power difference with the lighter bike. Flame on
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 4
From: pittsburgh, pa
Yep! Don't lug the engine, not good for it. That motor's sweet spot on the torque curve seems to be around 2500 RPM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,808
Likes: 285
From: Green Country Oklahoma
It's design to make noises that make you think how the hell it's keeping together even after 100K miles on the motor, I ride mine with 3/4 helmets but occasionally without it and it feels like it's going to fall apart any second.Air cool motors don't have very tight tolerances to keep it from seizing but Harley uses good steel to avoid breaking and uses heavy grade oil to fill up the loose tolerances.always use 6th gear on open road above least 70 MPH and keep the RPM at 2500 or up at cruising speed or it will lug you do not want it to lug at all.
Last edited by Punjabi Rider; May 15, 2012 at 05:57 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 34
From: Maryland
---I disagree with most on the 6th gear. Mine is an '09 but I'm assuming gearing is the same. I wish I could remember for sure, but I usually hit 6th at 50 or 60. No lugging, feels right. 'Course I have also done the whole Stage 1 thing (pipes, computer, air cleaner). Honestly, more often than not I skip 3rd and 5th gears completely.
---On oil: CVO's get Syn3 (HD Synthetic) from the factory. I've heard people say 103's do also but don't have a good reason to believe it yet. Anyway, if a CVO comes stock with it there is no reason you can't switch to it whenever you want. These bikes do run hotter and therefor more potential for breakdown of viscosity, which synthetics handle better. Synthetic also helps with shifting and finding neutral. I put Syn3 in all 3 holes @ 500 miles. I've thought about some of these other oils that everyone always talks about (Redline, Amsoil, Royal Purple, and Spectro), and I'm sure they are better, but I haven't gotten around to doing the research. I know Harley can't dictate oil brand under warranty but I figured Syn3 would be a better idea if I had a claim.
---Will you be doing your own 1K? If not then address your concerns at the 1K. If so then I'd take it in just b4 the 1K and ask them to take it for a ride and answer your questions. Do it b4 the 1K so they still think they are getting your business instead of being sore that you are a do-it-yourselfer.
Enjoy the bike and welcome!
Oh, and I find some earplugs help out with some of the noises too.
---On oil: CVO's get Syn3 (HD Synthetic) from the factory. I've heard people say 103's do also but don't have a good reason to believe it yet. Anyway, if a CVO comes stock with it there is no reason you can't switch to it whenever you want. These bikes do run hotter and therefor more potential for breakdown of viscosity, which synthetics handle better. Synthetic also helps with shifting and finding neutral. I put Syn3 in all 3 holes @ 500 miles. I've thought about some of these other oils that everyone always talks about (Redline, Amsoil, Royal Purple, and Spectro), and I'm sure they are better, but I haven't gotten around to doing the research. I know Harley can't dictate oil brand under warranty but I figured Syn3 would be a better idea if I had a claim.
---Will you be doing your own 1K? If not then address your concerns at the 1K. If so then I'd take it in just b4 the 1K and ask them to take it for a ride and answer your questions. Do it b4 the 1K so they still think they are getting your business instead of being sore that you are a do-it-yourselfer.
Enjoy the bike and welcome!
Oh, and I find some earplugs help out with some of the noises too.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 1
From: South FL
I also went from a Yam (RSTD) to my current 2010 ultra limited, and I have learned that following the instruction in the manual is the best practice.
Except the 1st gear, which will be a clunk noise, I can shift from 1 to 6th gear, literally without a sound. Below is what I have been practicing:
- After shifting to 1 gear, I accelerate the bike up to 2500 RPM, and simultaneously, pull the clutch, release the throttle, and apply pressure to the gear pedal (hook, but not forcing it to change the gear). At some point, the gear will engage (shift) to the 2nd gear smoothly, without any sound. Notice that the bike will slow down as the throttle is released to reduce the RPM. It's kind of like let the gear rolls to the next one by itself. You will feel the gear shifting without a noise. Require to practice a little bit.
- Repeat the above step for other gears at around 2500 RPM, and so on.
- Here is my riding style: the relation between gear and MPH: 1 gear/0-10 MPH, 2 gear/15-25 MPH, 3 gear/30-35 MPH, 4 gear/35-40 MPH, 5 gear/45-50 MPH, 6 gear/>55 MPH
You and I will hear many different opinions and suggestions, but that's what I have ridden my bike for the last 30000 miles, smooth and comfort.
I believe that riding at high RPM will abuse the bike, as I get up to 85-90 MPH with 3500 RPM, and I never rev or need to get up to 4000 RPM, as 90 MPH is way too fast for me.
Good luck with the new Harley and you will love it, as I do!
Last edited by jackhis; May 15, 2012 at 08:30 PM.
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Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 910
Likes: 115
From: Elk Mound, WI
So, what are everyones thoughts?? Now that I've changed the oil (which I did last night at 520 miles) and now have about 560 on it, do you think I can open it up a bit and see what it can do or should I just hold on until after the 1000 mile service? I have been well within spec for the initial 500 mile break in but want to "experiment" a little with my new power. I certainly don't plan on red lining it in every gear but am wanting to put it through it's paces a couple of time. I don't ride that way all the time so I don't want people to think I'm an abuser but I like to know what I have under me if I should ever need it. If the majority of responses are to wait I have the willpower to do that without trouble.
Also, I really appreciate everyones responses to date. It's nice to know you'd welcome me into the fold so easily. I'll admit I was a little worried about the "Harley Guys" welcoming me that quickly but I've had a nice start to what I plan to be a long lasting relationship with this forum.
Thanks guys (and gals).
Also, I really appreciate everyones responses to date. It's nice to know you'd welcome me into the fold so easily. I'll admit I was a little worried about the "Harley Guys" welcoming me that quickly but I've had a nice start to what I plan to be a long lasting relationship with this forum.
Thanks guys (and gals).