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Since you are familiar with the Electra Glide I would rent a Road Glide before buying one....... I rode one at a demo day and I liked it but the style is not for me ( and I was riding a Yamaha venture at the time). I bought a Ultra Limited and I love it.
I agree with Tinman. I bought an Ultra Limited last month and glad that I did. I also agree that the post about not being able to drive around turns is not at all right. My cars have all had fixed headlights and haven't had much problem with them. Handlebars do not turn into the apex when you turn. Anybody who thinks they are turning their handlebars into a turn really don't understand motorcycle dynamics. When you ride your bike next try pushing on the right end of the bar as if to turn the handlebars left as you're going straight and see what the bike does...it will lean right and turn right.
I disagree with one of the posts about features as well. The six speed is not the same as the 5. The six speed provides for a very relaxed highway cruise and closer gears to keep the RPM's in the sweet spot. I also vote strongly for the ABS. If it saves you from one crash it's paid for itself. Not sure about the security system, but it seems to work pretty well. The heated grips, the intercom/CB and passenger speakers are just icing on the cake.
I bought the limited because it had all of the features I would have added to an Ultra Classic plus more. I would have had more money in the Classic than I do in the Limited at the end of the day.
Last edited by SteveMKentucky; Apr 28, 2013 at 10:46 AM.
Hello Fellow HDForumers. It's been a while since I have posted anything. Been on night shift and would home and hit the sack.
Well on 3/30 as I'm on my way to work an SUV decided he wanted my lane. What he failed to see was me and another car ahead which he plowed into the *** end of. To avoid a major impact I went into skid mode and laid my beautiful 01 UC down. I came off and went road sliding, bike kept going and hit the side of the SUV. I walked away with some minor road rash and bruises. Bike was not so lucky due to front end damage it was considered totaled. This is bitter sweet as I poured a lot of blood, sweat, & tears into the 01, but now I get to look for a replacement. It's not as easy as I thought it would be.
5 or 6 speed?
Stay above 09?
ABS?
Security system?
UC or UC limited?
Do I even test ride a road glide?
These are all personal choices that I will have to make, but as I said, its not easy. Oh well, there are worse things in life to be troubled over.
Glad you're Ok. The bike is just 'stuff'.
If I were in your shoes, get a new one and start over. If cost is a factor, then 09 and up is what I would shoot for. Helical 5th gear and the cat, are the biggest differences between 09 and 10.
1. The six speed isn't any better than the 5.
2. The "new frame" isn't any better than the previous. 3. ABS isn't worth paying extra.
4. Ditto for the S.S.
5. Your choice.
6. I would.
The economy still sucks. Were I buying now, I keep my options open and look for a steal of a deal. They are out there, just stay out of the dealership.
..
LOL, whatever. Dude layed it down, likely wouldnt have happened with ABS
First, glad that finding a new scoot is your biggest problem! Just out of curiosity, were you wearing any armor and how do you think your gear fared?
5 or 6 speed? - 6 speed
Stay above 09? - yes, but remember you'll want aftermarket head pipe, slip-ons, intake and tune to let it breathe.
ABS? - yes, it should be high on your list.
Security system? - yes, but not a deal breaker.
UC or UC limited? - That's a toss up for me.
Do I even test ride a road glide? - Absolutely! It wasn't my cup of tea, but I only know that because I tested one.
Keep us updated on your progress, and best of luck!
Glad you are OK. The limited has a lot of the things you probably did to your old bike. Great bang for the buck in my opinion. And I disagree with the nay-sayers on ABS, it is worth the money and hear people all the time in the dealership say they wish they had it.(especially after a wreck)
Sorry your bike was totaled, but with a bike value of 7-9 thousand, doesn't take long to rack up a 65% damage estimate.
Mark
Last edited by user 8373900; Apr 28, 2013 at 11:19 AM.
If I were in your shoes, get a new one and start over. If cost is a factor, then 09 and up is what I would shoot for. Helical 5th gear and the cat, are the biggest differences between 09 and 10.
09,s what I got, love it! 6speeds just right,new frame design, bigger rear tire, I dont think they have the cencers either, super great in the curves. And what I like best the ''96'' engine dont care for the 103s engine upgrade! security system if your into that,remote key, am/fm cd,mp3. I like the massive spoked rims, if you liked the 96 engines youll love the 09, allready put 25,000mls on a 103 2010 cant say I liked the gas milage on that either!I think I was gettin 38-42 mpgs on the 103 youll do better on the 96 45-48mpgs! And the vivid blacks still sassy lookin, Im one of those if it aint black it aint a Harley guys!!! 09s a good way to go if you find one with low miles, hell mine has 45,000 on it bought it last june it had 33,000 I went threw credit union and financed it at 3% intrest and 400$ a month Harley banks will be around 9% and 425 a month.Not much diffrence in them other than engine size and ABS dont know if im sold on that either! Good Luck on your desicion I really love the 96-09.
1. The six speed isn't any better than the 5.
2. The "new frame" isn't any better than the previous.
3. ABS isn't worth paying extra.
4. Ditto for the S.S.
5. Your choice.
6. I would.
The economy still sucks. Were I buying now, I keep my options open and look for a steal of a deal. They are out there, just stay out of the dealership.
..
I'm here to tell you that you're way off base saying
2. The "new frame" isn't any better than the previous.
Of course that just me and about every other rider that has ridden the "before and after version" !
Glad your ok. 6 speed tranny is great and despite what anyone says the 09 frame upgrade is much better than its predecessors. Good luck and I hope you find the right bike soon.
I'm here to tell you that you're way off base saying
2. The "new frame" isn't any better than the previous.
Of course that just me and about every other rider that has ridden the "before and after version" !
I agree the 09s frame is awsome, tamed down the swaying in high speed curves the wider rear tire helps alot! Im a fairly agressive rider and love this bike more responsive than previous! American elites work in harmony with frame to give alot more feed back! Ride 2up all the time this bikes a keeper!!
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