Most all of the above comments are probably why the MoCo made the changes they did. The motorcycle market is "graying" the old traditionalists have probably bought their last new bike. HD has to start appealing more to the "younger" generations that might be in the market for a new bike, but usually wouldn't have looked at a Harley as it's an "old man's" bike. So, this is my long-winded assessment of the new Rushmores.

There are several features on the new bike I really covet that I wish my 07 FLHTCU had. The more room for the passenger and resculpted crash bars for the passenger's rear legs would be nice. My 5'2" wife is jammed back there so I can't imagine how a "larger" person could ride for long periods. I would also at least liked to have had the ABS, linked braking would've even been more of a bonus. Other than that, my 07 can go fast enough to get me a really big ticket with just a Stage 1 kit installed, so more HP really doesn't appeal to me. Besides, I try and avoid high-speed roads like Expressways if I can. I ride to see the sights, not to make time. The "infotainment" center is a waste for me. My Zumo GPS works quite well, as does the Harmon Karden stereo. I ride to avoid being "connected." I can always check my phone that's thrown in the tour pack when I stop for gas, food or get home after the ride. I don't really have an issue with buffeting unless I'm using the cut-down windshield which I only use for local rides anyway. Besides, twice a year I'd hate to have to clean that vent when Lovebugs are swarming. It's bad enough to have to clean all the body work now.
That's my take on the new features. I'm also now 61 years old. I probably only have another 10 years to ride at the outside. Probably more like five. The HD "lifestyle" has never been a big driver for me. Motorclothes, chrome, and riding in "packs" has never been my thing. I like my bike, but I like my sports car, boat, and other "toys" just as much. In fact, my 85 Porsche Turbo is much more important to me than the bike.

My bike is paid for, has 40,000+ miles on the clock, and is set-up just like I like it, mainly stock. I'm not starting over, especially when anything I do have I'd like to transfer wouldn't fit on the new one anyway. The 2014 Limited I saw on my dealer's floor was listed at $29,000 including some "dealer installed options." I can almost get a new Mercedes for that.

So, flame away, but I understand HD's reasoning for the change. I do wonder who they "surveyed" in making these updates. From this forum at least, you'd think no one likes the new bikes. Personally, if I was younger, going to ride more, or had unlimited discretionary income I would probably get one.

 

..YOU, SIR.. are my new hero....VERY well said..cheers...

 

I have wondered the same, is their engineering group that slow? Not that it's too big of a task I wouldn't think, and they have known far enough in advance they were going in the H2O direction. Marketing must somehow play into it, it can't totally be an engineering driven delay.

 

Can't believe I missed this.. another 14 bash thread.. Classic... Here, maybe I can help you girls deal with your issues with the new bikes ..

 

I believe the biggest pieced was the new Radio "infotainment" system. I am sure it was much easier to make it fit in the batwing, vs. the sharknose. plus, they probably blew the R&D budget on the new batwing.

For every person that doesn't like the new bikes there are probably 2-3 that like them. I was in my local Dealership last week and they where overrun with used bikes. Plenty with less than 5k miles on them and less than 3 years old.

 

I bought the new Ultra Limited but I cant be tricked I have been riding for 38 years. I dented the fuel tank so it only holds 5 gallons now, cut the brake line to the front wheel as who needs front brakes. I disconnected the fuel injection and put on a carb from my John Deer tractor. I cut the water lines going to the heads so I can avoid having the bike puke fluid at the wrong time. I moved the shift lever to the gas tank and never use 6th gear as its a joke and reduces fuel consumption. That big 6.5 screen has been disconnected and I have taped a photo of my dog on there instead. I haven't figured out yet how to disconnect the ABS on my remaining back brake so I try not to use it. I stuffed a rag in that stupid vent on the front fairing but I do replace the rag with a clean one after each ride as I believe it is a sanitary requirement. My wife really likes the new back rest so I have removed it to prevent her from going with me on rides. I have replaced the LED headlight with a great light from a 1962 Honda; it is not that bright but it works and doesn't draw attention. I changed out the new forks with a set from my 1988 Classic as there was nothing wrong with them if you made sure you keep them topped up with oil. I removed the stock pipes on one side of the bike to improve air flow. I think I am just about there with my changes but I am open to your suggestion on how I can further improve my ride. Ride to live and live to ride.

 

Now that's commitment!

 

Come on now. You are just speaking in hypotheticals. Because both of those bikes as so ugly neither one would bump uglies with the other.

 

My God, if some of you were hung with a new rope you would complain.
On the outside, the batwing looks very very much the same, the vent is about the only difference and it actually works. The gauge setup is big and functional but not quite as pretty as the century old look. The screen is the cats azz, love it!
Come'on toilet handles?? What do you want? They are way better than before and very positive locking just like the tour pack, now that is a real latch system! How nice it is not having to fiddle with the lid to get it open.
Stick with your i'll handling, ruff riding, slow dinosours.
The 14's just leaped ahead big time or should I say caught up with the 21st. century.

 

I'm not sure if there is one thing that I don't like about the 2014s. Fairing vent, Like, because it looks like a muscle car hood. One hand bag opening, like, the handle could be a tampon, it's still light years ahead of the old style. Infotainment makes the old setup look like a 1972 vega station wagon. 19" wheels? Should have been standard 5 years ago. Water cooling? They didn't go far enough, they should have cooled the whole top end and added a big honking radiator right down the center of the down tubes. No, I don't have one, but I do want one. I just can't fund one right now.