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14 Ultra Limited-Tour Pak-Detachable mod worth it?
So after the long, and deleted, post about HD vs Victory I went on a number of new test rides this past weekend and pulled the trigger. If my financing goes through today, which it should, I'll be the proud owner of a 2014 Ultra Limited. Something about HD's looks kept bringing me back.
So the first modifications I'd like to do is have a Detachable Tour Pak mount installed. I'm getting a discount on accessories and installation as part of the deal. So I'm getting the adapters for Sirius and CB installed as well.
So my question is whether it's worth doing? The kit is not cheap but it does include nice led turn signals that mount on the hard bags, docking station and all the wiring to move the antennas etc'.
Anyone done this mode on a 2014? Is it worth it? I'm thinking it will be but just checking to see if anyone ran into draw backs.
I don't have a 14 but did a quick detach on my 10 Limited and LOVE IT!!! I rarely put the TP back on now. I was amazed how much better she handles without the TP on the back. You will get varying opinions about this but I think it is great to have two bikes now instead of one.
Just FYI, I did go with the kit but modified what I did to include Deutsch connectors so I didn't have all the coiled cables under the seat. I followed the instructions in this WONDERFUL writeup:
I also went with some billet aluminum bushings because I had heard the plastic ones can have issues. I got them from a forum member gilbos440rt@bellsouth.net . You can take a look at them using the following:
I installed the kit last week, very easy install and bike looks great.
Was able to take it for a ride this weekend as the temps here in NE got above 50 and I said screw the salt on the roads, it handled oh so nice without that extra 50 or so pounds.
Some have done this mod without the kit and had some great results, sorry I don't have a link for ya.
Thanks guys for the info. Very helpful. KSully, how long did it take you to put it together yourself? Did you have to drill the bags to install the lights? Was the wiring harness plug and play? Thanks,
cbears, thanks for the link. Once I get it done I'm going to follow that link and cut the slack out as well. Nice write up there.
I don't have a '14, but it was a waste of time and money for me.
I bought and installed the kit on my '08 FLHTC.
In 5 years I removed the tour pak 3 times.
I now have a '13 FLHTC and didn't even bother with the detachable kit.
Just not worth it for me as 90% of my riding is 2 up.
I don't have a 2014, but I'll pass along my experience.
I have a Street Glide, and added a King Tour Pak for trips, etc. Made sure to install it using quick detach hardware since I would only be using it for trips. Yeah right. I never/rarely take it off. Too handy and too comfortable for my wife and/or daughter who right with me a lot.
I know a 2014 conversion involves more $$$ because you're dealing with lights, etc. But my advice would be to ask yourself how you plan to use the bike. If you're always solo and not gonna use the Tour Pak, most would agree it's a sportier look without it. But if you're gonna use it, you're wasting your time and money to make it detachable.
Notice the replies to your thread fall into two categories: "I love it. I rarely put the Tour Pak on." and "I wasted my money. I rarely take the Tour Pak off."
I saw the 2014 detach kit on a limited this weekend. I'm on the fence about it, if I'm being honest. I thought the bike looked nice, but those turn signals on the bags, eh, I dunno if I like them. They look decent, and of decent quality, and the appeared to fit nice...
I would take a look at that if I were you. If you like it, them go for it...
I liked everything about mine except the FM antenna bracket. So I removed that and put in the hidden antenna in the fairing. The saddlebag lights don't bother me, I like having the added visibility back there.
I don't have a '14, but it was a waste of time and money for me.
I bought and installed the kit on my '08 FLHTC.
In 5 years I removed the tour pak 3 times.....
Mine is an 09.
The T/P goes on pretty much for 3 or 4 weeks in the summer when i tour. and is off when i am home in PHX.
I could have saved the cash on the detachable kit as the tourpak will bolt on or off in about 30 minutes.
so the "is it worth it" question depends on the rider's needs.
If you use it every week, it is very worth it.
If I buy another bike ( I keep my stuff a long time) I'll not bother with the kit
I bought the TP quick detach kit when I bought my new 2011 FLHTK. I have used it once. The TP has been invaluable. I do a lot of touring and even running around town, I use it for holding the jacket and helmet.
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