I traded my Ultra for a Tri-Glide about 2 yrs ago. I hated the TG at first but medical reasons were at the basis for the change soooo....The first thing I noticed was the arm effort in maneuvering the beast. In fact I've always named my Ultra's, Jolene, a sexy lady sang about by Dolly years back. I was so disgusted with the change in handling I named the TG "Waddles", as a reference to an obese clumsy oaf! After a few hundred miles I began to ease up on Waddles and realize what I was doing at the controls. Eventually we made up and now I'm not as in love with the TG but realize the only other options are either a Spyder by Can-Am or a convertible. I guess I'll keep her for now.

 

here's a great article regarding hydroplaning from Tire Rack. Air Pressure vs. Wet Performance | Tire Rack they have pictures of the tire contact patch in the wet, standing and at speed. with a fully inflated tire (36 PSI) and at 30 psi and at 25 psi.

 

No mention of potholes - can't avoid them. Either you straddle the hole with your rear wheels and put your front wheel in the hole, or you shift left/right so your front wheel misses the hole and end up with your right/left wheel in the hole. But they are a blast!