Congrats if I never told you yet! I keep seeing more and more guys going to the shark and I must admit, I'm a little jealous. I loved the handling/ride my old '11 RGU had, but I love how much better this one runs. I'm trying not to test ride a new one because I know what will happen and I REALLY don't want to start over again, lol.

 

the engine alone makes it definitely worth it. the pre rushmore 103 engines were dogs compared to the rushmore 103's. Of course you can change cams on a pre rushmore 103.


test ride both and see for yourself.

 

Probably not unbiased on this site, but rushmore bikes are head and shoulders above pre '14's. Most agree. engine, suspension, brakes, bags, tires, electronics, audio, nav, looks, lights etc. JMO after owning one for three years. Hard to beat. GOod luck with your decision. also, resale value will be a major plus in the future.

 

Blue Beast, the look is growing on me, but the handling is unbelievable for a big bike. I thought the 14 Limited handled well. Was I mistaken! Don't ride a new RG until your pretty sure you want one.

 

I have an 07 and I test rode the 09 up Ultra and the Rushmores... I like the power of the HO 103 but other than that I can live with my 07 just fine... Now if I was looking for one I would be hard pressed to pay an extra $7000.00 for the Rushmore... That is just me and I don't own either to have done very long rides...
It boils down to your budget and preferences...I would say then get the best thing you can afford.

 

Went from a 2010 LTD to a 2015 LTD...amazing difference! Rushmore all the way, if you can swing it...

 

Best of luck i paid $20,136 for a bike with 3000 miles on it out the door price. I also bought it off riding season as well which makes a difference. The closer you get to riding season the less likely you stand on getting the best possible price. The wife said i could buy a new 2016 Road Glide Ultra but the best OTD price i found was $26,399 OTD. I like having that 6k setting in the bank all the while knowing i got basically a new bike. The dealer tried to sell me Wheel and Tire and the ESP out front i refused. I'm not one to buy into to ESP's on bikes or cages. I can replace tires for alot less than the wheel and tire plan costs.

 

I went from an '11 Ultra Classic to a '15 Limited and other than having a payment again, I don't regret it at all. The Rushmore bikes are a good overall update. I like the 103 better than the 96, the saddlebag latches are easier, the Boom audio isn't perfect, but I like it better than the HK, and I find it more comfortable. I would buy a Rushmore again without doubt.

 

Awesome discussion here guys, thanks. Gonna try to get out this weekend and take a look at both of them. I do worry some about heat in the Ultra Classic as, from what I understand, doesn't have the wet head. Isn't that just the Limiteds? Truth be told all the coolant dump things scare me about the Limited and don't really feel like paying THAT premium too right now.

Anyway, heat shouldn't be much of an issue as this certainly won't be a commuter bike as my new job is work at home mostly so there shouldn't be constant stop and go nightmare. Even so I have other bikes to do that when it's hot as hell here in VA and would take the Deuce to Rolling Thunder anyway (LOT of heat issues for bikes in that run.)

 

Traded for a Rushmore wet head. Never looked back.