So I am in the market of purchasing a touring bike. I purchased my 2015 XL 1200 C about a year ago. I have about 5000 miles on it and it's been a blast. I want a bigger bike, I want to do longer trips. I did a 1000 mile weekend on my Sporty about a month ago and it beat me up and also wasn't too fun my the Mrs on the back. I right 2-Up a lot of the times. It's one of the best feelings in the world for me to get my girl on the back of my bake and just cruise the open work and escape the city. It's the best drug out there, I'm addicted, and I just want to ride. Miles upon miles. So touring bike it is. Right now I'm considering between an Ultra Limited or a Road Glide Ultra.

Went down to my local HD Dealership today and had the chance to test ride a 2017 Ultra Limited in Vivid Black. What a nice looking motorcycle. I've been leaning towards purchasing a RGU but after see how nice the Ultra Limited is, I need to do some more thinking. They did not have a 2017 RGU to test ride. I test rode a 2016 RGU and Ultra Limited about two months ago and at the time I fell in love the RGU.

Today I test rode a 2016 RGU and a 2017 Ultra Limited back to back. The engine are very noticeably different. My girl even on the back of the bike even noticed. The most noticeable difference is how smooth the new engine is. At idle a lot less shaking in the bars and in general. I never been a fan Softballs because of the counterbalanced engines. Felt that it took too much of the soul out of the bike. But in these new M8's they got it just right. I did not hear any sewing machine noises either that I hear when riding a softball as a result of the counterbalance. The new M8's run noticeably cooler compared to older Twin Cam. I test rode at HD of NYC and as you can imagine, no freeway test rides here. Lots of stop and go riding and I didn't feel any engine heat. Also I would say that there is less engine noise in general and more noise coming from the exhaust. Overall feeling is less clunky, more smooth. I don't want to say similar in an inline engine but just a very welcomed refinement. I do want to emphasis that riding the new M8 right after the older TC, there is a very noticeable difference. Before test riding, I was considering getting an older model to get a better deal but that idea is no longer on the table. Perhaps if I was in the market for a Dyna I would consider a TC but part of the reason I'm getting a touring bike is to have additional comforts and refinement. I'm still keeping my 1200C so that's where I'll go when I want a raw ride. For refined comfy touring, M8 all the way.

Now for the longest time I've always a RGU because I like the lightness in the fork compared to the Ultra Limited. But I'll be honest I think the RGU is ugly and think the Ultra Limited is great looking. I much preferred riding the 2017 Ultra Limited today compared to the 2016 RGU but I'm not sure if that is because of the engine. My dealer didn't have any M8 RGU to test ride. I'm thinking though for serious touring RGU would be a better choice however.

Here are some photos from today.

 

Thanks, GOOD LUCK!

 

That is a great looking bike!

 

I've owned both.the rgu and the limited are great touring bikes.pick the one you feel the most comfortable on.either way you can't go wrong.oh ya,those boots gotta go. Just kidding.lol.

 

No way, boots can stay, gloves gotta go!!!

 

Disagree. Brown boots gotta go. Gloves can stay. I always wear gloves because I just hate the way stock grips feel.

 

I want to hear more abput your 'Softballs' ?? Lol


OK, to be serous - other than your 1200 - do you have any seat time on a newer EG or RG? If not, you might look at a 15 or 16 / great deals to be made and they ate great bikes. Now IF You just have to have the New engine- then its a17. As cool and as nic as they look - I would more inclined to wait and see if any 'issues' show up??

 

I rode 5 different bikes today with the M8's (107 & 114) and really liked them.

 

It sounds like the MOCO has a winner with this new motor. Of course, only time will tell. I left the flock a couple years ago and said I'd never buy another new Harley.

Having just bought a new Indian last month, I have no intention of doing anything in the short term but in a couple years, after the new motor has been put through the wringer by actual riders, who knows. "Never say never" as the old saying goes.

 

Those that recall the roll-out of the twin cams will remember the noisy transmissions. Took MoCo years to get out of that rut. On the other hand it was good for after market.