Ok, still weighing out building my 2011 Street Glide or going with something newer. I’m planning on going for a sort of “performance bagger” build.

I may have an opportunity to pick up a 2019 Road Glide Ultra at a good price. Unfortunately, it being an Ultra adds nothing for me in the build direction I’m going for.

What I’m wondering is what would be involved to essentially convert it from a chromed out Ultra with the big backrest and saddlebag to essentially a Special. I’m assuming that the backrest and bag assembly can be removed relatively easily, am I right? If not, what are the challenges associated? Can the lowers be removed, or does this model have water cooling built in, and if so, does that make this model a no-go or is there enough added value to justify the weight and aesthetics?

From there I know that there is a pile of chrome to be either powered coated or replaced with black, are there any other concerns I should be aware of?

Again, just trying to assess the viability of this and what the cost will ultimately be.

Thanks,

Bob

 

Yes it is water cooled I have this bike in an 2018. All touring bikes have the same frame so with the right parts they are all inner changeable. The lowers are a different case as they hold the fans and radiators. .

 

To add to the above, the tour pack is super easy to take off, 2 connectors to unplug (lighting and audio) that are easy to get too, unplug the antenna(s) also easy to get to... then just 4 bolts. You'll need to figure out what to do for a tag mount, rear turn signals, and the antenna(s), because that all leaves with removing the tour pack... but there are tons of options for alternatives for them.

Then there is the lowers...

 

That fact that the bike has the water cooled heads, it would be a no go for me if I were in your shoes. Powder coat on chrome works well so that part is easy. For the direction you want to go, I'd advise you keep looking.

 

Dunno if the savings is there on the Ultra vs. just getting a comparable Special. Unless you like the chrome, converting to black parts, that rear fender and always having lowers might not be worth it once all said and done...and with these bikes, you're never done.

 

Thanks guys, that’s kind of what I was thinking too.