I came from a smaller bike and find the Ultra well balanced and a treat to ride.

 

The RK and the Ultra use the same frame, etc... don't they? If so, I wouldn't think cosmetic things, like the faring, tourpak, etc. would make that much difference.

I test rode a RK and own an Ultra. I don't remember any difference.

 

+1 on renting one. I traded my Fat Boy in for my SG. I ride my SG like I did my Fat Boy

 

I'm a 130 lb woman and just traded my Deluxe for and 08 Ultra, I have 800+ miles through twisties and freeway and I think the Ultra handles better in the twisties and of course smoother at high speeds. It also handles well at slow speed but I have to make sure the handlebars are square when I stop b/c I know that there is no way I can keep an 800+ bike upright if it starts to lean! I was really nervous about taking this step but I don't regret or miss my Deluxe at all. Our plans to ride 1300+ miles to Sturgis this year prompted me to take the plunge for the Ultra--I can't wait for the trip and I'm planning to put as many miles as I can on it before we go to get fully comfortable.

I have ridden a RK a few times and they are nice but if you want real comfort, Ultra is the way to go!

 

The bikes are virtually the same...height and weight. The only things as stated in a earlier threadare the lowers, are confining to me ( but not all )! But, can be removed....You'll grow to love the fairing and gauges,radio etc...bags, and tour pack....

milo8155
07 FLHX
03 FXST
Collierville,TN

 

My last bike before my 89 Ultra was an 83 Gold Wing that I rode for 7 years. So I was already used to the weight of a dresser, and after many years of riding open bikes, I've come to depend on having bags and a fairing. Both bikes were in my garage for a short while, and at a glance bear a great resemblance. Once you're riding, though, they feel completely different -- I found the Ultra to be a much better handling bike with a lower center of gravity that makes it feel much more nimble. And after replacing the stock Dunlops with Continental Milestones, it handles even better.

I take issue with those who question riding an Ultra 'around town'. These same people don't think twice about climbing into their giant SUVs to go to the drugstore.

 

+1 on this. I love my RK, but after riding the EG, it will be my next tourer.

 

I've had a Road King and now have an Ultra. I loved the Road King. The Ultra does feel a little more top heavy but handles a little quicker it seems than the Road King amazingly enough. When stopping it does feel a little more "bulky," but when moving handles very easily. I like all the features and am glad that I went with the Ultra. You get used to whatever you ride. On the road, the fairing and lowers make it way more comfortable than the Road King in rain and cold as I ride year around.

 

I find I can throw my Ultra around almost as easily as my old Beemer, which is 200 lbs lighter.

 

Answer would be that a UC would be "bulkier to handle" by however more loaded you make it than a "Road King".

UCs are surprisingly agile and easy to maneuver, even at low speeds. OTOH, it's a bike designed to be loaded for travel, and, not surprisingly, the more weight you place on a machine, the heavier it gets (duhhh).