I have been reading this board for a couple of months--great board. My current ride is a 2001 Honda TVX1800C. I hate the stiff ride and lack of amentities (although I did add XM radio, windshield, bags, etc.). But I do love the power--I have a PC, dyno tune, and pull 102 hp. at rear wheel and 118 ft.pd. torque produced by Raganit's Tuning Center out of Houma, LA.

At my current age of 62, I now want to get a "real" touring bike and it will be either a Gold Wing or Harley Ultra Classic. I am not especially fond of the Gold Wing appearance (doesn't look like a classic motorcycle) but love the looks of the Ultra Classic. I love water cooled engines but also love that unique Harley sound and honestly always wanted to own a Harley. I know both the Ultra Classic and Goldwing are both excellent motorcycles.

Here's the question: are most of you satisifed with the Harley power? I'm not a racer type--just like the feeling of that VTX when I get down with it from time to time. Any former Japs here who can attest that the Harley power is plenty adequate and doesn't feel lacking? I don't really want to spend over $20,000 and then another $5,000 on engine upgrades that may affect reliability to still be short of where I am on the power curve right now. The power thing is my only lingering doubt except for some concern about the engine heat that apparently is a lot better with the '09 version.

I probably need to go rent an Ultra Classic for a day or two. I can just see myself on that Ultra Classic--help me over the top on this purchase decision.

Thanks

 

You don't need more power than a stock touring bike comes with.

 

Having come from BMW touring bikes I can say my Ultra classic has less power, less brakes, and way less power. but....I wouldn't go back for anything, even if it had more power. There is just a character the Harleys have that you will find in no other bike. The other good thing (to me anyway) is that the Harley look is timeless. They almost never make large styling changes. My 01 looks very simular to the current 09s.

Have you test rode one? If not, do it. If you like it, rent one for the weekend like you were saying. But I wouldn't recomend doing that unless you are ready to part with your honda.

Re'

 

I used to have a 1999 Wing. I traded it in on a new Ultra.

I think you will have enough power leaving it stock. Now, if you are going to pull a trailer through the mountains often then you might want do an upgrade. I have a trailer but don't plan on pulling this year so I will see how it goes.

While riding a new Wing you will feel ZERO heat coming of the bike. With the Ultra you will.

But I have been very pleased with the changes to the 09 Touring line.

The last straw for me with Honda is that stopped assembling the Wings in Maryville Ohio. It's now made and assembled in Japan and shipped over.

Good idea to rent an Ultra for a day or two. You will find the bike has a lot of heart and soul.

GREAT RIDE!

 

I agree that the stock bike has enough power but your idea to rent an Ultra is a very good one. That way you'll know for sure on the power.

 

While I think they have plenty of power stock (for me), I would always add stage I to any stock Harley. Not only will it run a little better, it will run cooler and sound better too.

 

Depends on what you are looking for. If you want something that is faster than most cars and will exceed the speed limit by a good bit then a Harley will suit you fine. If you want something that is the fastest thing on the road and will exceed 120, look elsewhere. I would thingk the UC is comparable to a Goldwing in the power department, if you add some additional performance items. Compare end cost to end cost. In other words what would the cost of the UC plus upgrades be compared to the cost of the Goldwing?

 

Depends if power and amenities are a top priority. If so, Gold Wing. No stress, fun bike to ride, miles and miles of trouble free silky smooth riding. No soul though, but a very, very nice method of transportation on 2 wheels. Cult following to include matching jumpsuits and boom mike helmets.

Ultra's don't even come close to stock power of a gold wing but you can spend 3-10K on many various kits that will create gobs of power. You'll join the worlds largest "cult" and get to ride something with soul and makes you feel good just owning it and better even riding it. The american v-twin is a drug... Amenities..some. I like my cigarette lighter!

just sayin

lp

 

but, so what...

I've had brit jap and Italian bikes, got my first Harley a couple of years back, and it is by far the best bike I've owned. Wouldn't go back... but you WILL find a stock Harley under-powered... ... for me, not that big a deal... but if I had to do it again, I would have the dealer put on a Stage II when I got it.

Either that, or go whole hog and get a CVO--- should be plenty of 'go' for you.

 

PS---when you test ride the Ultra remember that 6th gear is not a power gear. It's for cruising over 65.

5th gear is where you will be best to test your power needs.