New (to me) Ultra Classic-2008 vs. BMW
#1
11-03-2009, 06:23 AM
New (to me) Ultra Classic-2008 vs. BMW
I posted a few weeks ago that I was trying to work a deal for an '07 Ultra--that deal fell through, but I finally found THE bike on eBay--a pristine, black 2008 Ultra Classic (5000 miles). I rode it back to PA from Wisconsin this past weekend--a little cool but enjoyable adventure!
I had never ridden an eGlide much further than a demo ride at the dealer, so I was looking forward to the 834 mile trip to get to know her a little. I have owned one other Harley-a 2003 Sportster 1200. After that I bought an '04 BMW R1150RT--an excellent bike, but not comfortable for my wife, which is what brought me to the Ultra Classic. On the trip home I made a few observations / comparisons with the BMW:
--The Ultra wasn't as "heavy feeling" as I thought it would be; in fact, the BMW is much more top-heavy. I pushed the Ultra in some sweeping turns and it handled nicely for it's size. The BMW sits higher and can do curves better than any other touring bike I can think of. . .just not with my wife on the back!
--The Ultra doesn't get as good gas mileage as the BMW, but I didn't expect it to--more CIs, more weight, and the drag coefficient of a small bus.
--The riding position in the Ultra is more "sustainable" on longer trips than the BMW (no back or shoulder pain). In short, the Ultra's ride is more. . . relaxed.
--The BMW protects the legs from the wind better than the Ultra. I might miss the adjustable windshield on the BMW.
--The radio is better in the Ultra than the BMW--better speakers, more features.
--Engine: The Ultra has a great combination with the 96 CI engine and the six-speed tranny. This bike has a bone stock engine and I was pleasantly surprised at how responsive it was. The stock pipes sound good to me and I'm unlikely to change them. That overdrive gear was NICE on the interstate.
--Cruise control: This is the first bike I've had cruise on and I really like it. Harley did a great job with this--it worked flawlessly for the whole 13 hour ride home.
--Fly-by-wire throttle: Another nice feature that Harley did right. . .the return spring is not as stiff as my Beemer and the response is indistinguishable from a cabled throttle.
--Fuel injection: The Ultra's FI is much more refined than my '04 BMW--it just works, and works well, with no surging problems, no balancing issues, and fully automatic start-up procedure--just hit the start button and ride!
--Styling: I like the styling of both bikes. . .they're just very different--and maybe I'm schizophrenic, because they both appeal to me at different times. There's no denying that the Harley is the head-turner of the two, and is most like to result in getting flashed by a middle-aged woman who appreciates the classic styling. Although I've never been flashed by any woman while I rode the Beemer, if it WERE to happen, it might be a younger woman who does the flashing (as long as my ugly mug is concealed by my full-face helmet)!
I'm very happy with my purchase and I'm looking forward to putting some real miles on soon!
Rob
I had never ridden an eGlide much further than a demo ride at the dealer, so I was looking forward to the 834 mile trip to get to know her a little. I have owned one other Harley-a 2003 Sportster 1200. After that I bought an '04 BMW R1150RT--an excellent bike, but not comfortable for my wife, which is what brought me to the Ultra Classic. On the trip home I made a few observations / comparisons with the BMW:
--The Ultra wasn't as "heavy feeling" as I thought it would be; in fact, the BMW is much more top-heavy. I pushed the Ultra in some sweeping turns and it handled nicely for it's size. The BMW sits higher and can do curves better than any other touring bike I can think of. . .just not with my wife on the back!
--The Ultra doesn't get as good gas mileage as the BMW, but I didn't expect it to--more CIs, more weight, and the drag coefficient of a small bus.
--The riding position in the Ultra is more "sustainable" on longer trips than the BMW (no back or shoulder pain). In short, the Ultra's ride is more. . . relaxed.
--The BMW protects the legs from the wind better than the Ultra. I might miss the adjustable windshield on the BMW.
--The radio is better in the Ultra than the BMW--better speakers, more features.
--Engine: The Ultra has a great combination with the 96 CI engine and the six-speed tranny. This bike has a bone stock engine and I was pleasantly surprised at how responsive it was. The stock pipes sound good to me and I'm unlikely to change them. That overdrive gear was NICE on the interstate.
--Cruise control: This is the first bike I've had cruise on and I really like it. Harley did a great job with this--it worked flawlessly for the whole 13 hour ride home.
--Fly-by-wire throttle: Another nice feature that Harley did right. . .the return spring is not as stiff as my Beemer and the response is indistinguishable from a cabled throttle.
--Fuel injection: The Ultra's FI is much more refined than my '04 BMW--it just works, and works well, with no surging problems, no balancing issues, and fully automatic start-up procedure--just hit the start button and ride!
--Styling: I like the styling of both bikes. . .they're just very different--and maybe I'm schizophrenic, because they both appeal to me at different times. There's no denying that the Harley is the head-turner of the two, and is most like to result in getting flashed by a middle-aged woman who appreciates the classic styling. Although I've never been flashed by any woman while I rode the Beemer, if it WERE to happen, it might be a younger woman who does the flashing (as long as my ugly mug is concealed by my full-face helmet)!
I'm very happy with my purchase and I'm looking forward to putting some real miles on soon!
Rob
#6
11-03-2009, 07:09 AM
#7
11-03-2009, 07:44 AM
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#8
11-03-2009, 10:37 AM
Thanks!
#10
11-03-2009, 10:52 AM
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