It was about 12 months ago that I was out riding my LT and stopped at a HD dealer on a whim for a test ride. I wasn't on the market and pretty happy with my LT. I test road several models - the Ulta last. Wow was I shocked at the improvements made on the Ultra over the last few years. Needless to say it was an expensive test ride that led me to a new 09 Ultra in June last year. Here is my comparison impressions after about a year.

Harley Likes
Easier to handle slow
Easier to handle two up and much easier to load passenger
I can get my legs straight. Love this.
Better sound system
Carry more stuff easier with more space and lower COG
Better cruise
Easier finger controls for everything
GPS intergration is better
Very solid corner feel
Tires last much longer and cost way less
Dealer serves everywhere
Cool colors with stripes
Metal instead of plastic trims
The bike has a soul
Fairing has smoother airflow for driver

HD opportunities for improvement

Too much heat off the engine and exhaust
More range for rear suspension
ABS is pretty primitive. I still want ABS but long cycle time concerns me about stopping distance
I would love an adjustable windshield. This is the feature I miss the most

Overall, I am very pleased with the change. With all the accessories available you certainly can find a bike that just feels right.

I am looking forward to many miles on the Ultra.

See you on the road and thanks for all the wisdom on this site.

 

Sounds like you're happy with the move. Enjoy, ride safe, and let us know how miles you put on the new Ultra.

 

That's interesting, the K1200LT would be one I'd look at when buying my next touring bike.

 

Interesting comparison with a few surprises

Harley Likes
Easier to handle slow
Easier to handle two up and much easier to load passenger
I can get my legs straight. Love this.
Better sound system
Carry more stuff easier with more space and lower COG
Better cruise
Easier finger controls for everything
GPS intergration is better
Very solid corner feel
Tires last much longer and cost way less
Dealer serves everywhere
Cool colors with stripes
Metal instead of plastic trims
The bike has a soul
Fairing has smoother airflow for driver

[/quote]

Congrats!

 

I made the same change except did it a little earlier. I would agree with you 100% I would add that Dealer service and parts costs less.

 

Wow - sucks to have a beemer I guess

 

IKAHD nice comparison.Yeah tire wear is allover the map on the new Harleys, I know I have 13k on my 09 and a lot of tread left, 5/32s front and 8/32s rear, should get 20k easy 90% two up, buddy gets 8k out of his KawasakiFJR 1300 and there bald and a much lighter bike one up.

 

I would not say that. There are some differences and it all depends what you like. I put over 60,000 miles on my 02 before I got rid of it. The biggest problem/dislike I had was it's high center of gravity. With my short legs we kept falling over if I did not watch my footing very very carefully. The second dislike was the high maintance costs (service every 3,000 miles). I did not find that out until after I purchased the bike. The first cost was the 1 hr labor charge just to remove/install the tupperware to start the service.

The main like was the bikes performance!

 

Well this may sound a litle odd but 20 years ago when I was in the market for my first new motorcycle with lots of Asian metric experience under my belt (plus a little time with KTM and Casal) the two bikes I took a serious look at were BMW and Harley. Seat hight and center of gravity were definite issues in stearing me to Harley. That and wanting a ride with a soul.

 

Nice write up..I think the soul part just about nails it...