I have decided to move to either an Electra Glide Classic or Ultra. Think the Classic look better but don't want to make a mistake. Are the extras that come with the Ultra very useful? CB, Lowers, Rear Speakers, 80 watt stereo. I would like to hear from owners of both the Classic and Ultra before I make my decision. Thanks again guys. I also checked with my local dealer and they are bringing back the root beer color for the Touring models in 2011, she showed me the new color chart.

Tom

 

depends on how you ride, I bought a classic because 90% of my rides are solo with tour pak removed and solo seat ,5% are 2 up with passenger seat and back rest and 5% 2 up with tour pak, so for me classic made more since

 

I had a classic, and didn't think I wanted the other stuff on an ultra, but since my bike was stolen I have been looking at ultras .

 

I have a Classic, &, except for hard lowers, is set up now like an Ultra. The extra $$ for an Ultra is actually less than the piece-by-piece update.

Thus, I recommend starting with the Ultra, & use the spare change for other customization that makes the bike "yours."

My $.02.

 

If you can afford the extras, go Ultra. You can always take stuff OFF and make the bike the way you want it. Then, sell the stuff, or keep it around in case your needs change.

 

MPO; ultra classic. Ditto what RThomas4223 said.

 

Buddy of mine wanted an Ultra but, to save money, decided to get a Classic. Fixed it up with lots of Ultra stuff. Eventually he caved in and traded it for an Ultra.

As far as the extras on the Ultra, I use everything except the CB. I only ride one up but since I do mostly touring, I appreciate the extras.

They are both great bikes. So, if you like the look of the classic better, go for it - otherwise, spring for the Ultra.

 

Personally, I prefer the paint layout on the Classic over that of the Ultra.

The only extras that interest me on the Ultra, are the Rear Speakers and Cruise control. The trunk liner and soft luggage is nice to have, but neither is terribly expensive to add.

I would never use the CB, or intercom, and the lowers would probably spend 99 percent of their time removed in the garage due to heat. I do NOT like the brake lights on the tourpak (dont like the look, functionality, or space they take up inside the trunk)

As far as the 80 Watt sound system, Im not 100 percent sure, but I believe that is 40 watts to the front, and 40 to the rear, vs 40 to the front only on the Classic/SG/RG. So your not really gaining additional power, it just enables the rear speakers to be driven. (someone correct me if Im wrong) Note that the "Boom" high power UPGRADE (via tourpak mounted amp) adds 40 watts PER CHANNEL to the system. Leads me back to my original conclusion regarding the stock system. Also, in addition to the cost of the speaker pods and wiring harness, you have to pay around $100 to have the rear speakers "activated" by your dealer.

I personally would prefer to pay $500 to Hogtunes for rear speakers, (where you get an amp to drive the fronts, and the head unit drives the rears...plus upgraded speakers...and no "activation" fee) Pay the $300 for cruise control, and save the other $1200 for things I really WANT.

That $1200 could go for Stage1/slipons, chrome front forks, better seat, painted inner fairing, Chrome controls, etc.

It all depends on how much of the Ultra's extras you would REALLY want or use. I've always thought the lowers where the decider for me. If you want them, they are expensive enough that your probably better off to get the Ultra, especially if you also want the rear speakers (another big ticket option) if you don't want the lowers, and can live without intercom/CB/tourpak lights, go Classic.

 

I have a EGC and there are two things on the Ultra that I would like to have: lights on the tourpak and a better stereo. The stereo problem can be solved for $300, but the tourpak is a bit more. You get a lot of bike for just $2k more. I am very happy with my EGC, but when I go to trade it in, I will look for an Ultra.

 

I'm a little biased , but here's my reason for the ultra over the Classic.
I like the lowers and added them to my last bike because I wanted them.
I've been rear ended (badly) twice , so I am pretty **** about my rear lighting , the ultra is lit much better at night than the classic.
The rear speakers are really nice and my wife (really) likes them , so that's all there is to that.....
We don't use the intercom (yet) but I will get around to picking up a headset for her soon.
I use the tour pack every day for something , going to work I have a briefcase type book holder that I need every day , I have a laundry service at my shop and all my work clothes fit in the tourpack along with my books and other daily junk.
I use all the glove compartment space in the lowers , and have a fairing pouch and rear guard pouch which we use all the time with water bottle.
The wife owns the left saddlebag , mine is the right side.
I have never even considered a detachable setup for the tourpack , as it gets used alot.
And the most important reason , my wife picked this bike out and started to deal with the salesman before I knew what she was doing , she said it looked "pretty and comfortable" and that's why we have an 09 Ultra.
I didn't put up much of a fight either.........
Mick