i would bet the new frame has alot to do with it...also just less mass of a bike. I have a 2010 Street Glide and i can't believe how easily i throw around an 800 pound bike. The handling is great. Might be a good option for you. you still get the fairing and radio like the ultra...but a little more sporty/ stripped down..and if you find you really miss the tour pack and lowers you can just add on.

 

Yeah I would have suggested the FLHX but since the OP was only asking about the Ultra to RK I didn't but I would suggest looking at the Street Glide as it's the best of both worlds to me....Still have a fairing with radio but can be easily upgraded with a tourpak if you still need more storage but is still nimble around town and I being in Utah prefer a fairing over just a shield for our cold weather riding! I get about two more months of riding in with a fairing over just shield (one month of each end of the ride-able season)

 

Agreed...the king is such a versatile bike its like having 3 bikes in one...can't go wrong with a king

 

..simple..it's because of the frame change in 09..you've got an 08..

 

I love my SG and it is a suggestion, but I do think the RK has more of a plush ride than the SG. I still would not trade my SG for a RK. Or any other bike for that matter.

 

I consider the Road King the 911 to the Ultra's Cayenne! They're both great, but they do things a little differently.

 

You can't do this with an Ultra

 

Can't comment on the new frame but I had the dilemma of going out for something which my wife would be really comfortable on but not personally wanting a bike with a fairing. But I was doing the "head ruling the heart thing" because I knew I would never use the radio and tunes and it was all about what my wife wanted for the long runs. We looked at some Ultras and they were nice bikes and I was all set for getting one when she saw the King and fell in love with it. Suited me so we put a detachable Tourpak and Sundowner on it and she was happy, then we took the screen off and a put on a speedo/tach combination thing and I was happy.

I feel the key difference is whether you want the tunes or not - I don't so the King does it for me.

 

The Road King is a fine bike. I had one and loved it. I also have a 2010 Ultra Limited that replaced my 2009 Ultra. The handling of the new bike is significantly better than the old one. So, before making the leap, you should ride both and see what you like. I didn't feel the difference on the new bike until I took it into some twisties near my home. The new frame handles very well and is a breeze to use.

 

1. The new frame IS more nimble.

2. Without the fairing, the RK and RG handle easier at low speed.

3. How often do you listen to your radio/cd?

4. Without the tourpak, it will feel a bit less top heavy (make your tourpak detach?)

5. Roadking seat sits a bit lower than Ultras, could have affected your perception.

6. How much of this is because you feel your bike is a lemon?

7. What happened to the Goldwing?

8. Will you be back here complaining about how much its cost you to put back all the things you gave up when you gave up your Ultra?