Hello fellas,
I am in the market for a new touring bike. I am a lifelong motorcycle rider, mostly metrics, but have never owned a dresser. After raising 3 kids, my youngest is finally in college and my wife is now ready (willing) to spend some time on the back of a bike, but not on the back of a Dyna Lowrider, which is what I currently own. So for the past several weeks I have been doing a lot of research in various forms from interviewing friends and co-workers who own the various bikes, internet forums such as this, to actually renting a couple of bikes. The objective of my post is to provide my observations and also hopefully get some valued feedback from you guys who have been through similar situations and what was the outcome of your experience. I will try to keep this as short as possible and appreciate any feedback provided.

In the 7 or so years that I have had the Dyna my wife has ridden only a dozen or so times with me and did not really enjoy the time spent. I convinced her the ride would be dramatically different on a bigger touring bike so a few weeks ago we rented a ’08 Electra Glide Ultra. I had heard that there were major changes to the frame from 09 and up and had pretty much decided that whatever I ended up with would be an 09 or later. Furthermore I thought the ABS would be a great feature especially considering the fact that these bikes are a full ½ ton of machinery rolling down the road at 85 MPH and the Brembos and ABS would be a must. So the renting of this bike was really more out of convenience than anything else and even though it did not have the frame upgrades, bigger rear tire, Brembos and ABS it was the Tourpak and the comfort that it would provide my wife I was most interested in. Actually the bike I rented may have had ABS I don’t know for sure but think that was an option on that model. Bottom line was that the bike performed exceptionally well. It did have a Stage 1 and with the 96 ci was powerful enough for me, torque at least was respectable, although not as quick as my Dyna but that was to be expected. The ride was about 250 miles, through various road and terrain and we met some pretty strong winds as well with some gusts up to 35MPH. The bike handled very well overall and although there were some instances where I got pushed around a little I never felt that I was not in complete control of the bike and the fork mounted fairing, of which some of my research led me to believe was not as stable as a fixed frame type performed very well and I was extremely comfortable having a full windshield in front of me. My wife loved the ride and therefore my goal had been accomplished. Any bike I chose, as long as there was a Tourpak with full wrap seating for her would be the right bike.

So now to yesterday, we rented a new 2011 Road Glide Ultra, which is the bike I really had my heart set on. I figured the new frame, bigger engine, fixed frame mounted fairing and all the other bells and whistles that this would be the bike for us. I was in the end, a little disappointed. I had read so much about the new frame and how different (improved) the handling would be. The bike itself was not very impressive. From the moment I sat on it, it didn’t feel as good to me as the EGU. The top of the windshield is right at eye level for me at 5’10” and I was either having to stretch up to look over it or slump down to see through it. Now I know this would not be a showstopper as most of these windshields get replaced anyway. Next was the engine. Although completely stock so I didn’t expect to be blown away with the 103” I did expect it to perform at least as well as the 96” with Stage 1, but it fell far short of that. It didn’t have any low-end power and really felt sluggish through the entire trip. I was constantly down shifting from 5th to 4th to get any throttle response at all on the highway. Sixth is only good for flat cruising at 75+ (understandable). But I figured the stage one would be the first thing to happen and I am sure once done, the engine performance would be on par with the others I have experienced. That brings me to my next observation. The HEAT from that sucker is unbelievable. The cat makes that head pipe so hot that I looked down a few times expecting to see it glowing red. My right leg is still feeling the heat. The fairing lowers, even fully opened wouldn’t let enough air flow and I was pretty uncomfortable the whole trip. That too would be solved though with the stage one. One thing that really bothered me though was the extremely noisy drive train. The gearbox chattered constantly, accelerating from a stop sometimes the whole bike rattled. Finding neutral was often impossible. It was just not nearly as smooth as my Dyna or the EGU rental.

Then on to the handling, which is the greatest improvement I was anticipating. Well here again I was a little disappointed. Not that it handled poorly, it just didn’t handle any BETTER than the EGU. In fact the slow speed maneuverability seemed a little tougher. At highway speeds the bike handled very well and tracked probably better than the EGU but not dramatically so. The bike seemed more top heavy than the EGU, balancing at slow speed, stop and go creep was more difficult as I found myself rotating the handlebars rapidly back and forth while trying to keep my feet on the floorboards was pretty difficult. I don’t remember feeling that on the EGU although in all fairness, during yesterday’s ride we had much more traffic so the situation was a little different. I certainly did not develop any real comfort at slow speed however and that was a little disappointing. So in the end, after returning the bike to the rental shop and a full de-briefing with my wife. She couldn’t care less about the difference between a RGU, EGU or probably a Sporty (just kidding she wouldn’t last long in the saddle without the air suspension but she doesn’t know that), as long as it has the couch on the back for her. I on the other hand, am not so sure. I really had expected to be blown away on new Roady Ultra and I know that I am not in the majority here but I actually like the look of the Sharknose and also the fact that, although they are gaining in popularity, there are nowhere near as many of them on the street.

So I appreciate your time in reading this rather long post and look forward to any of your similar experiences, or even if you are only familiar with one of the two bikes, what your thoughts are.
Thanks,
Dan

 

unfortunately, you aren't making fair comparisons (not your fault). the 08 is probably nowhere near stock anymore and with the mods that it has made to it, is a better fit for you (at the moment). take the 103, put a decent set of pipes on it, do your complete stage 1, get a better windshield, and maybe even a better seat. then you will notice a lot of difference. though to be completely fair, a lot of people don't see enough difference between the 2 years to warrant trading in their bikes for a new model. either one is a fully capable bike and will suit your needs very well. it all boils down to whether you want to save a few bucks and buy a used bike, or go full bore and get the new ride.

 

+1 on Skratch's observation of a direct comparison, but just recently had an opportunity to see and "interview" a guy that bought the new 2011 RoadGlide Ultra CVO (beautiful merlot colors combos). I ride a 2005 Ultra Classic and find the new RGU CVO is the first one that attracted my attention in a while. So I asked him what he road before and his impressions now: Came off a 2007 UC w/ Stage 1 upgrade. Rode that thing to about 60k miles (so he is no occasional rider only) and found that while he likes the "fit" while sitting on the bike (6'2" and carries passenger w/ him), he also found that it is top heavy and harder to manage at low speeds -- like parking lots and heavy traffic. Also commented on the heat issue on his right calf/leg, thinking he was going to blister up from it.
It is a sweet looking bike, but he kinda put the kabosh on my looking any further -- at least until I'm really in the market to "upgrade." So, I'm sticking with my '05 UC. Yeah, it's familiar, it's comfortable, and it's tailored to exactly what I need.

 

I own an '09 Street Glide and love it. But my father owned an '08 FLHT standard and rode it all over. He constantly said he wished he got an Ultra. Well, he had a van pull in front of him and the '08 was totaled. He bought a '10 Ultra and hated it. He said it handled far worse than his '08 and the wider rear tire made it hard for him to get around at slow speed.

He's 73 and the accident really took a toll on him. He's since sold the Ultra and got a GW trike and a Dyna Super Glide but he still thinks the '08 Standard is the best riding bike he's ever owned. I hear it every time I see him.

 

I have an '05 Road Glide and recently purchased my dad's '09 EGC, I bought the Roadie new and have put a 95" stage 1 kit, S.E. six speed, Tru Track and 70,000 miles on it. The EGC is stage 1 and just turned 10K. If I had to get rid of one of the bikes it would be the EGC. Yes, it is a little more stable with the new chassis but, at the cost of ride comfort, really, these new bike ride stiffer than hell. The 96" may have a little more oomf but not much. There's also less heat on my right leg. As I have the S.E. 6 speed on the Roadie, cruising RPM is the same.
I can see why the OP likes the '08 EGU better, I'll bet if he road an '08 RG it'd be even better.

 

Fascinating observations! I went the opposite direction: traded my '08 Road Glide for an '11 Ultra Classic. I found that the new frame really helped the bike handle better, but also found that the UC was sensitive to shock air pressure and that the massive rear tire liked 40 psi to handle well. The UC seems to handle a bit "heavier" than the RG, and I think that's a function of the fork mounted fairing and perhaps the larger rear tire.

At first, the UC cockpit seemed a bit cramped, but now that I have a month with it and about 3k miles it feels natural. The RG fairing really amplified engine and road noise compared the the UC. Overall, I think I like each bike about the same, but they are very different platforms. The UC feels a bit anemic (96 inch motor, stock plumbing) compared to the RG (103 inch motor, full Stage 1 plumbing), and my expectation that a full Stage 1 treatment to the UC will provide better response.

Unexpectedly, my wife finds the passenger area much more comfortable in terms of wind management. I also expect that the wrap-around back padding helps her feel more secure (and comfortable) than the chopped tour-pak and pad that I had on the RG.

These bikes are a lot of fun to experiment with different options and accessories. I suspect that whatever bike you end up with that you'll spend some time and money getting it just the way you want it.

 

..of all the big-twin motors out from Harley in the last 10 years..the one I hear the MOST complaints about being "disappointed" with...is the 103. I know a few guys who got S.E bikes over the last few years, when that was the biggest motor Harley had, and they always said they were dogs stock. You will pretty much find that most people who have smaller than 103's will say their bikes are more reliable, and less hot, and those with 103's and 110's will say the opposite...I think you should trust your own judgment, don't worry about having a less than newest-latest-greatest upgrades from HD, those will be old technology in a few years compared to whatever is coming next. If the 08 knocked your sox off...then go for it!

 

I rented a 2010 EG ultra and ended up buying a 2007 EGC... and I gotta agree with some of your observations on the frame...older frame seems to be easier to flick back and forth, easier to turn in and more nimble in tight situations. New frame has better straight line stability. I also noticed that I prefer how the old (smaller) tires handle especially in the wet (both were Dunlops). The newer bike felt especially squirrely on tar strips.
The 2010 I rented was all stock 96 and my 2007 is a 103 with mods so in the power department theres no comparison but with the tuning and true duals the heat is much more manageable.
I guess I prefer the older frame...but to each there own!

 

I just sold my 95 Ultra. I've been looking at the Road Glide Ultra and rented one yesterday. The stock 103 is a dog. My 80" (with work done to it) would eat this thing. Also the seat is horrible. As far as the shark nose vs. batwing on the highway, I didn't notice an overwhelming difference. Did like the feeling of more openess in front of me but I think I'm going to stick with the Electra glide for my next bike. Just think it gives better protection, I like the adjustable vents/wings on the side of the fairing and I hated those funky storage areas the Road Glide. You can't even open them w/o turn the handlebars all the way to the side. I also think there is more engine noise on the Road Glide. I do like the the new frame. I think it handles excellent through the turns. The new brakes are great also.

 

The new frame does handle better but it is shades of grey we are talking about. Neither version is made for setting any speed records and I can drag my floorboards at will on my 08. The bikes also gained 50 or so pounds with the new frame so there is a trade-off. The 103 is a good motor but you need to swap out the headers and mufflers and do a stage 1 air cleaner and tuner to get it running right. This is no different than the 96 with the exception of the cat in the headpipe.