Some number of weeks ago I rented and Ultra to find out if it would work for us in two up riding. We, Kat and I, agreed that we liked our Dyna better. Today I rented a Road Glide for the same reason. I love it (see story down in "Road Trips") and so does she after a putt around the neighborhood. We will go on a longer trip manana and Monday to make sure that this is the bike for us. My question is: both the Ultra and the Road Glide have the same front end geometry, so why do I find the Road Glide much more comfortable and tractable than the Ultra?

 

ask terry he's had both!!

 

Gotta be the fairing. The Ultra is going to feel heavier, you're moving that fairing around all the time, with the RG, you're not it's supported by the frame itself. I believe the RG sits a little lower, that's going to lower the COG and make if "feel" a little lighter.

Both are great bikes, both with a slightly different attitude. Baggers rule!

Mac

 

It does not matter why the Road Glide feels better to you than the Ultra. The important thing is that you enjoy the Road Glide and it's much more comfortable for 2-up riding that your Dyna. I like the looks of the Ultra as I love the batwing fairing. I'm used to it and during the hot months I take the lowers off and have plenty of airflow. I upgraded from a Softail Cunstom, so I know the problems of riding 2-up on a smaller bike.

The batwing mounted to the handlbars make the Ultra seem to ride different as you have a larger mass to move around. The Road Glide has a fixed fairing and that is why it has a different feel. Your moving the same mass just heavier as your Dyna and that is why you are enjoying the ride better. It's what your used to. I was hesitant to enjoy the ride of my Ultra when I first started riding it last year. It took about 2 weeks of riding it everyday to get a good feel for it and decide that it was the bike for me.

If you enjoy the ride and feel of the Road Glide, then that's the bike for you, but a quick trip around the block is not enough time to get the ride and feel of a Batwing dresser.

Good luck and post some pics when you get your new ride.

[IMG]local://upfiles/494/1457CD3BDA8242249372D61332C4AE33.jpg[/IMG]

 

Thanks for the input, it seems reasonable that the fairing and attendant equipment would add a lot of mass to the handlebars.

We put about 150 mi of two up riding on the RG today and Kat likes it better than the Ultra. It seems a bit heavy around town and that will take some getting used to. Looks like a Road Glide in our furture, now all I gotta do is find one.

 

I would think that one of the dealers in Phoenix would have one, but getting them to deal might be another matter. With the 06's coming out maybe you can swing a deal if they have any in stock.

Steve

 

Order up a new '06. You've got your bike in the meantime. About 3-4 weeks before your new one is due...put yours on the market.

Oh yeah, post pics of the new one too!

What's the grand-baby think of your new ride?

Mac

 

She loves it. Can't you see me taking to start her Jr. year in HS by pulling up in front of the school to drop her off the first day on the RG? <-- 4 grins out of 4

 

You're screwed. Go get the bike, and quit screwing around.

You get the bike, Rgerber and I will take you to lunch. I'll be there the first Saturday after you have the scoot so I can look at it, tell you how nice it is, and otherwise swell your head up!

Or, you and your grandbaby can make the ride Aug 20th down to that Poker run in the Southwest Forum...

Mac

 

Put my order in today. They said the scheduled delivery is the second week in August.