Motorcycle.com

/09 Ultra Classic vs /01 GL 1800A

For most of the 34 years I have been a motorcyclist, I have ridden Japanese bikes. Four of those bikes have been Honda Goldwings...an /82 1100, two 1500's and, recently, a 2001 1800. All were excellent bikes but this year I finally bought a Harley, a 2009 Ultra Classic. Now to go from an 1800 Wing ...to an Ultra takes some getting used to but, now that I've ridden the Ultra over 1000 miles, here are my observations:

Handling: The Ultra will out handle the Wing on every corner. Turns are no effort at all and the Ultra holds it's line in a fast sweeper better than the Wing.

Ride: Yes, the Ultra shakes at idle but dial in the throttle a bit and everything smooths out. The Ultra takes road irregularities in stride and provides great road feel to the rider. The Wing's anti dive and front end can sometimes transmit a sharp jolt to the rider over sharp bumps...not so the Ultra, it's a real smoothie.

Power: In this department, the Wing has a lock on the horsepower numbers but let's talk real world. How much horsepower does one really need? Does the Ultra provide the power and torque necessary to give miles of carefree riding?..absolutely. Will it allow passing without needing a downshift...yes...even in 6th gear.

Ease of maintenance: Now in this category the Ultra has it all over the Wing. As and example, changing the air filter on the Ultra requires the removal of one bolt. The wing?...well, a lot of tupperware has to be removed from the Wing just to get near the air filter let alone change it out. The Ultra seems to have been designed by riders, for riders; particulary riders who like to do their own maintenance.

Fit and finish: The Ultra simply can't be beat and, instead of ABS plastic, a lot of the Ultra is real steel.

Fun factor: There's just something about cruising down the road on a sunny day with a big V twin rumbling away in the engine room. It feels and sounds like a MOTORCYCLE...not an electric motor with wheels!

Conclusion: Am I glad I switched from a Wing to the Ultra? Absolutely! Would I recommend the /09 Ultra? No question!


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2009 Ultra Classic

I resently purchaced a 2009 Ultra Classic Electra Glide. This is my first Harley I have riden smaller 400cc and 600cc Honda's in the past and most resently a V star 1100 Classic that was stock but fully dressed.

I was really amazed at the difference in the ride and handling between the V-Star and ...the Ultra Classic. I was very nervous going to the heaving touring bike but was very happy with the difference in handling and especially the comfort. The driver backrest which was on back order and the highway pegs I didn't think I would need were things I missed very quickly but my ride home was still very comfortable. After riding my Star 31/2 hour to pickup my Harley I was hurting, My butt and back were killing me and my hands were buzzing so bad I could hardley sign the cheque for the purchace of my new ride. On the 41/2 ride home(slow break in speeds) on the Ultra Classic I didn't want to stop it was so comfortable.Only after about 3 hour with the last hour in pouring rain did I start to get a sensative rear. When I first left "The Shop" where I bought the bike it took a bit of time to get used to the throttle and the brakes. I was used to having to twist had the cable throttle on my Star and on the Ultra Ulassic the throttle was so easy to turn I never had to go to cruise to ease an aching wrist. The difference in the front end weight also took me a while to adjust to. I must have developed the habit of turning the front wheel of my smaller bikes when I came to a stop sign or light and was making a turn because everytime I came to a stop with the Ultra Classic it wanted to fall over. I looked like a real rookie on this motorcycle but once I realized what I was doing it was a lot easier on my back. I prchased ABS brakes with this bike and the braking is excellent on both wet and dry pavement. I did find the breaking quite a bit more sensative and this bike definitley stops in a hurry. I always use more front than back brake and the first couple of times I used the brakes I found my front end diving and my stops were anything but smooth. It was easy to see I was not used to this kind of braking on a motorcycle. You do not have to squeese the hand lever or the foot peddle very hard to get this bike to stop and it sure feels weird to feel the pulsing in your hand. After riding this bike for about 700KM I'm finally getting a nice smooth stop and I;m keeping the bike uoright even with my wife sitting on the back. The have changed the exhaust routing to ease the heat problem that riders complained of in the past. I found my seat and thighs very comfortable even on a hot day. As the weather turned cold here in Northern Ontario I found the heat very soothing on my bad back.
I found the engine noisier on this this bike than the other bikes I have riden. I believe it's the hydraulic lifters that are chattering in all gear ranges but as soon as you shift into sixth gear the engine just purrs like a kitten. I find this bike vibrates a lot at idle compared to other bikes I've rode but compared the past it is supposed to be better. I can tell you that I find this bike extremely smooth when I it moving and for a heavy bike it is so easy to turn. In sharp turns it glides aroung the corners which makes it a lot of fun on a twisty road. My other bikes do not even come close to the stability and comfort that this bike has. When I first got the bike it had no air in the suspension and I found the bike stiff on a buppy rode. Once I figured out where the air line was to add air to the suspension the bumps got a lot smoother and with two people on the bike (350LBS) with 50PSI of air the bumps got really smooth.
The first 368KM's I used 18.3 liters of fuel which I thought was very good for a new bike. During the break in I drove by the recomendations the dealer suggested, not over 80KM/hr and 2400 RPM for the first 80KMs and not over 90KM and 3000RPM up to 800 KM's. I'm sure I had a few people cursing me when I left town at 3:30 PM on a two lane high way with heavy traffic. I waved people around me when I could but I'm sure that didn't appease some angry driver who honked and gave me the finger. The elecronics on this bike are very easy to learn and use and the fit and finish of the bike is very good. I'm 5ft 11 and 200Ibs with a 31-1/2 inch inseam and I found the bike comfortable to ride but a little high for me at a stop. I'm told as the seat gets broken in it will fit me perfectly. I did miss my hi-way pegs and the offset braket and pegs will be my first purchase after my adjustable backrest.
Overall my purchase of this 2009 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic was a great experience and I'm thoroughly enjoying riding my first touring bike. I've not been able to ride my bikes for long periods because of bck pain but this bike is different.I've had three back operations and am fused from S1 to T 12 and I would highly recommend this bike for it's comfort if back pain is a problem.
Ride Safe
Gary Metsala Read Full Review

Best HD I have owned

I recently traded my 07 Electra Glide Clasic 23K miles for a New 2009 Electra Glide Ultra All I can say is It is amazing The best ride ever I have owned Harley's since 1990 and I must say the new dynamics smooth Vibration free ride frame is great I feel as if I am floating on air No BS Serioulsly If... you get on this bike you will not leave the Dealership without one!!!
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Traded two for one:)

Recently, I traded an 06 Screaming Eagle Fat Boy and an 03 Ultra with a big bore 95 for the new 09 Ultra. I had the 103 with all the bells and whistles built on it before even riding it. WOW, what a ride! Better handling than the 03 Ultra, smoother through the twisties and power to spare. HD has ...made changes to a classic that makes it a world class tourng bike. WELL DONE Harley and thanks. Read Full Review

Awesome Ride for Passenger and Rider!

The ride and handling is great for both the passenger and the rider. No vibration issues or complaints after a 400 mile ride. Read Full Review