Ultra Limited Owners

[bensfatboy]

Looking to get into a touring bike after riding a cruiser for 5 years.  My Fatboy has been a good ride, but thinking about the Ultra Limited.  Can get a decent deal on one right now and thinking about going for it.  Just wanted to fined out from you guys riding one about the pros and cons.

Thank you in advance for your replies.

[PoorUB]

Cons? Heavy, kind of a beast to move around. Other than that, no complaints.

Pros? The list is pretty long.
Comfortable for the long haul,
Cruise control,
CB radio,
Satellite radio,
USB drive support for music,
GPS,
Tons of storage,
There is more, but not all people like all the options.

[UltraNutZ]

How tall are you?

[Bikerscum]

The only cons I can think of are specific to the Limited Low, which I have. The front end is STIFF, the ride, even with Ohlins in the rear is a bit jarring. If I had to do it all over again I would get the regular Limited, put shorter Ohlins in the rear & a lower seat.... best of both worlds.

That said, it's nice to sit flat footed knees bent on a 900 pound bike. 

Oh, the stock stereo leaves a bit to be desired.... especially the rear speakers. ~$500 in the aftermarket will cure that.

[DYankee]

If you want to do some serious touring, it's the only way to go. The only con I can think of is if you happen to park in a down hill space and have to back out of it. The bike is heavy, but it rides and handles very well.

To me, the tour pack is not attractive, but it is really nice when you are taking a trip.

It mainly depends on what you want the bike for.

I ride mine every day and go on several long trips every year. I put close to 30K miles a year on mine and it only makes sense to have a limited for the storage and extra comforts.

[bensfatboy]

How tall are you?

6'-1"  I know I don't want low.  Want standard height,....right??

[lilchief]

Yes, at that height you'll want a standard height bike. The lows have reduced reach bars, seat, lowered suspension, etc, and you'd probably feel like a circus bear riding a sportster on a low.

Lil Chief

[bensfatboy]

Yes, at that height you'll want a standard height bike. The lows have reduced reach bars, seat, lowered suspension, etc, and you'd probably feel like a circus bear riding a sportster on a low.

Lil Chief

Yes, set on a low and felt like my elbows were sticking out of my ribs when hands on the grips.

[Just Nick]

I have had a ultra limited and it is a great bike but at 6'5" the fairing is to close I felt boxed in on long rides but it handled good and was nimble in the corners, Then I sold that one for a roadglide ultra and I really liked that one way more the fairing is farther away and I never felt boxed in or cramped I wish I would have kept that bike. If you have not tried the Road Glide Ultra I would rent one or atleast test ride it just to make sure you don't like it more

[bensfatboy]

I have had a ultra limited and it is a great bike but at 6'5" the fairing is to close I felt boxed in on long rides but it handled good and was nimble in the corners, Then I sold that one for a roadglide ultra and I really liked that one way more the fairing is farther away and I never felt boxed in or cramped I wish I would have kept that bike. If you have not tried the Road Glide Ultra I would rent one or atleast test ride it just to make sure you don't like it more

A good friend of mine rides a roadglide.  He loves it.  My problem with that bike is that when you turn the bars, the fairing is fixed, i.e. headlights.  I like to look where I'm going.

[koko3052]

As has been mentioned, rent one before you buy! Thot I wanted a tourer & found one at a real reasonable price. Drove the 5hrs (each way) & looked it over really well, was a done deal until I sat on it!
Just too tall & the floor boards are not for me. 6'2" & mostly leg & at above highway speeds the wind would catch my knees & pull my feet off the boards. Had some hip problems at the time that didn't help matters. That was on my first fatboy. Threw the boards off & built some "extended forward" controls & put pegs on it. Been very comfy since & 1300 kms./day are no problem. I put some hard bags on it & a tour pac & I will tour anywhere.

[Hossamania]

I like mine. I'm 5'6", little tall for me, but I make it work. I like the fairing, heated grips, radio (  ), lowers, trunk. I really like riding it, long distances are easy. Good power.
I don't like the weight when parking, the front end with the fairing will feel heavy at first, even at speed. The heat on the right side from the pipe is a bit much, but can be remedied. The suspension is not great.
Overall, a nice bike. More comfy than a softail, more calm than a RoadKing.
This on a '12.

[00FHHRCI]

Greetings,

I had a 2010 Limited and traded to a Rushmore bike, a 2015 limited.  I like the 2015.  Lower center of gravity, more passenger seat room, navigation, touch screen radio, and water cooled heads, thus lower temperatures on the rider are just a few of the benefits that I noticed.  Did a stage one screaming eagle air cleaner with screaming eagle street cannon slip ones with Harley download and dynoed at over 100 ft lbs of torque.  LED lighting comes standard.  Very pleased with setup.

James

[moose]

other than it weighing more than a tractor trailer it is great to ride. My 2011 Limited has all the comfort accessories that I need for long rides between the radio, radar, xm radio, radar detector, heated grips. I can go all day then stop for dinner and go some more. I'm 6'2 and fit perfect. I also have woods tw55 cams rinehardt pipes and se pro race tuner it runs like a bear. You will be happy or I'll give you half of what you paid to buy it from you   

[76shuvlinoff]

I like my 12 Ultra EG but I am 5'8", changed the handlebars, modifed the seat. From what I keep reading the RG fits the taller guys better?

[runamuck]

at 6' I am about the minimum ht. for the ultra I have. they are great for the long rides and if you take a passenger are the only way to go very far comfortably. I dont get limiteds because here in texas I take off the lowers every spring for extra airflow and one of the first things I do on a new bike is change out the grips and pegs so buying aftermarket grips with heater controls is more pricey and less to pick from. I just wear gloves. my wife does not understand the pack light concept so when we head out of ft. worth to red river or durango we are packed to the hilt and that makes the bike a little bit of a load but you get used to it quick. you can get a detach kit if you want to remove trunk when you dont need it.

[PoorUB]

I have had an '05, '10 and now a '16, each one just keeps getting better. As for the Low, I have a "normal" Limited and it sits lower than my '10 did, I think it is just the seat. The suspension got stiff on the '10 compared to the '05, but now the '16 is better again, maybe not as plush as the '05, but much better than the '10.

As for the stereos, I have not been impressed with any of them, but I wear ear buds that I have wired into the headset leads so I don't think about it much. I have considered swapping out the speakers, but then remember I don't listen to them that much anyway.

As for the weight when parking, you learn fast to park facing up hill or to just look for a better parking spot and walk a bit farther!

[Tommy D]

Looking to get into a touring bike after riding a cruiser for 5 years.  My Fatboy has been a good ride, but thinking about the Ultra Limited.  Can get a decent deal on one right now and thinking about going for it.  Just wanted to fined out from you guys riding one about the pros and cons.

Thank you in advance for your replies.

I'd recommend fitting the bike to your height & riding style....handlebars, seat, windshield, etc
Change front & rear suspension for improved ride & handling.. The Mo Co premium front cartridge kit works great, in the rear, Super Shox would be my choice. I had Harleys' premium adjustable on the rear of mine, & swapped over to a set of Super Shox...better overall ride IMO
Get it fitted to your make up, stage 1 exhaust along with a great tune for improved drive ability & ride for the hills,,  you'll never look back or regret it 

Ride Safe

[lilchief]

I have had a ultra limited and it is a great bike but at 6'5" the fairing is to close I felt boxed in on long rides but it handled good and was nimble in the corners, Then I sold that one for a roadglide ultra and I really liked that one way more the fairing is farther away and I never felt boxed in or cramped I wish I would have kept that bike. If you have not tried the Road Glide Ultra I would rent one or atleast test ride it just to make sure you don't like it more

A good friend of mine rides a roadglide.  He loves it.  My problem with that bike is that when you turn the bars, the fairing is fixed, i.e. headlights.  I like to look where I'm going.

Not being a smarta$$ here, but a cars headlights don't turn with the front wheels either. The RG headlight really doesn't leave you in the dark per say.
Lil Chief

[calbyker69]

I have been riding baggers since 1985. Had a 93 Softtail, an FXE and a couple sportsters along the way but nothing rides like a bagger. Now on a 2015 Limited. At 5'9" the only con is the weight. It is the first one that I stuggle to pick up alone. Could be my advanced age, 

[76shuvlinoff]

I'm 56, not in a shape, had my 12 EG for 3 years (bought it used) and like I said above I'm 5'8" on a good day.  I used the Burley lowering kit to drop the rear a few hairs and had my seat slightly lowered and narrowed.  Yeah they are heavy bikes but so far that has not been a big issue. My only trouble with the weight is being aware when I switch from solo to two up. A loaded top box running two-up can make low speed stuff interesting.

[Pirsch Fire Wagon]

I've been riding for more than 40 years. I started with a 72 Shovel. I've literally had everything from a Sportster on but, not a Road Glide.

I probably averaged about 20k miles a year. But, when I bought a 98 Bagger, I was done. Never to look back. I bought a 2k Ultra which is probably my last bike. It has 184k miles and one engine build. Windshield, Cruise, Stereo, Air Seat (heated).... Yea, I'm a Pussy now. But, I'm comfortable.

As for the Road Glide. My Buddy has a 2005 and I rode it a few thousand miles on a cross country trip. If I ever do buy another, it will be the Road Glide.

You can do anything any other bike can do with practice. Baggers are a Bitch to move up-hill. Just plan your parking appropriately or get a reverse (which I would otherwise own if I weren't so cheap and had kids in college) 

[runamuck]

I have ridden with a few road glide owners. they have said that those bikes are more agile and handle a little better than the ultras but you are a little more exposed to the elements being farther back from the windshield. I have decided that If I ever get rid of my '09 ultra I will give a roadglide a thorough lookover. probably would be my last bike.

[Hossamania]

Sorry to hear about the RoadGlides........

I've actually sent an inquiry to Super Shox for pricing on a set of shocks for my Ultra. I like the bike, my wife finds it very comfortable. EXCEPT for the suspension, she hates it. After being on the BMW she now knows how nice a good suspension can be. I figure good shocks are cheaper than a new RT. Im also going to check on Ohlins.

[bobrk1]

got a 2012 love it just don't like the ride so much, pro suspension has a cartridge for the front forks that I heard is great at $400 and my bro said legend rear shocks are great at about $800 and they will go on other bikes if you sell you can keep them and get what you need for the fit. I changed the oil in rear shocks on my RK and it made a nice difference went with amsoil shock oil gonna do the front forks too hope that works aint got $400 or the $800 lol.