Well I've been kicking around the idea of selling my XT for an Ultra Classic. I can take one of the kids more comfortably on trips with the ultra. Anyone done this and really missed the Buell? I know I will not own the corners, but I won't feel I have to either..
My wife does fine on long rides on our Uly. Maybe you have "bikeitch" which is caused by little bugs that hatch in the spring. They actually bore into your heart. Men are most susceptable. It is much less costly than "wifeitch" as I understand things. That one can kill ya.
LOL, I do have a major bike itch. I would love to keep my Buell, though. I've had it from Daytona to the Grand Canyon, It really has been a good bike. But, my 7 year old Daughter falls asleep on it every time I take her. I've got people pointing at me all the time. My 12 year old boy doesn't care either way. The Ultra would hold her in a bit better.
I rode an Electra Glide Classic for 7-1/2 years, Dad4, all over the country for 98,000 miles+. Last week I rode a 2010 Elec. Glide Limited, just to get in on the Harley Win-A-Bike deal, and though it was nice it felt like a 1955 Cady vs. a modern 'sporty car' in comparison to my Uly. I would never go back and others I've spoken with say there is no more comfortable bike than a Uly for passengers. Whatever you do I wish you the best but be patient and consider all pros/cons. Good luck.
got both and there both different in their own way. really hard to say which one would go first if i had to start down sizing. i like the cruise and stereo. and it being an 04, it fits me better than what the 01 did and even better than a 10. definitely doesn't handle as well as the uly on the back roads though.
Wolf- My 12 year old goes everywhere with me, but the daughter will eventually go with me when he starts football. I've only put 18xxx on my bike in one year, but I had a few surgeries on my hand last year that took me out for about 3 months.
Froggy: They always ask if I will be doing wheelies. HELL YEAH
The Limited is the one I have been looking at. I like those better than the street glides. (Message edited by dad4 on May 10, 2010)
I have had 2 Ultra's still have an 07 Screaming Eagle Ultra. Also have an 09XP and love them both. I do ride the Uley more but when it comes to an all day I have to chose the Ultra. Just me.
I was on a group ride weekend before last and one of the guys had a new Limited. Dang! That thing could corner! HD's new chassis has really transformed the old "Glide"...
I have both. An '07 Ultra and an '09 XT. The Ultra is hands down a better long distance rider for me. Backrest, stereo, intercom, CB and better wind protection make the difference. That being said, the XT is more fun to ride, has more power, handles much better and has much better, smoother suspension.
For me it boils down to: Long overnight trips = Ultra Anything else = XT
I have the 2009 Electra Glide, the new frame and motor mount with the 6-spd and 96cu-in. It is like night and day to my older Evo-based 1995 Road King, although that motor has been 'improved' by my hand so it is a more dramatic ride around town.
I have a 2007 Ulysses and a 2010 Ulysses.
So I can ride any version two-wheels on any given day or trip.
Living at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, I often want to take the Ulysses for the two-tracks and single tracks that run off at steep angles a touring bike isn't suited to. But if my wife is going on her Road King, I take the Electra Glide. I carry stuff, it is easy cruising for sight seeing or pounding out miles and still being able to dance or hot tub back at the hotel later that night.
With the right crowd I have toured on the Ulysses though too. Moab, Taos, Silverton and Engineers pass and not having to trailer a bike that can go off road is great. Then again, with sport-minded riders, the switchbacks provide fertile territory for letting the Uly stretch its legs.
My 12 y/o step-son likes to fall asleep back there. Usually some candy he can eat through his helmet keeps him up. Otherwise let him./her wear a back back and slip the tail under the backpack. Kind of holds him in place! My wife will fall asleep sometimes but she leans right on me. She get a little thigh slapper when she does that.