Back on two...

[Gas Man]

OSP... great write up. Its funny how much people say about HDs when they really know nothing about them. What year was that Ultra? If its pre 2009, you would really like the 2009 + . A whole new frame to make it much more agile and nuetral. The bike will stand straight up with no lean, very well balanced. The new brembo brakes with optional abs (Ihave) are great for stopping. Especially like you said when you're most of the time over a half ton. The bike alone weights in at like 970#.

Originally Posted by shmike

Welcome back, OSP!

GREAT write up. I am a BIG fan of the Ultra, it is definitely a machine that can help the non-believers "get it."

I'm glad to see you enjoyed the hog. My dad has the exact Ultra you have pictured. Once you learn to drag the rear brake, slow speed manuevers are a cinch.

Very true on the rear brake... that is a must on any big cruiser.

Originally Posted by OneSickPsycho

Oh, speaking of bikes that can change the opinion of HD... There's an article in one of the more recent issues of Motorcyclist where Jack Lewis admits to hating HD prior to riding a Road King, which he ends up loving. If I were to get an HD, it would probably be a Road King.

I love RKs. They are a great middle ground touring bike. Doesn't have all the greatness of that large fairing, stereo, etc. But you can still pack in the side bags and go.

Originally Posted by shmike

I love the Road King. Especially the Classic with the leather bags and white wall tires.

After spending 10 days aboard an Ultra touring the Western US it is nice to have the hard bags and the extra storage. When we ride my old man's bike, the wife loves the rear seat/arm rests/etc.

For me or local jaunts, I'd take the Road King. For two-up or touring I'd go Ultra every time.

You can get the RK with the hard side bags. Hell if you want to spend the $$ you can put on a quick disconnected tourpack.

Originally Posted by marko138

Nice to see you able to ride again. And wonderful write up. I really like the Ultra Classic. Gas Man's is gorgeous...especially with the trunk off. I absolutely considered buying one...but not now, with what HD did to my beloved Buell.

Why thank you sir. I love the no tourpack look



But when it comes to haulin around a gal and more stuff... can't beat that huge tourpack.

Originally Posted by OTB

Welcome back to the two-wheeled world.

I'd owned a new AMF Sporty way back in the when for a VERY short period of time as it was prone to fragging gearboxes, blowing off carbs during startup and shaking and shedding parts non-stop, so my opinion of Harleys had been very low. Then I picked up an 05 1200 Sporty a couple years ago and was really impressed with both the overall build quality and the way the bike ran. I rode it pretty much all summer (But still sold it, just like everything else but the Bimota).

They are nice bikes.....

You should check out a post 2007 Sporty. The FI, tweaked frame, better mouting on the motor, and wider rear tire did huge improvements to their old models.

Originally Posted by TIGGER

Ha we are old! I had an AMF Sporty too and after I broke down for the third time in 6 months, I traded it for the 1200 Sporty and it broke within 1,000 miles...Old Mr Barnett, let me trade it in for a '81 Yamaha Seca 750. A couple more Yamaha standards/cruisers and then I got my '88 V-Max....I was done with Harley, I don't know if I'll ever go back.

I'm glad you're riding again Zach! I still want you to come visit even if we're not going whoring....

Both of you should really reformulate your opinion on a newer HD. Much like the American cars, they have come real far in the last couple years.