First 5k on my 09 Ultra

[wvrider]

To follow up on the other thread about how nice riding these bikes are...
On the plus side:
pretty dang comfortable stock (but another seat for long days is needed)
very good fueling (no stumbles, burps, pops just even running and starts with one big bang at the push of the starter)
runs at just about any sane speed with ease
radio is very cool out on the road, and cruise control! man I love that thing
handles OK for a big bike, turns in very easy, transitions from side to side with no effort
love the storage on this thing!

what it needs work on:
suspension - it worked great most of the time but gets bouncy and isnt that happy being pushed along curvy roads with less than stellar pavement; a fork upgrade might be coming via Progressive cartridges then have to think about the rear perhaps Penske
heat - it does get warm on your right thigh but so far not unbearable

I just came back from a twisty fest riding with my buddy on a Honda ST1300 from WV down to NC and back. I didnt have much trouble running with him most of the time but its not like a sport bike in the suspension dept. All in all I just get a hoot out of riding this beast even if I dont fit the brotherhood and now dont fit the St crowd....

Phil

[R Doug]

I'm glad you're enjoying your new ride (you rebel).  

[BobW]

Glad to hear she's making you smile. They are great bikes!

Safe travels.

[stevent]

Good deal! I just turned 25k on my '08 FLHT, wouldn't trade it for the world. You might try the Harley Hammock seat p/n 53051-09, I find it about the most comfortable seat I've sat on next to the spring post Tractor seat on my old 1980 FLHP. I finally broke down and bought a King Tour Pak for the bike, hasn't showed up yet but I'm looking forward to the extra hauling capacity, anyway congrat's, they're excellent bikes

 

[Gar]

 All in all I just get a hoot out of riding this beast even if I dont fit the brotherhood and now dont fit the St crowd....

Phil

YES!

[Geoff]

Nice report. Have you used a hand pump to adjust the rear air shocks? (Don't use compressed air; too much pressure.) I used to ride a 2005 Ultra Classic. I  never had any problem with the suspension, not even during two-up travel with the bags fully loaded.

[wvrider]

Yep, I have the harley pump for the rear and was running about 37 in the rear (I am 200 plus about 20-30 lbs of stuff in the bags) which is right about the "book"s recommendation for my weight plus some luggage. It was hard to tell which was the issue but if I had to guess it was the front more than the rear being loose in controlling the up and down bouncing from the undulations in the road. You sense some of this in turns with minor line changes and bar movement if there is any road imperfections. YOu also see it in the subtle harshness on small bumps (bumps my more sporting bikes with supposed stiff suspensions would just soak up and ignore). I think the suspension on this bike is fine for 80% of its riding duties for most folks. I happen to come from a sport touring back ground that pushes along just a little bit when the road is clear and curvy and I think the front could use some control that these older technology forks cant offer in their simplicity. I'll let you know what I think of the Progressive setup when I get it done. I'm not really critical of the stock setup but just thinkin this bike could be a whole lot better since it is so sweet as is.

Phil

[wvrider]

so I've put a couple hundred on it with the Progressive cartridge setup in the forks and.....no huge difference. Some lessening of fork dive and nice control from the font end in most situations but I dont think the oem setup was all that bad. The bike still seems a little spring happy and I suppose it is the rear. Not sure what or when I will address that but thought I would let you know that the $300 plus installation doesnt transform the big beast, just makes is a teeny bit better.

Phil