Night Rod vs Ultra

[Zixxerpilot]

Yepo,I know they are VASTLY different bikes. But, here is the story.

I'm shopping for a bike to add to my current stable. My big Gixx is staying. However, the kids are both about big enough to ride with my wife and I, and she would like to do some more riding with her dad's side of the family. They are all big Harley people. So, she's looking at a couple JDM cruisers, and I'm looking at my first actual Harley. I've had Buells.

So, I was looking at the option of doing a backrest and passenger floor boards on the Night Rod. I really like this bike. Great power, handling, and the whole nine yards. However, the Ultra would have a significant amount of additional features great for our long-distance rides to see the family. Rather than trailer down with our stuff in the truck, I could pack most of it on the Ultra. It would also be a safer bet if the daughter decideds to fall asleep on the back.


What I'm looking for is a comparison of how the Vrod will do vs the Ultra. I really want the handling, but will it work as a good enough touring mount to deal with the spacial sacrifice over the Ultra.

[falconati]

What about a Triumph?

(sorry, I had to!)

[Zixxerpilot]

Ultimately, I was set on a BMW GS-A, or a Tiger, but the high seat height and lack of local dealer support are really hard to pass by. You can't throw a rock in Wisconsin without hitting a Harley dealer.

The seat height thing is ok for me, but hoisting the kids up on it would be a pain.

That being said, if I get the Vrod, I can add a Tiger or used GS-A to the stable after a year, but the ultra would be closer to 2 or 3. Takes some time to save that kinda benjamins, and the Ultra is about $9k more.

[spd2918]

It's all about the riding position.  I owned an Ultra but have never spend any time on the Night Rod (or V-Rod).  I have taken one on a short ride and I was not impressed with the weird ergos (feet forward and upper body bend forward at the waist).

The Ultra I had was my only bike at the time, and I missed the lean clearance and "right now" power of an ST bike.  It was very comfortable and the wife had a ton of room.  The older models were too short for my legs- most Harleys are- but the new ones are longer.  My 2010 Police Glide is a lot more roomy than my 2006 Ultra was, but the police saddle is farther back.  The newer models have a lot more power, too.  At least if you get one and hate it you can always sell it for little to no loss.  You can't do that with a Night Rod / V-Rod.

[Geoff]

Go for the Ultra. It has more utility and is much more comfortable than a V-Rod.

[coho]

Plus, the Ultra is a "proper" Harley while the Vrod family are "not" (what with the Yurpeen engineering and all).

[BobW]

If you want a two up touring platform, the FL is the way to go as that's what it was made to be. I like the idea of the "rods", but the current offerings have terrible ergonomics for the rider (riding miles VS putting around town), little consideration for the passenger and have minimal suspension, even the lovely soft tails have a terrible ride compared to the touring chassis because of their limited suspension too. HD has one of the best test ride/rental options across the entire line. For the $$ to be spent and the enjoyment at risk, you should do yourself and family a favor an take advantage of some one and two up miles. You'll be happier with the choice you make rather than relying on everyone Else's opinion.

Good luck.

Cheers

[2DFlyer]

North of 4500 RPM I love the Revolution motor but little else about the X Rod family.  If you're talking about laying down some serious miles I think the ergos would be torturous.

[Geoff]

I attended a HD demo event last year.  Attendance was poor, so the group leader took us on 30 minutes rides. The V-Rod was my least favorite because of its ergos. Mid (foot) controls would be better suited. I did like the power, however.