I picked up my 2010 SE Ultra, Red/Slate yesterday for the ride home from where I bought it (about 2+ hrs from home). I had a chance to run it through some great twisties, highways and some nice country rodes. I don't know if others are getting deals below MSRP in the current economic conditions, but I was not able to (and I negotiate for a living). I was able to get freight and handling off the purchase ($605) as a previous customer of this dealer. Here's a few of my impressions about the ride and the bike.
Background: I'm new to touring bikes. I'm coming from a relatively hot (102/108) high revving 95" 2003 Fatboy. I really wanted a new SE SG but once I saw them in person I knew the date had to be returned home. While her backside is great, her outfit was just too bland to keep my interest. I only wish the paint scheme on the SE Ultra was the one on the SESG. It would have hit my sweet spot right from the start.
So that left me taking the SE Ultra and turning it into a convertible SESG with a few more goodies and a better resale value.
First, its worth noting once I saw the 2 paint jobs in the sun there was no comparison. The metal flake in the ultra and the dark red against the slate were simply far better than the rather dull colors and schemes on the SG.
From a comfort standpoint, I have alot of work to do to set the bike up for my tastes and comfort level. First project will be to relocate the floorboards forward/out and lengthen the shifter and possibly the brake levers. The bike feels like its built for someone between 5'10" and 6' (I'm 6'4"). Nothing that can't be easily fixed but worth noting if you're tall and looking at this bike. There was absolutely no way I could ride the bike (even though I did for a 2 miles before stopping) with the rider backrest installed. I suspect this removeable backrest will find a nice shelf in the garage until a future owner finds a use for it. The seat is excellent and provides a very comfortable seating position (w/o backrest).
Next 2 projects will be making the tourpak detachable. I know that relocates the CB and AM/FM antennas so I'll be swapping out to shorties. I also realize this moves the amp under the KTP to one of my saddlebags. I would be interested in creative alternatives that others have used on the amp instead of giving up space in the saddlebag. I guess in the end I'll be getting my SESG by making the Ultra a convertible.
3rd step will be to lower the front and rear suspension. I'd be interested in approaches others have used to lower the bike. Dealer is recommending using the lowering kit for the front and swapping out the rear air shocks for the rear hand-adjustable shocks from the 2010 SESG's. What have other's experienced in lowering their Ultras?
Now to my impressions from the ride. The ride is very smooth, even when dealing with rough services. I was impressed and wonder how much of this smooth ride I'll lose by lowering the bike. Acceleration was only OK from my perspective when compared with my current bike. Very surprising given that this is "the MOCO's biggest engine ever". Its got some decent low end torque but even still, its a "sad sister" compared to the feel of the torque from my worked 95". But I plan to address the performance with engine upgrades.
Throttle response is definitely an issue. The MoCo has really damped down the electronic throttle when running in lower RPMs. Unacceptable for my riding preferences and will definitely be taken care of with the pro-RT.
Handling was truly outstanding. Surprising so. I was expected the bike to be an overwieght version of my current bike, however I was really impressed with the handling in the twisties. There's alot of potential in the frame of this bike and I look forward to exploring them. Kudos to Harley for a really outstanding feel to the tightness, frame, suspension and leaning of the bike. I'm really looking forward to more riding in the twisties once the TP is detached, the floorboads are right and the engine is setup to deliver what its really capable of (if only the EPA Big Brother wasn't breathing down the MoCo's neck).
All-in-all I am really excited about the bike and its potential. I really no nothing about its controls yet (beyond the basics) and looking forward to digging into the manual tonight. I did figure out the radio during the ride last night and it was crisp and clear at all types of speeds and easily adjusted. I like the height of the windshield although another inch higher might have been better for me. I don't know if the handlebar can be adjusted, but I hope it can be turned up slightly for a higher hand position from the current setup. I need to get used to the engine vibration while at a light as compared to my fatboy, but I knew that going in.
I really think this will be a bike I can enjoy and build on for years to come once I get it setup. While others may have mixed feelings on the flames, I have to say I really, really like them. In the 150 mile ride (before it got dark), I had 3 people roll down windows at lights to say what an outstanding bike it was. Certainly made me feel great about the purchase on its maiden ride home. Best of luck to others considering this bike.
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Topic: First Impressions after 150 miles on my new 2010 FLHTCUSE5 (Read 16539 times)