I think everyone agrees; you don't buy a Ultra Limited and try to make it into a CVO; with that said here is what I looked at, New 2014 CVO Ultra $38,999, Average California sales tax 8% for a total of $42,118.92 plus License. You would probably only add upgraded Mufflers and air cleaner. I am not including that cost because you would do the same with the Ultra Limited.
If you buy the Ultra Limited in Black the price is $25,899, with 8% tax you are at 27,970.92, if you go with the top custom paint option Ultra Limited the price is $27,364 plus 8% sales tax or 29,553.12. I am very happy with the factory paint on the Limited (Yes I prefer the CVO) and only wish to add the slipstream rider and passenger floor boards using the swept wing option; just like those on the CVO. I would add the XM Module option, garage door opener, upgraded round custom gear shift linkage and short angle adjustable highway pegs. Total retail for all the parts is $1,499.35. I plan on buying this winter during my dealers 20% off sale for a total price of $1,199.48. That will result in a total price of $29,170.40 for the black Limited and $30,752.60 for the custom paint optioned Ultra Limited.
These would be bikes that look great and have all the features I would consider "required". Most of the extras included with the CVO are cosmetic. You have a little more power with the 110" motor but the 103" sure does the job. The difference is approx.. $12,948.52 between the black Nicely equipped Ultra Limited and a CVO and $11,366.32 for the Custom paint option Ultra Limited.
The difference would of course drop close to another $1,000 if you have the accessories installed by the dealer. I did not include the cost of California's Lic. Fee. It would be substantially higher for the CVO, year after year. I did not include the price of mufflers or air cleaner because they are needed on both bikes.
Without question; if the difference is not a issue, go with the CVO. If a person is more like myself, I was more comfortable with the Ultra Limited and found the bikes appearance and performance more than acceptable. Nothing like looking at the facts. Again; If you want the Chrome front end, polished front disc brakes, chrome handlebar controls, color matched inner fairing, etc., etc., etc. for heavens sake go with the CVO.
Hope this helps
Scott