I am new to the forum but not to cycles (riding since the mid-sixties). I AM new to HD as an owner (Ultra SE) - I came to HD figuring the new century and the sophistication of engine technology have made most scoots extremely reliable, AND, I hoped HD, while having a 'dated' design, would have modernized it sufficiently to be in the high reliability sector. So far (only 4000 miles), I am pleased with reliability. I am coming from (and still own) Kaw Vulcan cruiser (125 cube V-Twin).
On the overall front, I am surprised at some of the lack of sophistication of some HD things, ranging from ergonomics, maintainability, and plain common sense. BUT, ALL BIKES HAVE THEIR PROS AND CONS. I admit however I had high expectations from a Ultra SE with the high $$ price tag that came with it.
Some pluses are:
- great wind protection from fairing and lowers - the adjustable deflectors are nice to direct air or block it
- smooth ride at any speed - no annoying vibes, high or low frequency
- cruise control - easy to set, change, and it smoothly adjusts for varying topography
- looks - none better, classic good looks for a touring machine, not plastic or utilitarian
- bells and whistles (except for the nav sys), all systems seem good quality items
- smart security system - nice not to have to fumble with keys
- handling, good at speed in twisties and in parking lots
- heated seat and grips: nice on those cool days
- belt drive is quiet, nice
- engine noise is quieter than expected, hope it stays that way!
- HD sound, now that is signature
- overdrive gear - makes hiway cruising a pleasure, and long downhill grades, too
- CVO bike cover - good fit and stows away well - logo makes me want that paging alarm, though!
- locking kickstand, should be a safety standard on all bikes
- saddlebags and tour pak, handy and good quality (except maybe tour pak hinges - could be beefier)
- stock horn, reasonably loud, better than most bikes
Some minuses:
- idle shake, yeah, yeah, signature HD my butt...gets old, especially in stop/go traffic
- heat - it's time to water-cool; my 125 cube Kaw never overheats me or my passenger in summer stop/go traffic. And water-cooling would negate complicated and unnecessary Engine Temp managment band-aids
- ergonomics, I'm 5'-8" - even with rear lower shocks, I am still on tip toes; passenger ergos need work, short passenger's calve gets bruised on saddlebag bar; yes, I could change my seat, and loose my and my passenger's heated seat feature! Also, passenger floorboard is too close to left pipe (melted shoe issue - why not have a heel guard built-in?)
- at this price I don't get a paging alarm?!? C'mon!! And the alarm system has no shock sensor?? My other bike has shock, current, and tilt sensing with a pager for $179!!
- Torx screws are crap - what happened to socket head screws??? They don't strip very easily!! And what's with the lack of using Never-Seez on threads?
- windshield shoud be adjustable at this price, not necessarily motorized, but adjustable
- bag quarter-turn retainers are not very easy to handle - Leatherlyke retainers are superior
- for a 110 cube motor, it shouldn't need this much clutch slippage to get underway - maybe 1st gear is too tall??
- $12 a quart synthetic lube...a bit pricey
- kickstand,while locking is a plus, allows bike to lean over too far, IMO
- gas cap, hinged wrong way, makes fuel additions cumbersome (why not hinge from the front or swing past 90 degrees to say 120 degrees)
- wired headsets....can you say "Bluetooth"

- who put an oil filter in a cramped spot and then surrounded it with an oil cooler and hoses??