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[GolfPro22]

Any opinions on the handling[highlight][/highlight] virtues of the FLHTCUSE vs the standard Ultra Classic?   I realize that these bikes should handle similar if not identical- but I rode the S/E today and felt that it did not handle as well as my (sold) '04 Ultra Classic. Dealer said it will be improved with a simple adjustment to the steering head.... (?)  Wondering.  I will ride it again on Monday or Tuesday.   Those of you with the S/E Ultra, I was wondering if you traded up from an Ultra Classic- and if you had any opinions on handling.  The one I tried was less than stable at speed.
Thanks-
Chris

[06ULTRASE]

I have owned 3 touring Harleys including my Ultra SE. My first one was a 99 Ultra which really is an apples and oranges comparision because of the suspension changes that were made in 6 years. My second was an 03 RoadKing that is closer as far as suspension but quite a bit lighter. The first time I picked the SE off the kick stand I was wondering if I was going to be happy with the extra weight but IMO the SE is the best handling HD I've owned. I'm not a hard rider but I have found myself on occasion dragging the floor boards. On my trip to Daytona last month I got in with a group that was running between 85 and 90, I found no stability problem at that speed. That must be one heck of a dealer that would let you ride a SE, locally if they have a rental you can test ride but a SE not a chance.
[smiley=jalapeno.gif] [smiley=jalapeno.gif]

[jeffj]

I agree with 06ULTRASE, you must have a really nice HD Dealer.
Where I shop all of the CVO Scooters are sold before the even announce what there making
let alone let you ride one a couple different time. If you don't mind who is the dealer?

My past touring scooters have all been RoadKings, so I can't compare the SE Ultra vs, Ultra
All I know is I like my CUSE better than any previous scooter and I have owned both the 02 & 03 SE RoadKings.
Geez I guess I am an Ole Geezer now.

[GolfPro22]

Well, to be more clear about "riding" the SE... It was not a test-ride... I have already paid for it.  I ordered it a couple of months ago- and paid for it before I picked it up (yesterday).   Picked it up and rode about 10 miles before returning it to the delaership as unacceptable.  I have purchased several bikes form this dealer- (Macon, GA.) and I do not feel "committed" to accepting this bike unless I am satisfied. HE will allow me to exchange for an Ultra Classic (with some refund/credit obviously).   Like I said I will try again on Monday or Tuesday. Hopefully it is a simple adjustment to the steering head or wheel alignment perhaps.
Thanks for your reply.
Chris

I agree with 06ULTRASE, you must have a really nice HD Dealer.
Where I shop all of the CVO Scooters are sold before the even announce what there making
let alone let you ride one a couple different time. If you don't mind who is the dealer?

My past touring scooters have all been RoadKings, so I can't compare the SE Ultra vs, Ultra
All I know is I like my CUSE better than any previous scooter and I have owned both the 02 & 03 SE RoadKings.
Geez I guess I am an Ole Geezer now.

[GolfPro22]

I am glad to hear that you are pleased with the handlingof your SE. Gives me hop that the problem I am encountering is quick fixable.  I was so impressed with how well my o4 Ultra handled- so, I was expecting at least the equivalent in handling. I have paid for the SE- (hence the ride)- but I returned it to the delaer with the request to fix or replace. Not oppposed to choosing an 06 Ultra and beefing it up.  However, my hope is that they find a quick fix and that I am pleased with the SE.  By the way- Nice stereo, Tremendous power, beautiful piant, etc... just want it to track down the road like my 04 Ultra did.
Thanks for your reply.
Chris

I have owned 3 touring Harleys including my Ultra SE. My first one was a 99 Ultra which really is an apples and oranges comparision because of the suspension changes that were made in 6 years. My second was an 03 RoadKing that is closer as far as suspension but quite a bit lighter. The first time I picked the SE off the kick stand I was wondering if I was going to be happy with the extra weight but IMO the SE is the best handling HD I've owned. I'm not a hard rider but I have found myself on occasion dragging the floor boards. On my trip to Daytona last month I got in with a group that was running between 85 and 90, I found no stability problem at that speed. That must be one heck of a dealer that would let you ride a SE, locally if they have a rental you can test ride but a SE not a chance.
[smiley=jalapeno.gif] [smiley=jalapeno.gif]

[falcon]

Golfpro22
These post may be helpful
http://flhrsei.org/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?num=1083421697/0

[06ULTRASE]

Golfpro22
These post may be helpful
http://flhrsei.org/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?num=1083421697/0

This post from what I'm reading is on the SEEG with the lowered suspension, the 06 UltraSE doesn't have the lowered suspension but outside of the travel issue talked about it could very well be the same problem.

[GolfPro22]

Golfpro22
These post may be helpful
http://flhrsei.org/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?num=1083421697/0

Thanks Falcon. Glad to hear that you have solved your problem. Are you now satisfied with handling / stabilty? Have you had an Ultra Classic in the past- and can you compare handling? I will be discussing this issue with my dealer tomorrow. The information (thread) you provided will be helpful.  THANKS
Chris

[sefatboyscott]

IMHO you should keep the SE and modify the suspension rather than buy a stocker and put all that money in it to get it up to CVO par.......but opinions are like a holes.

[GolfPro22]

This post from what I'm reading is on the SEEG with the lowered suspension, the 06 UltraSE doesn't have the lowered suspension but outside of the travel issue talked about it could very well be the same problem.

Is the TRAVEL on the SE Ultra Classic different than the Ultra Classic?  Looking at the bikes I would "assume" that it is the same.  Appears the be same fairing, handlebars, footboard position, etc.
Chris

[110tHunDer]

Is the TRAVEL on the SE Ultra Classic different than the Ultra Classic?  Looking at the bikes I would "assume" that it is the same.  Appears the be same fairing, handlebars, footboard position, etc.
Chris

My understanding is there is no change in the suspension between a regular production Ultra and a Screamin' Eagle Ultra.

[06ULTRASE]

My understanding is there is no change in the suspension between a regular production Ultra and a Screamin' Eagle Ultra.

That's my understandng also.

[naitram]

there would be subtle differences in overall weight and center of gravity between the 2 this may or may not be noticeable in the handeling

[FR8TRN]

Well as you know GolfPro I came off an '04 Ultra also, I tend to ride hard and I tend to ride....well lets just say over the limit.  I agree with what you've experienced, the SE is not as stable as my '04 Ultra was, I think I mentioned something about this when we discussed it on the EGG, (I think), my dealer adjusted the steering head also, it made an insignificant difference if it made one at all.  From what I can tell it is swingarm related, I think the Ride-Str8 or the True-Trac will resolve this issue, I planned on getting one anyways, even my '04's frame/swingarm would flex in the corners.  I rode an '06 Ultra at a local dealer a few weeks back and it felt the same as my SE, so you may not resolve by just going to a regular '06 Ultra.  Noted changes for '06 is the front suspension, this might be part of the problem also.  I've got about 6500 miles on mine now and I don't really notice the instability anymore, unless I'm grinding thru a sweeper at high speed, but like I said, my '04 didn't like that much either.  Oh yeah, the stability seems to be a bit better when 2up and even better with the bike loaded.  Wife and I ran 100mph+ on the interstates in WV with no problem, and they ain't exactly straight roads.  There is a group of RK riders in WV still scratching their heads as to why they couldn't keep up with the damn loaded down dresser. [smiley=huepfenjump3.gif]

[GolfPro22]

Thanks for the post.  Would you say that the '06 Ultra that you rode recently was no more stable than your SE?  I could live with a slight difference- but this SE was really twitchy and nervous acting. Sort of "swimmy" on the highway like it had a mind of its own. Not that rock-solid striaght line tracking I was used to on the '04 Ultra. Wind was blowing 15 mph, but it felt as though it was blowing 40 mph.  I rode ten miles- turned around at took it back to the dealership. It was that noticable. Was yours this noticable at first? I just felt uncomfortable leaning into a curve- was not sure it would stay where I pointed it. Tomorrow I will mention your swingarm thoughts to the mechanic. Thanks again-  and please keep me posted if you have any thoughts.  As I mentioned a true-stable ride is more important to me than 103" and paint, so I will consider the Ultra Classic. However, my true hope is that this SE will work out for me. It sure looks awesome.   Thanks again!
Chris   cmurman@aol.com

Well as you know GolfPro I came off an '04 Ultra also, I tend to ride hard and I tend to ride....well lets just say over the limit.  I agree with what you've experienced, the SE is not as stable as my '04 Ultra was, I think I mentioned something about this when we discussed it on the EGG, (I think), my dealer adjusted the steering head also, it made an insignificant difference if it made one at all.  From what I can tell it is swingarm related, I think the Ride-Str8 or the True-Trac will resolve this issue, I planned on getting one anyways, even my '04's frame/swingarm would flex in the corners.  I rode an '06 Ultra at a local dealer a few weeks back and it felt the same as my SE, so you may not resolve by just going to a regular '06 Ultra.  Noted changes for '06 is the front suspension, this might be part of the problem also.  I've got about 6500 miles on mine now and I don't really notice the instability anymore, unless I'm grinding thru a sweeper at high speed, but like I said, my '04 didn't like that much either.  Oh yeah, the stability seems to be a bit better when 2up and even better with the bike loaded.  Wife and I ran 100mph+ on the interstates in WV with no problem, and they ain't exactly straight roads.  There is a group of RK riders in WV still scratching their heads as to why they couldn't keep up with the damn loaded down dresser. [smiley=huepfenjump3.gif]