Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[SteveO]

Just checking to see how many are riding an entirely stock 2011 bike for any length of time without making any exhaust, fuel or ECM changes?

Thinking about trading my 08 Ultra SE3 for a 2011 SE Ultra. Tired of having to spend lots of $$$ and time to make it perform properly.  Not sure if the heat and performance is a big issue on the 2011's without modifications. And is the ride and handling better than the 08's?

Your input would be appreciated.

Steve

[guppytrash]

SteveO
I owned an 08 Ultra and now own an 09 CVO ultra.  Heat will be an issue on any of the new bikes.  As far as the frame changes I will be in the minority here as I think it is a lot of hype.
09's do handle slightly better, but in all honesty I think the 08 was smoother over the bumps.  The wide rear tire looks mucho better!  The 09 definitely does a better job of not following the tar stripes (road snakes) than the 08. 
Small differences in handling and ride.  Same as far as heat.
Cool factor of the wide tire...priceless.
To get a smooth ride out of the new frame you need to run a lot more air in the shocks.  I run 35psi solo and 50psi two up. 
If you don't have the psi correct the stiff new frame will remind you. 

[duranh]

I put 10000 miles on my bike with the stock setup. I was OK with the performance but there as a engine ping at about 3k rpms when I got on the throttle that prompted me to take it in to have the work you mentioned. I am the minority when I say I was just fine with the stock sound, the cat did cook my leg a little but it was not the deciding factor in the upgrade. I can't stan to have an engine ping. It was really nice to be able to warm up the bike with no complaints from the neighbors.

[Heatwave]

Just checking to see how many are riding an entirely stock 2011 bike for any length of time without making any exhaust, fuel or ECM changes?

Thinking about trading my 08 Ultra SE3 for a 2011 SE Ultra. Tired of having to spend lots of $$$ and time to make it perform properly.  Not sure if the heat and performance is a big issue on the 2011's without modifications. And is the ride and handling better than the 08's?

Your input would be appreciated.

Steve

I have a 2010 SE Ultra. You will find that the stock 2011 SE Ultra will be an uncomfortable ride if you live in a warm climate and intend to stick with the stock exhaust and stock fuel map. Your right calf and hamstring will get baked. Also worth noting the performance of the stock bike is severely restricted. I had my bike dynoed in complete stock form and it had 77 hp and 100 ftlbs.

The frame upgrade is definitely not hype, but whether or not you'll be able to appreciate it will depend on how you ride. If you're a casual riding doing a couple thousand miles a year and are a non "sporting" rider, then you probably won't have a full appreciation for the significant improvements this frame has to offer in handling. OTOH if you like to ride hard in the twisites and put a fair amout of miles on the bike (I have 18,000 and just finished 1900 miles in the white mountains of NH, VT and Me), then you will be amazed by the capability the new frame has to offer.

I've made many upgrades to my bike including LED lighting, detachable TP, upgraded Amp/speakers for the stereo, chromed engine and tranny, headwork, cam, exhaust, roller rockers, and tuning. But if you were looking to stay close to stock, you would be very pleased with just upgrading the exhaust combined with a good tune. You'll gain 10-15hp and 5-10 ft-lbs and dramatically reduce the heat of the engine from a comfort perspective. With just those 2 changes you would have an excellent performing bike with many more features than any other HD on the market.

[JCZ]

I was riding an 04 SEEG with the 103, it was paid for and it ran perfectly.....I had no intentions of buying a new bike.  That is until I rode my wife's 09 Street Glide.   Don't ride a newer model if you're not ready to buy because you'll sell your sole for one.  The handling is just that much better.

Not saying it's a cushier ride, actually, it's probably more firm if anything.  Kind of like comparing a Cadallac to a sports car...just no comparison but the Porsche will handle so, so much better and so will the touring bikes with the new frame.   Add to that the ABS brakes, etc. just makes it not even be a question.

As for mods to the bike......we've always had to do the basic to get any kind of performance out of them.  But with the catalytic converter and the lean running stock motor, it's now a "must do the basic" of changing the head pipe, air cleaner and baffles.  Fullsac has a package deal that's reasonable.

[michaelbmenaker]

Don't blame Harley, it's the EPA. The new bikes are just too lean to run well. At a minimum, some EFI changes (lot's of choices), removing the CAT and a SE or similar air cleaner. That's all I did to my '10 SESG and get 89hp/108 ft lbs. Plenty for me, and I live at 5,400 feet.

Don't get me started on bars, Zumo, mirrors, seat, etc., etc. I have NEVER seen a 100% stock Harley outside the showroom. Everybody changes something.

[Jerry/MD]

I resisted making any changes to my '09 SEUC until I sat at a stop light on the first day the mercury hit 90 degrees.

A few days later I was talking to Steve at Fullsac. That's all I gotta say about that.  

[Midnight Rider]

The ABS brake system and the frame makes it worth it, IMO.  I tried to run it stock, but the first time the temps hit 90 degrees, I changed my mind and went with the Fullsac system.  It's about the least expensive way to go, especially if you do the work yourself.  And it's not loud.  The motor is still hot at redlights when it's 90 + degrees out, but it's better than stock.  The '11 CVO touring bikes already have a high flow air cleaner, so no need to change that.

Although the frame is better, and gives you better handling than the older frame if you ride somewhat aggresively, the stock suspension still pretty much sucks.  But, you only know that if you have something that doesn't suck to compare it to.

[guppytrash]

I told you I would be in the minority  
My 09 has 20000 miles on it.  

All these opinions are very valid.  

I would suggest you test ride one.  Maybe rent a new one for a weekend.
Riding style has a lot to do with it as well as your comfort level.  Even where you live.  I live in IL. were the roads are flat, straight, and bumpy.

If I want to hammer a turn I will throw a leg over my CRF450 and blast through a berm.  Raced MX for over 20 years and participated in the evolution of the stiffer frame/better handling MX bikes.  A stiffer frame will no doubt handle better, with the suspension tuned.  The caveat to that is: the stiffer the frame the more important the suspension becomes.  In the case of HD, and the new frame, the frame is better but the suspension.... well, you be the judge of that.

The Cadillac to sports car comparison is a great one.
My 09 CVO Ultra is my Cadillac but it is not as soft a ride as my 08 ultra Caddy was.  Point is you really don't get it all in one package.  Most of these Ultras spend more time vertical on highways then they do draggin' knees and elbows in turns.  

Like JCZ said I think some of the other new improvements will stand out to you also.

If you drive a new bike I think you will want one...I just don't think it will be all about the frame.

[Dr.D]

I don't know if I have er seen a completely stock HD on the road. Most of us just can't leave these things alone. We always know a better thing to do.

To me is more about money than any other factor. If the funds are limited then adding is all about dreams and even the reliability issue are less important. If I had a billion $ I'd leave a broke bike on the side of the road call for a chopper lift and and buy another later in the day.

Because I less than that I am more conservative with expenditures. Most after purchase additions enhance the ownership of the bike and personalize the experience. I like to add and spend on the bike. Now I have both of them "finished" and there is not more thrill of the chase.

Wonder what colors are coming out in 2012???

[ultrafxr]

After having made many changes and spend much dough on my '07 I vowed to keep my '11 RUSE stock.  I just turned over 10k on it last weekend and while it is definitely hot it really is not that much hotter than my '07 which I also ride.  As for performance - well it is plenty strong for me as it is, bone stock.

[grc]

Don't blame Harley, it's the EPA. ...................................................

With all respect, that is BS.  The EPA sets the regulations equally for all motorcycles, and it's up to the various manufacturer's to come up with acceptable performance while meeting the regulations.  Harley has never made a serious effort to come up with stock calibrations that run smoothly without hiccups, and they purposely underpower their bikes to encourage spending tons of money to make them somewhat competitive with other companies stock offerings.

I always wonder how people who blame the EPA for the sorry state of affairs at Harley reconcile that with the performance they can get in the automotive arena right off the showroom floor, while those vehicles meet MUCH stricter standards than H-D ever dreamed of.  Go into a Ford dealer and drive a Cobra Mustang or a Chevy dealer and drive a Corvette, then tell me their performance sucks.


Jerry

[Wild Card]

With all respect, that is BS.  The EPA sets the regulations equally for all motorcycles, and it's up to the various manufacturer's to come up with acceptable performance while meeting the regulations.  Harley has never made a serious effort to come up with stock calibrations that run smoothly without hiccups, and they purposely underpower their bikes to encourage spending tons of money to make them somewhat competitive with other companies stock offerings.

I always wonder how people who blame the EPA for the sorry state of affairs at Harley reconcile that with the performance they can get in the automotive arena right off the showroom floor, while those vehicles meet MUCH stricter standards than H-D ever dreamed of.  Go into a Ford dealer and drive a Cobra Mustang or a Chevy dealer and drive a Corvette, then tell me their performance sucks.


Jerry

I'm not going to pretend to know squat about EPA regulations and whether or not there are differences for motorcycles vs autos, liquid vs air-cooled, etc...  I am curious what you would consider a more appealing, faster, better running stock motorcycle brand.  When I was getting into riding, there just seemed to be nothing comparable, for style and relative performance anyway.  To be honest, I haven't looked at much else since I bought a Harley 10 years ago. 

[Midnight Rider]

With all respect, that is BS.  The EPA sets the regulations equally for all motorcycles, and it's up to the various manufacturer's to come up with acceptable performance while meeting the regulations.  Harley has never made a serious effort to come up with stock calibrations that run smoothly without hiccups, and they purposely underpower their bikes to encourage spending tons of money to make them somewhat competitive with other companies stock offerings.

I always wonder how people who blame the EPA for the sorry state of affairs at Harley reconcile that with the performance they can get in the automotive arena right off the showroom floor, while those vehicles meet MUCH stricter standards than H-D ever dreamed of.  Go into a Ford dealer and drive a Cobra Mustang or a Chevy dealer and drive a Corvette, then tell me their performance sucks.


Jerry

X2...

[Boatman]

When I traded my 05 for the 10, I was changing parts between the two bikes in the dealers lot.   Some people make no changes, but when you know there are better options than stock-I do/did it.