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[rsberg]

I have been without a bike for almost a year now and I am getting the itch again. Here is the advice I need from you guys. I am looking at a 2011 Ultra CVO with 14k milage at $25,900, but I really like what HD has done with there 2014 Ultra Limited for just a little bit more $$$. (Truthfully I would love the 2014 Limited CVO but a little to rich for my blood). Do you think 2014 Ultra limited out weighs getting a 2011 CVO?

[deldago]

Went that route before and spent CVO money upgrading engine, wheels and just about everything else. Trade in time was the eye opener for me. If you can leave it stock I would go new, but I have never been able to leave anything stock. Even my weed eater has a K&N filter and a jet kit!

[RJW]

 "Even my weed eater has a K&N filter and a jet kit!"
 

    LOL

[phato1]

I would agree that if you can leave the '14 stock and not start adding a bunch of chrome or heated grips, heated seat, engine mods(although I doubt any would really be needed with the 103) - then the new bike MAY make sense.

The '11 CVO has all the goodies and the fancy paint - especially if it's an 11.5 blue one - so there would be less temptation to start adding do-dads.

I may be partial but I say go with the CVO  

- just ask about service records because with that mileage it's getting close to Tappet inspection/preventative change time if the prior owner never had it done --plenty of threads on here about that issue

[rsberg]

Sorry phato1  it's the Red, but they did add Rinehart pipes and tuner the bike runs great. First time I had the opportunity to ride a CVO. That 110 motor pulls pretty good. The dealer knows the owner so I should be able to get all the service records. Do the 2014 actually ride that much better? I have to admit that 2011 was a lot of fine to ride. BTY my last bike was a 2012 ultra limited. I thought the CVO was more fun to ride.

[phato1]

Haven't ridden a '14 yet but I will come spring - we take the newest offering out every year during  the HD demo truck's visit to our local dealer. They do have a different front suspension (larger diameter, single cartridge forks) on them for '14 but that is the only change that might effect the ride. I think most riders won't really notice that big a difference between the two setups. The tractor like pull of the 110" can be addictive 

That being said I am installing the dual cartridge system in my 11.5 to alleviate a little "wallowing", or perhaps vagueness is a better word for the feeling I've experienced, when riding with some exuberance through some twisty roads trying to convince the behemoth it's a sportbike   
-- But I'm one of those people who can't leave well enough alone, where my bikes are concerned I just seem unable to leave any of them stock --

[mark]

I'd probably go with the 2014: it's the newest thing, new warranty, most recent technology (infotainment center, GPS, etc)...about the only thing you'd need do is add exhaust, better air intake, and a tune.  But that's something you can wait to do, or never.  Since the MoCo changed the stock touring wheels, the tourers look much improved.

103 vs 110.  I've had both...It's a tourer, so 7 c.i. isn't a factor, IMO.

[1sharprdkg]

I would buy the previously loved CVO in a heartbeat. But that's just me!

[timo482]

it really depends on how much you are going to ride it and where

is the new bike water cooled? could be good if you ride when its really hot out

if you ride a lot a bike with 24k will need more maintenance

if you ride seldom and only when the weather is really nice - then 24k is no big deal its just what you like the looks of better.....

all that said - its getting harder and harder to change ANYTHING on a new bike and get warranty work, if you want to change things - get the used bike and have at it.

to

[rsberg]

I'm in Fresno so yes it gets very hot in the valley. The water cooled non CVO would be very nice in the summer. I have another 10k to go if I get the CVO to get to 24K. My wife and I are planning on doing more riding to the coast and the mountains here in Ca. I know one nice thing about the CVO I am done if I get her, No add ons.  The non CVO add ons are on there way.

[Sea Biscuit]

IMHO, 2014...warranty, new technology as already mentioned (linked brakes, beefier front lower forks, beefier triple trees, better stereo/infotainment etc.). The new bags alone with the "one touch" opening/closing is worth it alone!

[donald p]

Like my son in-law says you ride what you can afford.

[GC_Super]

My vote is for the 14 Limited. I just traded my 06 CUSE for one and love it. I never liked the look of the non CVO ultras, but the 14 Limited is just right for me. The slimmed down fenders, much cooler to ride, painted inner fairing, infotainment system, heated grips, plus a little over 10 K still in the bank helped make my decesion. I don't leave my bikes stock either, but I've done very little beyond stage one type stuff. The 103 has proven to be a good power plant, although this ne one is a lot different than the 103 in my CUSE. It dynoed at 104lbs of torque and that's plenty of grunt to get a two up and loaded bike going.  Just be sure to ride both before signing.

[tdowell65]

I was in this same boat about 6 months ago.  I had decided I was going to go with the new 14 ultra for about $28500.  I've had several CVO's and always liked them and had great luck with them and they usually were much better for resale.  I just kept telling myself I wouldn't do much to the 14  (right).  Not sure it was a good thing but when the new ones actually hit the floors, it killed the market on used ones.  I have been eyeballing a 12 CVO and had even made the guy on offer on it that he originally turned down.  I literally was going to go order the 14 ultra when the guy called me and asked if I still wanted the CVO.  Long story short,  I got the 12 CVO with 2900 miles on it, GPS hadn't even been un wrapped yet, rineharts installed. for $3000 less than It was going to cost me on the 14 ultra .  Made my decsision easy.  I like the 14 and all the new things they did to them but I've got a bike that is loaded for the most part and its some what unique.  And if I sell or trade in a few years it will hold its value quite well.  You need to buy what fits your needs and makes most sense of how your going to use it.  

[ultrarider123]

First question....which bike boils your blood/gives you goose bumps?  Always a good place to start and go from there.  And just keep in mind...you are comparing apples to oranges with the late model CVO vs the '14 non-CVO Limited. 

To give some advice as you requested....I'd go with the '11 with 14K miles.  Sounds like a deal to me plus you get the history from the original owner.  If possible, I'd ask to speak with them in person if possible (if you haven't already).  You get a good read on folks in person standing in front of what used to be their bike....can really tell you the truth about the ride and rider.  If you still want the twin cooling, wait a bit and let the technology "work" a while.  Not always a good idea to buy this big a change in the first year.  Yes, some of our group have had no issues...othesr that have had issues would probably say wait.

I did have an opportunity to put about 50 miles on a '14 non-CVO Limited a few months ago.  Interstate, town and twisty roads.  Rides very good.  Not sure I'm up with linked brakes....some folks love 'em, some hate 'em.  Did notice the front felt better "planted" with the new, larger fork.  Liked the sound from the sound system (mainly the new enclosed, larger speakers in the faring).  Still debating the new info system but it worked as is should in the demo ride.

Good luck on whatever decision you make and keep us informed....