2011 RG Ultra 103 vs 2008 103 Stage II

X

Xshadow

New member
I've been drooling over the new RG Ultra so I test drove one yesterday and thought I would share a comparison with my 2008 RG Ultra. First, I really like the new frame, it felt tighter and more stable than mine although I've never felt the wobble others talk about. The stock 103 is weak compared to my 103 with 255's but I'm sure a stage one and good tune would help but my bike has SO much more torque. There was more wind but not terrible; I believe the fork air baffle would fix that if not a better/taller windshield would. The sound of the pipes was a little to wimpy for me but I've been listening to Fatcats for 30K which are now too loud. The stereo was much better with the 80 watt vs 40 watt. The seat felt good on a short ride but I would change bars to something with more pull back. The bike was the merlot sunglo, a pretty color but the bike already had swirl marks on the tank and bags, what a shame the dealer let it get like that.

So to get the bike the way I would want it I'd need a minimum of cams, pipes, air cleaner, bars, a tune, street glide facia on the rear. That plus the price of the bike is a lot for me to get ABS and the new frame so I guess I'll be riding my baby another year. She has almost 50K and still looks and runs great ... knock on wood.
 
It's highly constipated in stock form, especially when it had 20 miles on it. Guess it was a bit tight! Even just putting 200 miles on it was really helping, but it really woke up with pipes, A/C, and a download. Mine goes on the dyno Saturday, so I'll have numbers (for whatever they're worth) to compare.

My '07 had RTDs, A/C, and TTS on a base 96". It was considerably stronger running than California stock, but had nowhere near the low end this one does as it sits. Your '08 has Brembos and the larger tank, the '07 didn't. My '07 had a Bagger Brace, which helped, and E3s - but this new one is better in every way.

From the '07 to the '11 I got:
1) Brembos
2) ABS
3) 6 gallon tank
4) new frame design
5) wider rear tire
6) vented lowers (I'd added a king tourpack to the '07)
7) communications (CB and intercom)
8) 80W vs 40W stereo
9) black motor instead of that awful silver - darn near didn't buy the '07 because of that!
10) better (lower) gearing - this bike is just a pleasure to ride!
11) a better fit - I'm a big guy, and this is a bigger bike. The '07 was the best fit at the time, this one is better.
12) The 103.

Every time I ride the new one, I like it more. I've ridden it over many familiar roads, and it is smoother, more stable, and has less vibration than the '07. The '07 had a faster top speed than the new one has achieved (so far!) but I really shouldn't be pegging the speedo on a bagger on a public highway anyway! The new one requires more attention to speed, as it is smoother at 85 than the '07 was at 70, and gets there quicker.
 
I agree with everthing.

All I can add is this.

1. The new seat is perfect for me and my wife. No need to change from stock like I did on my 07 RG.
2. The tourpak is just far enough back to give both of us plenty of room even with my Mustang rider backrest.
3. The material of the seat matches the Mustang backrest and Mustand saddlebag lid covers perfectly. The 07 stock seat didn't match becuase the material was a glossy vinyl.
4. One other improvment is the headlight which can be changed without removing the outer fairing.

Compared to my 07, the 11 is a big enough improvement to justify the trade. I got 13K for my 07 (40K miles) and I paid 24K for my 11. What really matters is I'm happy.
 
Picked up my RGU 2011 Merlot 9/2/10 had bad head shack dealer fixed
still get vibration in 5th and 6th gear and wobble in turns on highway at 60mph and above front end seems to lift in the wind. My 2008 EGC had no vib and installed true track no wobble. have 500miles on new bike and mixed feelings
 
So to get the bike the way I would want it I'd need a minimum of cams, pipes, air cleaner, bars, a tune, street glide facia on the rear. That plus the price of the bike is a lot for me to get ABS and the new frame so I guess I'll be riding my baby another year. She has almost 50K and still looks and runs great ... knock on wood.

So, how much $$ out the door with all the extras you mention above?
 
My 2011 RG Ultra had bad headshake at 43 mph. I first noticed it after 600 miles were on the bike. Selling dealer said it was normal. Took it to a second dealer who worked with MOCO to diagnose a defective front tire. New tire under warranty and the shake is gone.
 
Back
Top