Learning on a Demo Ride

M

Metal Mafia

New member
Finally got some time to waste so I thought I'd look into the
new Road Glide Ultra. A sales geek from Seminole Harley has been
callin' since they came out, tryin' to get me to look at one. I'd
taken a peak at one at Rossmeyers, but Seminole will let you demo 'em.
 
Demo rides suck - unless you only ride 6 miles at a time and think 45 is fast. If I'd only ridden the RGU on a demo ride, I'd have kept my '07 FLTR, too!

We have built a relationship with our local dealer to the point that all I have to do is call and he'll have any bike I want at the front door, ready to go, when I get there. He gets my signature, I get the key/fob, and he wishes me a good ride. None of this 50 mph over "their" course with a babysitter stuff - go ride it like I ride. The wife rode three touring bikes unescourted by the dealer, and got all waaaay over the speed limit - 'cuz we ofter ride in areas where we cross long stretches of desert at high speed, headed for shade. She did one of the Demo Days rides (escourted group) and came away totally unimpressed with the 2010 Street Glide. When she rode it on her own, she loved - and bought - a 2010 Street Glide.

One thing we have learned over the years is to add at least $3K to the cost of any new HD. Every one has needed pipes, a/c, fuel management, and a new Corbin seat....
 
I get your point Teachu2, but I can't say I've ever had a bad demo ride. Most have been on my own, but even today's escorted ride was fine. The sales geek on the other bike didn't hold back & we pushed 'em to some real road speeds. A little hold back when the sales geek hit an open stretch allowed me to get the bike to better than interstate speeds for a couple of stretches. I wasn't disappointed in the route or the ride, but I was underwhelmed by the machine.
 
When I got back from my solo demo ride, I told the dealer the RGU was the best riding constipated bike I'd ever been on. I knew that it - like the '07 I had - was going to need work to breath properly and not sound like a Honda (Civic, that is!). I knew that before I ever saw it - EPA and air-cooled don't mix. Knowing that, I concentrated on ride quality, handling, and how the bike fit me. The ride quality was noticeably improved, even tho the '07 was on E3s. The perceived vibration level was lower at all speeds and rpms. The handling was improved over the Bagger Brace-equipped '07. The brakes were a double improvement - Brembos and ABS. The gearing was better, as first was not as tall as the '07. The 103 ran strong until 3200, then the cats strangled it. And the bike fit my 6'4" body better, as well.

Every time I ride the RGU, I know I made the right decision for me. I've ridden it over some very familiar roads, and it simply rides better than the '07. Now that it can breate, it runs great. It produces tons of low-end torque, and - well, I could go on for days. If I had it to do over again, I would!
 
The HD Demo rides are a great way to learn how a bike handles and if it will fit you. They pack up all the new bikes and take them from city to city in a huge truck. Not bad if you can get a local dealer to let you try one.
 
HD released the 2011s while we were riding in Canada. Called my dealer on the way home, shopped a couple of other dealers on the way, gave the local guy a shot. He was the only one who offered me a test ride, and his deal was nearly $3k less than the other two - lots more trade allowance, plus a bit for being a loyal customer...
 
I agree with a lot of what you've said. The new frame is a great improvement. Lots more stable, yet with an agile feel the '07 is lacking even with a stabilizer & E3's. The motor is smooth, & as with any stock motor you know there's more to be released with a little work & cash. The problem for me is that I have my '07 at that point. I don't need a lot more power just as I don't need to pay for another chrome front end, another luggage rack, another set of lights for the tourpak, another custom seat, & another mount for my GPS. I also don't need to move my hydraulic clutch, my handlebars, my highway pegs, garage door opener, etc. etc.

Guess it's just me. My car is 13 years old but looks & runs pretty good. I've owned my FXR since it was new, & I may own the RG nearly as long. I was just a little disappointed that the MOCO didn't spring for at least hydraulic clutches, a couple of lights, & a luggage rack. 'Course there's always next year.................
 


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