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Cruiser
Posts: 129
Coastal , NJ | It was indeed a direct mailer from HD. It states that you need an original coupon.(they're not that dumb).
I test drove an 09 Ultra Classic yesterday. Gave them my drivers license and we were off on a 5 mile ride. Having rented an 06 Ultra on a trip to Cali a couple of years ago , I can tell you there was not a huge difference in the overall experience.
The 96 ci motor and 6 spd are not bad in terms of power and refinement but the 106 ci Freedom engine has more torque , more hp , and less vibration. The Ultra's drive train seems a little tighter and refined than the Visions with almost no slop , although when I got back on my Vision I noticed it's actually better than I remembered. The Ultra's tranny is quieter and shifts a bit easier.
The lack of a power windshield is very noticeable. When you have the adjust ability of the Vision's you expect every bike to have it. It really helps you get airflow and sight lines just about perfect for each ride.
The Ultra's dash seemed antiquated compared to the Vision's. It's an older design with gauges spread out and scattered . It lack's a gear indicator(other than OD)and ambient temp sensor. The Audio system does not offer IPOD integration like the Vision. It only has a straight AUX plug. Sound quality is on par with the stock Vision system. Display on the Vision is bigger and easier to read. I did like the Ultra's radio controls on the bars - they are a bit easier to access with your thumbs and have a nice positive feel to them with gloves on.
Stock seat on the Ultra does not come even close to the Vision. Overall it feels like a small bike , not in terms of handling , but in space. The Vision allows you to really stretch out and feels very roomy. The Ultra is definitely not as spacious.
Suspension - The Vision seems to leave most heavy weight cruisers in the dust and the Ultra is no exception. It felt a bit softly sprung in the front although it was pretty stable in long sweepers. There is a difference between stable and agile. The Vision is agile and confidence inspiring in the twisties. The Ultra is competent . I'd rather ride the former.
I should have paid a bit more attention to the braking on the Ultra. They seemed to stop well but were not linked. I was a little distracted by the diving front end when we stopped a few times.
Heated seats and grips are not part of any standard configuration. The trunk on the Ultra is not removable like the Vision. According to the salesman it requires some wiring harness mods and the installation of a quick release rack with the Ultra's trunk being bolted to that. Not sure how that would look.
The Ultra I rode was priced a little over 22k and did not offer heated grips,heated seat,power windshield,ipod integration,easy convertibility ,linked brakes or tipover protection. It looks and rides like and old design in my opinion , not like a totally new for 09 design like they are touting. It obviously has appeal to the masses and since many have never ridden a Vision , they don't know any better. Also , there are still many riders that love that traditional look .
Two comments from the people selling them - The general sales manager told me that if I was there to test ride the "new" touring models, he hoped I brought my checkbook - because I would want one. He didn't see what I pulled up on.
Tom Page - fellow and Former VMC rider and Victory salesperson - now selling HD. After my honest evaluation . suggested that the Vision compares more favorably to the 32k Screaming Eagle Road Glide. Performance wise maybe , but it still lacks all the cool amenities of the Vision and is 10k more.
My conclusion? It's been almost two years since I saw the Vision unveiled in NYC. It's a game changer. It's received the accolades for a reason. At the Vision-Riders forums we've dissected and critiqued the bike repeatedly , finding every flaw. The Vision is not perfect , but for me it's pretty darn close. It's looks,performance,comfort and feature set are not matched in the Vtwin Touring Cruiser market. This just entering it's second model year. I have no regrets.
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Tourer
Posts: 377
O'Neill, Nebraska | Nice write up and you're spot on! | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 203
Rapid City, SD | So did you get the Ipod or did you have a copy of the mailer? | |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 600
Linwood, MI | It looks and rides like and old design in my opinion , not like a totally new for 09 design like they are touting.
In fairness, though, they aren't claiming that the design is totally new. Their ads mention all new engineering, but the same "timeless styling." They say they've upgraded the frame and chasis and added things like a 6 gallon tank and cruise control (hmmm. Sounds familiar...), but no real changes to the styling.
Nice review, Luzzy. Thanks. | |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | Great write up! The Vision seems like quite a value for the money.
Ride Safe | |
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Tourer
Posts: 506
Woodland Hills, CA | Interesting report. I have been thinking about taking a test ride on the new 2009 Harleys just to see the difference for myself, and this has just made me more curious to do so. I am not expecting anything earth shattering, but I am interested in seeing the difference with the new models. I still have my Road King and do manage to get it out once in a while, so I am regularly seeing the difference between that and my Vision. And I have done quite a bit to the Road King over the years including a 95" engine mod, Baker 6 speed, and upgraded suspension, but I suspect the new Harleys are not really that much different. Anyway, well done report.
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HD Ipod Giveaway Followup - Ultra Classic Comparison