I have a mint 92 Interstate that I love. Today, I had a chance to ride a 2010 Harley Ultra Classic on a 250 mile ride thru the hills around Smith Lake AL . Always wanted a Harley, I thought, but really after today's ride, I guess it would be OK to have one to ride around town, or to Bike Night. But I really don't see what all the fuss is about.
First thing I noticed in the first minute, was that it felt like a Toy! I mean, the quality seemed good, and fit and finish was good, but it felt so much smaller from the get go. Sorta like, when you was a kid, and rode a XL100, and got on your kid brother's XL70.
Took about a hundred and fifty miles to get somewhat use to all that shaking, but by the time we made it back home, I was seeing a little bit of enjoyment from the bike. Especially in town, and sitting still at traffic lights listening to that cool idle. Another thing that took some getting use to was that the bike had a "Quicker" Roll Rate. I'm a pilot, and really don't know what else to call it, but what I'm talking about, is when you start into a tight curve at about 65-70, I was tending to cross over the center line without really wanting to. I figured it might be because the Harley ride height was lower, but I finally got it dialed in, and was able to keep up ok.
The Harley had plenty of torque, but it just was not in any way fun to apply. There comes all that "Shaking" again! One thing for sure though, the Harley's radio was way better than the one on my Wing.
My real opinion at the end of the ride, was that "If I had to ride the bike, as my only bike........I would NOT trade the 1992 Goldwing for the 2010 Ultra Classic "Straight Up"! If I had the option to sell the Harley, of course I would trade!
Both bikes are fun in their own way, just not in the same league.
First thing I noticed in the first minute, was that it felt like a Toy! I mean, the quality seemed good, and fit and finish was good, but it felt so much smaller from the get go. Sorta like, when you was a kid, and rode a XL100, and got on your kid brother's XL70.
Took about a hundred and fifty miles to get somewhat use to all that shaking, but by the time we made it back home, I was seeing a little bit of enjoyment from the bike. Especially in town, and sitting still at traffic lights listening to that cool idle. Another thing that took some getting use to was that the bike had a "Quicker" Roll Rate. I'm a pilot, and really don't know what else to call it, but what I'm talking about, is when you start into a tight curve at about 65-70, I was tending to cross over the center line without really wanting to. I figured it might be because the Harley ride height was lower, but I finally got it dialed in, and was able to keep up ok.
The Harley had plenty of torque, but it just was not in any way fun to apply. There comes all that "Shaking" again! One thing for sure though, the Harley's radio was way better than the one on my Wing.
My real opinion at the end of the ride, was that "If I had to ride the bike, as my only bike........I would NOT trade the 1992 Goldwing for the 2010 Ultra Classic "Straight Up"! If I had the option to sell the Harley, of course I would trade!
Both bikes are fun in their own way, just not in the same league.