Ultra Limited with detach kit, best of both worlds

Got to be a fully dressed Road Glide every time!

Matt, your editing and overall production quality of these videos has continued to impress and improve. Helleva job!!

@MattLaidlaw

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Thanks Matt for the useful comparisons to help with the choice. Like you, I went with the Street Glide Special but I ended up fully dressing it like a Limited. I spent more money but I’m very happy with the individual look of the bike and for me, it was worth it!

Thanks for the video Matt. I always appreciate your quality videos and your passion for the brand

Great video just test rode both a month ago & chose the Ultra limited & me & wife couldn't be happier she was never comfortable on my SG even after suspension & tour pack additions

I went with the special because I wanted more air flow during the summer. I do put the lowers on for the winter. I changed the rear shocks to Ohlins within 60 miles of owning the bike.

Having owned both a Ultra Limited and the Road Glide Special , I would take the RGL . The biggest difference between the two , put in a long ride .. 500 miles or better ... when I get off my Road Glide I’m not nearly as tired

@MattLaidlaw

3 жыл бұрын

A fair assessment! Simple but very true

@kitdaberserker555

Жыл бұрын

I have no other experience on a motorcycle other than my new 22 road glide special what sold Me as a new rider was the fixed fairing. Having less mass to contend with in tight spots made sense to me. I believe the street glide would do a better job of keeping me out of the wind but the road glide in my opinion is a sharp looking bike. A beautiful mix of class and performance. Stay safe brothers

Thankyou for all the info on these two bikes. I’m in the market I think for a Road Glide but really appreciate all the info you guys put into these video’s. Thankyou for the help selecting the right bike for me. It’s appreciated.

you completely sold me on the road glide limited. Thank you for the detailed comparisons

@MattLaidlaw

3 жыл бұрын

I problem. Glad I could help. Enjoy.

Matt, as always, your videos from the Laidlaw HD team are very helpful and informative. Thank you very much!

Merry Christmas 🎄😎👍🏽💯 thanks for continuing your channel.

Once you have heated grips, you'll never go back. Great video.

@MattLaidlaw

3 жыл бұрын

Agreed, Thanks man

@brettleisy356

3 жыл бұрын

I took of the heated grips on my UL. they warm the inside of the hand but what actually gets cold are is the outside. I actually started burning the palms and insides of my fingers but still the joints would ache from the cold.

@CactusJack252

3 жыл бұрын

or a good set of heated gloves

@cptdenny007

3 жыл бұрын

@@brettleisy356 the idea is to wear gloves, this way the heated grips would heat the interior of the gloves keeping the hands warm.

@brettleisy356

3 жыл бұрын

@@cptdenny007 trust me, it never worked that way with mine. with or without gloves.

I've been binge watching your videos and I am falling in love with HDs. This is coming from a guy with 2 sport bikes.

Bought 2020 RGL. Billiard red/vivid black. Dropped a 131 in. 12"bars and Kahuna heated grips. Krome Werks 4.5. Detach tour pack and back rest. Street glide seat for cruising. Much thanks to Matt and his merry men.

I like you bringing in other people from the shop for their input

Another great video Matt!

Hey Matt great video. I have a 19 SGS and just picked up the RGL. I do about 25-30k a year. I can honestly say IMHO that the shark nose blows the batwing away from at least a functional stand point. The RGL is the first Harley that I literally didn’t have to do anything to it...any up grades that I may do to the RGL is purely because I want to NOT have to. The RGL is smooth, stays super planted in windy conditions, buffeting is non existent, very comfortable and because the fairing is a little further away, It gives you the illusion of more space/more room in the cockpit....Its just a pleasure to ride. I will admit I do gravitate a little more towards the tradition look of the batwing....that said, I was never able to dial it in for long distance touring comfort, no matter what I tried. Keep the videos coming.

Rode a batwing many miles, now own a road glide, boils down to different kind of wind protection. I think the batwing actually protects hands better. Like you said Matt, different protection areas, and with shark nose you don’t fight the wind gusts with your arms as much and it can make you less tired at end of day. Can’t go wrong with either! Also love the blacked out road glide with tour pak from factory (and heated grips, I’m officially an old man!). Thanks for the vids Matt!

Road Glide Limited blackout Billiard Red and black. Added 2019 vents and heel toe shifter before delivery. It’s nice being able to close them in the New England spring and fall. Had the bike a year and my best Harley-Davidson ever. Klock Works tall windshield also helps deflect the wind and helped the stereo sound.

Thanks Matt & Andrew for the straight up honest review. Im a UL guy, I ride with a big HOG club out here in Australia and many ask why are people now buying the UL, my always answer is - once you go UL you will find it very difficult to go back for what it offers. It's the comfort, handling, excellent cruising power, Its not a sports bike by any means but it can pull with the best when ridden well, my beautiful wife feels secure and safe snug up against the king top box with the tunes plugged in etc, the suspension is like a Cadillac on rough Aussie bush highway roads (once tuned).

My Road Glide Limited is my first bagger, and I've had a lot of good rides on it so far. Only upgrade I've done is the detach kit for the tour pack and a sissy bar for when I'm not traveling

Matt, I bought a 2020 Road Glide Ultra. I’m not as old as your cousin Kent, but old enough to want the creature comforts of the Ultra. I love it. Thanks for the videos. Love your channel.

@scottsetchfield6729

3 жыл бұрын

In 2020 there is no Road Glide Ultra. They call it a “Limited” now.

Great video mate; excellent points and comparison on the different needs. These videos are first class. I cringe seeing people ride with no gloves, each to their own I guess

E glide goodies makes some very nice deflectors for both of these bikes. I put some on my batwing and my Roadglide and they work real good for taking the wind from coming over the tank.

I had a 2001 RoadGlide and thought I traded up when I traded for a 2015 Limited. It was cramped and I missed the room, storage and wind deflection I had with my Roadie. I’m back on a 2017 RoadGlide Ultra now and love it so much. Just gotta add the heated grips and I’m set. Yes, the shark nose fairing tracks straight ahead and rock solid. Much better then the batwing. Thanks Matt!!

@MattLaidlaw

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for weighing in with your personal experience Ryan. Keep eating those miles.

Matt, great video. You hit things on the head with the comparison between the special and the limited. I traded a 2016 Ultra Limited in on a 2017 SG Special, and to keep the comfort level for distance im glad I swapped my progressive 944s, windshield and Sundowner seat over during the deal. Overall with that my special rides just as good, but a little more nimble without the added weight. Didnt ned the full dresser anymore and its nice going back to a sleek and wicked special,(lots of customizing last year). The limited are top of the line distance comfort, and its crazy how responsive they are after the Rushmore updates. Keep it up.

Both are great i am in the market and this video was very helpful!

Great content always

Matt, I wish you were on the east coast man! Anywhere on the east coast lol. You're just one of those people that I think would be great to meet. I appreciate all the time, knowledge and hard work you put into making you're videos! I always enjoy them and always learn something. I'm 6'3 so it's great to have someone as tall as you are giving your thoughts and opinions on stuff. Keep up the good work and ride safe!

Road glide ultra (limited) for the win. I previously had the batwing fairing and enjoyed it for years. However IMO nothing matches the look, feel and cockpit space of my Roadglide Ultra. Thanks for another great review Matt.

The absolute truth about heated grips! I slowly built mine up adding little at a time. Didnt know I was gonna even want all that stuff! But the next bike i buy is definitely coming with all the bells and whistle

M, great video and excellent comparison. Perhaps when making another video, you could touch on Harley's thinking when it comes to upgrades. For example, some, if not many, upgrade their shocks, lights, windscreens, seats, etc. Put into perspective Harley's strategy when it comes to designing a touring bike vs. a Honda Goldwing, BMW 1600 GTL/GT/B, etc. Thanks...we all know there is millions in the accessory market. By the way, love my new RW RS1's. Thanks for the video on the shocks.

I have had both and ridened many thousands of miles on each. Hands down the Road Glide provides much better protection from the wind and most importantly, the rain. Not that you would know much about riding in the rain there in Southern California! My 2018 Road Glide Ultra is there a few miles from your dealership. Rode it there from Anchorage, Alaska in 2018 via Milwaukee. You are my servicing dealership for that bike. See you next time I am in the L.A. area! Keep up the great videos!

@MattLaidlaw

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the comment. It sounds like your opinion is backed by some serious road time. Thanks for adding to the conversation.

I had never owned a HD with heated grips until I bought my SG CVO it’s wonderful having them and usually setting the grips at 1 to 2 is enough to keep my hands warm

@fourftr

3 жыл бұрын

Do you have heated gloves? Many people prefer the gloves over the heated grips

@talkingrock7011

3 жыл бұрын

Actually I have heated liners and gloves , l like the gloves but they are bulky and for the liners you need a larger glove to prevent binding , thanks for the question

Awaiting your regular review videos Matt especially with Nick perspective. This was interesting and may swing me towards the blacked out RG

Great video Matt. You sold me on the reasons to go for the Ultra. Have you customers write down the pros and cons of either side then look at the $$$$ People are always complaining about the HD prices, well here you go a way to get the best bang for your buck.

Oh great, I'm having a tour-pak installed Dec. 10 on my Road Glide Special . This is my second RG Special now I'll have a tour-pak

both nice road glide limited my my favourite. especially in blue.

I’m super happy with my Sport-Glide, but if I’d be stepping up the Road-Glide would be considered for sure!

I made my decision back in February and I’m very happy with my ‘20 Road Glide Limited. I had ridden a bike with an old-style batwing fairing before and when I test rode a Road Glide I decided to not even test ride a new Ultra Limited.

Excellent video. Congratulations.

I have ridden many years with the cell phone in the storage box on my ultra limited. I have taken that large rubber piece out, and have never had a problem, while the usb port keeps the phone charged during my travels. Also, with the batwing fairing, the music is so much better at high speeds, because the speakers are so much closer to you. Some of the sound is lost on the Road Glide, because of the distance, creating more wind interference. I have ridden both these fairing for long distances, and I definitely prefer the bat wing fairing.

Wish you would have touched on how bad the stock speakers are. I had to immediately upgrade. Great video! Appreciate it Matt.

Just like Matt said with feet on highway pegs with the batwing wind travels up the body and bashes my head around. If it's windy out I also get beat up. Handles great, far better than my old Goldwings, but the head buffeting can be brutal. Absolutely love the look of the Ultra with those passing lamps...but will be testing RGL here shortly. Also saw a video where guys ride 1000 miles hard and they all ride the RG. efIndian.

I’m loving these “vs” videos, Matt!

Matt, you are the best! Greetings from Istanbul !

Very detailed! Awesome..answered i think all my questions?🤔 leaning towards road glide and im 6'5...

Coming from Sport Bikes, then Sport Touring Bikes, that both have frame mounted fairings it was Road Glide all the way when it came time for a full touring bike.

Thnx for this video. I’m trying to decide between the two models for 2022. I’m hoping both models are offered for 2022.

Great video i was curious about the 2...

Just bought a 2021 road glide Limited and I can’t say enough about that bike. Best bike purchase I’ve ever made.

That 114 is amazing 👏

Very useful video 👍

@MattLaidlaw

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you

Keep up the good video . Man ride them both get the best one for you Sold my street glide for a road glide no looking back best bike for me. Only thing you got to get is a Rushmore bike.

I went from an Electra Glide Std to a Road Glide Limited. I can now attest that after multi-state trips on both, there’s certainly pros/cons to both fairings. No clear winner to me. But I prefer the looks of the RG fairing and my wife enjoys the extra travel of the rear suspension and the tour pak. Can’t really go wrong honestly. Big thing too, the RG *feels* bigger. I’m not very tall, but I enjoy the breathing room on the RG.

@7:00 The body wind deflection is a huge, obvious difference between the two. That point rarely makes these comparison lists, which is odd because for me it's by-far the most noticeable thing. I've owned both and I'm constantly torn because I prefer the look and feel of the batwing but the body wind is annoying on long rides.

Heated grips are 🙌🏽

You can’t go wrong with either. It’s all matter of preference. I happen to prefer the Road Glide. I think price can be an issue if your coming in with nothing. I traded my way up over the last 10-11 years or so but these bikes IMHO aren’t entry level bikes either. Great Vid Matt!

I’ve owned 2 Ultra Limiteds in my lifetime. I’ve never owned a Road Glide of any type. Because I’m 5’9” with short arms, I prefer the batwing because I can reach the dash/screen easier. Yes, you have the toggles on either, but there are times it is easier to just use the touchscreen. It’s more of a reach on the Road Glide. For that reason and because I think the batwing looks sleeker, I just bought my second Limited, a 2020.

Great video

If the Ultra LTD had the RGL bars it would be perfect. That should be a buyer option. Also, the tour pak rack should only be installed if the buyer requests it. I like the cleaner look without the luggage rack. Also the touring bikes are the best choice for anyone who lives in a colder climate. And they are a better choice than the specials for almost the same $$

Maybe I’ll go to make a test ride on this weekend.

@MattLaidlaw

3 жыл бұрын

You should. If you haven’t ridden a limited you won’t be disappointed. They are the ultimate touring motorcycle.

Hey Matt 👋 religious viewer here. I love all your videos/info & I tell companies about you when I buy my stuff as much as I can. Can you maybe help more new Harley guys (like myself) my 20 Low Rider S is my first Harley & I don’t know how to do big installs myself & use my dealer (which there’s a stigma for guys like me that are new & don’t do all their customs themselves) but if you could explain more on little things that we can do to our bikes to make a difference. And remind the older guys that cut the new guys a little slack lol. Thanks for all your videos, love & info. Peace ✌🏼 brother

Matt your a great guy. Stock rear shocks on 14 SGS is there a HD upgrade ?

@Bill-ck3lo

3 жыл бұрын

I put legend Revo-A’s on mine and the ride is insanely comfortable and very responsive!

I live in Florida and I could’ve used heated grips yesterday 🥶

@MattLaidlaw

3 жыл бұрын

Haha. I need them in California right now.

Once you have used heated grips, you can't live without them. Have them on my KTM dual sport. Just ordered them for my 2020 Street Bob I bought last week. I put them on my wife's Softail Slim last year. Wish someone made actual heated seats for the Softails though.

@MattLaidlaw

3 жыл бұрын

I agree man. Especially if you ride in the cold a lot they are mandatory.

Matt, any difference between the two when cornering hard? Frame mounted fairing vs fork mounted? Thanks

Just traded my 19 road glide special for a 20 blue with the racing #1 on the tank. Basically the same bike but I find the 20 performs a little better.

Know several from HOG Chapters who have 120,000 to 180,000 miles on both types of models being factory stock. Just depends on what you like better. After test riding and renting both Limited models, Gold Wing and Indian, the Limited models are the best riding of them all hands down in my opinion.

Love your channel always great content. If you read this could you give me advise I’ve been looking for a ultra limited and struggling to choose between a used 2016 ultra limited 103 with 3k miles for £15000 or a 2020 114 for £26000 both from Harley dealership. I have rode the 2021 114 as a demo and liked it but money side of things the 2016 ticks the box but unsure if their is much noticeable difference for the extra £10k price tag as I haven’t been able to demo one.

Matt what color is the Ultra Limited, its really nice. Good comparison

At the time when I bought my 2018 RGS, it would have cost more to blackout everything than to add the tour pack and suspension. I wasn't to keen on the lowers with radiators anyway

Thanks for the great comparison guys! Quick question for you - I’m 6 feet tall with an inseam of 32’. Are any of the OEM seats workable for me? I find all Harley seats a little too cramped for my legs and hips, whether on a Softail or Touring (at least the RG and SG Specials). Are these Limited seats any different from the others in that aspect (taller inseam)? Thanks in advance.

@loganstaheli1551

2 жыл бұрын

@Rokkermusic - I'm 6'8" and ride a 2000 Electra glide Classic. Currently I'm running a La Pera Daddy Long Leg Maverick seat, which does give me plenty of room, but honestly isn't great comfort wise. I'd look into Mustang extended reach seats. No experience with Harley TallBoy seats, so I can't say how those fare.

I much prefer the Ultra Limited, the front looks better and all round just looks better in general.

RG has much more leg room if using the floor boards. Also, the hammock seat and enhanced suspension are worthwhile upgrades.

@charleschilders6388

3 жыл бұрын

@Jeremy Creason 6 ft 1 in and 32 in in seam

Does the frame mounted shark nose fairing do a better job at keeping the wind from directly hitting the knees than the fork mounted bat wing (even with wind deflectors)? As I used to do a lot of cooler weather riding this was problematic for me. . .was not an issue when riding a 'Wing or Kawi Voyager

Road Glide Special, I gotta have the stretched saddle bag. LOL Just updated to Legend Revo A suspension so its making the ride more comfortable.

@MattLaidlaw

3 жыл бұрын

I don’t blame you man. I should have mentioned the stretched bags as a factor.

@georgezhou1415

3 жыл бұрын

@@MattLaidlaw although without tour pack it’s a bit problem when going on longer overnight trips. Thinking of getting the onyx luggage.

@gghostrrider

3 жыл бұрын

But you could get stretched bags on the limited, right? How would it work ,delete them for credit or buy the stretched bags and have to sell the regular bags?

100% beautiful motorcycles. Harley Davidson broke the mold on building the nicest looking bikes. No one builds a nicer looking touring bike. For me the Road Glide Limited looks sweet. Just my .2. Nice job guys. Rode safe snd ride often. Peace.

I think I'll take the Ultra Limited. Will be a nice break in ride back to Florida. And by the way those touring bikes should come with heated grips and seats both.

Matt have you done a video on that helmet if you haven’t I would like to know more about that helmet

Once you’ve had heated grips you will NEVER not have them on any bike you own. I came from a BMW S1000RR and it had heated grips and cruise control and I will never have a bike without those 2 features. I just got into Harley-Davidson’s and got a Street Bob and I put both of those on my bike, it was a no brainer for me. I’m not looking to get into a larger Harley-Davidson and I will be test riding both the Street Glide and Road Glide Specials because I would like to do long road trips. I ride solo 95% of the time so a full dresser Harley is a bit too much for me, but I will likely get a chopped trunk and maybe down the line get the larger version depending on how many trips, distance and how long the trips will be. I’m leaning towards the Road Glide because I like the look a little more but I’m definitely not opposed to a Street Glide, I’d just like to ride before I decide and which ever bike I do end up getting I will likely do a bar and seat change immediately, I’m not a fan of the stock seats or bars that come on any of the Harley’s. Great video and great advice! 🤘🏼😎🤘🏼

I like the ultra a lot better. The fairing on the road glide just feels really strange to me. I just can't get used to it. I spent a entire day on both of them and it's definitely ultra for me

A great video. I can hear the passion in your voice Matt. The same can be said for Andrew. ( I think his shirt said that ) The is an energy with you two. You really want people that watch this video to be informed. And to use that knowledge to make smart decisions. Which will help people enjoy their Harley Davidsons. The result ? Fun times for everyone l Thanks Matt.

@MattLaidlaw

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks man. I appreciate that feedback. Yes, my main goal is to educate people about HD and get them excited to ride. Yes, it’s Andrew and he is a rider to the core.

run my heated grips all summer here in Alaska...my brothers have stone hands after the ride, mine are toasty!

i have owned both of these bikes with my current bike being a 2020 Road glide limited. i will never go back to a batwing fairing bike.

@MattLaidlaw

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for weighing in. Good to know.

@Kabal06

3 жыл бұрын

Me too...I got a Street Glide in Dec and by May traded for Road Glide and love it.

I definitely prefer the ultra glide limited. The controls are closer, better wind buffering for your head and I personally like the look more than the road glide.I also don’t like the bars being so close on the road glide.

Matt luv ur videos br

I have a Road Glide Limited. I just like the shark nose look better. I'm 6'1 and feel I can strech out more on the RG. I've road both, but at 68 I'm more for comfort on long rides and the RG is a better bike for long rides.

the thing I noticed is that there is more lighting on the tour pack for safety vs. the detachable one or am I wrong

@r1riderscott

3 жыл бұрын

More lights are always good. This is the only way you get leds in the rear from harley out of factory lol

Never did understand what should be a chrome option like the blacked out option. A chromed bike does not come with chrome wheels nor front forks. Older Limiteds had chrome edged wheels for a great look. Recently priced out a blacked out RGL like yours and with some comfort options it was more than some of my past CVOs!!!

hey matt. I have a flhtc with aux lights just standard halogen bulbs would a single day maker match the same amount of light. I like how bright it is but the entire time I've had them on I can't seem to convince myself to like the look.

@MattLaidlaw

3 жыл бұрын

You mean if you put a single daymarker In the main head lamp housing? I don’t think so. I think the 3 Halogen lights would still be better.

Blacked out Ultra Limited in my opinion. But the Road Glide is growing on me. Just add a Stage 2 and a backrest.😎

Nice video

Interested to hear your take on reverting back to a cable clutch on these bikes for 2021.

@MattLaidlaw

3 жыл бұрын

I’ll address it soon. I talk about it a bit in my latest video

@Hogdriver88

3 жыл бұрын

I look forward to it. You are one of the few sources I feel I can trust.

U know, honestly, i love them both, but since i now own an rg, i doubt I'll ever switch 2 a sg?

wonder if we can order the raiders coloration on the road glide espcial with the rear couch but no box ? is that even plausible Matt !

@MattLaidlaw

3 жыл бұрын

The 2020’s don’t have the 2 tone black and silver in the special. There is in the limiteds although its denim finish. So you’d have to get one of those and get a detachable tour pack kit.

I like both and it would be a hard choice to make. I do like the layout of the gauges better with the batwing. My question though is about the openings around the headlight on the sharknose. Does that let in too much air in the cold or too much water when it rains? Is there any way of closing these off in inclement weather?

@plumber3rd419

3 жыл бұрын

Yes. You can open or close.

@CraigSmith568

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I knew the older ones could. Just wasn't sure about the newer ones.

Which one lights up the road at night better ? Street glide or road glide?

I've put over 20k miles on both of them. As others have said, the stock ultra provides a little better wind protection for taller riders. It's kind of moot as the road glide can easily come close w an aftermarket windshield. The RG turns more lighter, especially slow speed maneuvers, but the offset is that the fairing doesn't so it can be difficult to see around in front of you. The ultra is much more easy to read the gauges. One area that isn't mentioned often is the batwing with the lower deflectors give you a nice option of directing air under your arm pits in warmer weather while also being able to close them for more wind protection. The RG does not have that option. On the highway for long 500+ mile trips, the RG is less tiring as the wind doesn't shake your grip the way a batwing does due to it being attached to the bars. Overall, you can't go wrong with either design. Neither of them are head and shoulders better than the other in any way.