Freebird

Glad you have joined us. Yes, the cb antenna should be on the left when sitting on the bike. Unless they REALLY did some re-routing of the cables which isn't likely. Easy to tell though. Just look at the cable where it exits the base of the antenna. The CB is mounted in a black box under the tour pack. The cable from the CB antenna should go right into that box. Manuals are indeed here. See this thread. http://www.venturerider.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=91

Any of you have any experience with vehicle wraps? I was visiting one of my customers last week and there was a matt black Lamborghini sitting in their sign shop. They told me that some college kid had dropped it off. He wanted to change the color but didn't want to have it painted. They were doing a vehicle wrap on it and making it a bright blue. It made me think about my Bushtec trailer. I was thinking that I would have it painted at some point in the future to match the new bike. I wonder if a vehicle wrap would be a viable alternative? They can do the color and graphics all in vinyl. Longevity I guess would be my main concern. I think that even the best vinyl is pushing it if it lasts 10 years. I've seen some last less than that. Don't know about cost either. Would have to get a quote. Heck it may be cheaper to have it painted.

Wasn't sure if I would be riding the RSV or the Glide to Galena. Looks like I may have the Glide ready in time. The biggest thing was the trailer hitch but I got it ordered from Bushtec on Monday and FedX tracking shows it scheduled for delivery today. I also ordered two lower cords for my headsets from Edsets. They shipped USPS Priority yesterday so they should be here no later than Friday hopefully. I'm in WV on business so will have to hope everything is there when I get home tomorrow. If everything doesn't fall into place, I'll be on the RSV and you'll just have to keep your jokes to yourself. Wonder if I have time to paint the Bushtec.....hmmmmmmmmmm

Passenger seat is easy. First you have to remove the riders seat. Then you will see two bolts that need to be removed to remove the passenger seat.

Take a look at this thread. It is a write-up I did on installing a isolator for the trailer wiring and outlines all the wires. http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=503

Yes, the CATs are in the header pipe. That is why when they do a Stage One mod that they do a full exhaust and not just the mufflers. May look at that someday but not right now. Ordered a Bushtec hitch and plug n play wiring today for the trailer. It should be waiting at home when I get back there on Thursday.

I spoke to Ed at Edsets. All I need is the lower cords. Their 7 pin cords for the Harley have the circuit built in so my currect 3G Edsets will work on the Harley. I'll look into those bars. Somebody else suggested some other also, they were Harley Heritage bars or something. Now I have to find it and see if they are the same ones you are talking about.

Yea, I thought about that. I'm going to do some research and see if others are doing the same with these bikes.

She hasn't ridden on it yet. We planned to take a ride last night but never got around to it. She has only sat on it so far and said it felt very good but we'll have to see. I was curious about how it compared to the RSV so actually took some measurements last night. It measures from the back of the seat to the drivers backrest very close to the same as the RSV. Maybe a half inch less depending on how you measure. Now I've never owned a bike that I didn't end up changing the seat on. It's too early to tell if that will hold true on this one. So far, it feels good but you just don't know until you spend a few hours on the highway.

I will add to this over the next few weeks as I put some miles on the new Road Glide Ultra but here are a few initial thoughts. The stereo on the Road Glide is far superior to the RSV. The 20 watt Harmon Kardon system and larger speakers really sound great. Can't comment on listening through headsets yet because I have to get new lower cords before I can try them. Suspension and handling is excellent. I think it may have a slight edge on the RSV. Not by much though. It just feels extremely stable in what little bit of wind I have experienced and feels very well planted in the curves. I have let go of the handle bars and feel that I could ride for miles that way. The RSV was stable in that regard to though. Also, I just put the YSS rear shock on the RSV and really haven't given it a good test. With the YSS shock and the Sonic Springs that I have in the front, handling is probably pretty close. Engine performance. Defiantly a different animal. The Harley has that great low end torque and I have always liked that. We all know that they aren't sport bikes but this 103 CU engine puts out enough power to bring a smile. No doubt in my mind that it would not run keep up with my RSV. Especially with the VMAX rear end and Dyna that I have installed. I'm not into racing though and am pleased with the performance so far. So I guess if you have to grade them from a "racing" standpoint, the RSV would win. This Road Glide has the 103 CU IN engine and for those who don't want to do the math, that is about 1690 CC. Comfort. With the added backrest and highway pegs on both bikes. I think that they are pretty equal. I really won't know for sure until the Galena trip though. One thing that I'm fairly certain of is that I will probably be changing the handlebars in the near future. I have long arms and still find myself leaning forward more that I like. I've already been reading up on it and this is a common issue. I am feeling some of the same bits of pains in the shoulder as I did on the RSV before installing the Flanders bars. Vibration. Hey...it's a Harley. When you are at a stop such as a red light, this thing shakes like crazy. It has the automatic cylinder deactivation too and I'm not sure yet but I think that changes the cadence also. Once you get moving though, it really smooths out. I'm going to say at this point though that even at highway speeds, the Venture is maybe just a very little bit smoother in regards to engine vibration. It's really insignificant though. Heat. Yes, the Harley is hotter when you are sitting still. I was actually surprised at how much hotter. I expected some but if you sit for very long, it can get uncomfortable. I know that some people complain about the heat from the RSV but it is NOTHING like this Harley. Luggage. I think that the Harley wins here. The trunk seems quiet a lot larger or maybe the more square shape just makes it more usable. Saddlebags I think are fairly equal. One thing I like is that the saddle bags can be removed for cleaning or whatever in literally about 10 seconds. There is also more storage for small items. 4 pockets in the upper and lower fairings. I give the edge to the Harley on luggage. Fuel economy? Don't know yet. Haven't had to fill it up so have no idea. It has a 6 gallon tank, same as the RSV, and seems to be doing OK so far. I've only put about 130 miles on it and right now it is still sitting at around 3/4 tank but we all know that these gauges can sometimes go down much quicker as you get closer to empty. We'll see. I'm kind of expecting that it will get better fuel economy than the RSV. That will likely be offset though by the fact that they say to run 91 octane. Transmission. I think I'm going to really like it. It is fairly quiet and shifts very smoothly. No whine or anything so far from the engine or tranny. This really lopes on the highway. It is a 6 speed and in 6th gear running 70 MPH, it is only turning about 2800 RPM. Brakes. Verdict is still out. This bike came with the security system which includes ABS brakes and anti-theft system. I was surprised the first time I brought it to a stop that I felt the need to apply much more pressure than I'm used to on the back brake. Now maybe I didn't need to apply that much. It stopped fine but is a lot different feel. Will just have to get used to it and then decide. I like the security system. Basically it's an automatic system. The key fob has a transmitter and once you are a few feet from the bike, it arms the system and also prevents it from starting even if the ignition is in the on position. OK....this is all very premature considering the few miles that I've put on it but are some initial observations. Some or all may change as I get the opportunity to ride it more.

I already have some initial thoughts and comparisons between the two. Some positives and some negatives. I'll have more by the time we get back from Galena I'm sure. I'll probably start another thread and post some comparisons. and YES...I DO anticipate making it all the way to Galena and back home with no issues. That being said, the last Harley I bought was a 1986 FXRD in 1998. It only had about 15,000 miles on it. I flew from Dallas, TX to pick it up and ride it home from Tulsa, OK. It was a one owner and very well maintained....really looked like a new bike. No major problems on the ride back to Dallas EXCEPT the horn fell off. Vibration had finally cracked the bracket.

Well, was busy installing stuff today but I did manage to get about a hundred miles in. Here are some pics of the new backrest, highway pegs and luggage rack.

Really hate to hear this Curtis but glad that the prognosis sounds good. I go back the middle of August for a 6 month checkup. I feel that it's OK but always worry until I know. Hang in their brother, we have you in our prayers.

I would let you ride this one as quick as I would let you ride the RSV again. Heck, these guys bugged me for a Goldwing section and they hardly ever use it. Harley section would probably be the same. The Venture is the lifeblood of this place. Nothing wrong with that. Sending Marcarl to the corner and putting on ignore. Been a busy day. Road over the the dealership this morning and picked up a drivers backrest, highway pegs and a trunk rack. Just finished installing those things. Bought some saddlebag guard rails but they had to order them and won't be here until Thursday. Sent muffinman over to the corner to visit with Marcarl. WOW....it's getting CROWDED in the corner. Running out of time if I want to ride it to Galena. Have to get a hitch ordered and here very quickly and get it installed and the lights lights hooked up for the trailer. Have to get intercom cable lowers order and get them here in time. In addition to that, have to leave tomorrow morning for meetings in the Charleston, WV area and won't be back home until probably Thursday. If everything doesn't fall perfectly into place, you will probably see me on the RSV in Galena. AND....I'll have you know that I haven't bought a SINGLE T-Shirt....well....Eileen bought a couple of things for herself and they gave me a T-Shirt but I didn't by one for me. Now I MAY have accidentally bought a cap this morning. I'll tell you this. That $1,000.00 in accessories didn't go far. I picked up the backrest, saddlebag guards, luggage rach and highway pegs. They gave me a 15% discount on all of that and I still blew through $700.00 On the other hand, those same items for the RSV probably cost me at least that much.

No problem. They gave me a T-Shirt so I'm covered. My wife on the other hand, has already started. Hey...I already HAVE a trailer but hopefully won't be using it. I am probably going to have the Bushtec painted though at some point. NO....nothing here is going to change. Heck, I was riding an '86 FXRD shortly after starting another Venture site years ago. I just have to accept the abuse. I'm OK with that...I have thick skin. Besides, I DO still have the '99 RSV.

OK...I'll go ahead and own up to it. REMEMBER though...you can't kick me out because I still have my RSV. So...without further ado....here it is. Parts department was closed by the time I got the deal wrapped up but they are open tomorrow and I'll be going first thing to pick up the drivers backrest, highway pegs and whatever else I decide I need right now. 2013 Harley Davidson Road Glide Ultra.

It's in the upper menu bar....third from the far right.

OK....here is a BIG hint.

OK then...since you mentioned that. I will give another hint. It's not a Wing nor a Honda of any model.

Actually, I am undecided about selling the RSV. I planned to sell it but my wife thinks we should keep it. She said that she would like to think about triking it someday. So....we'll see. I really think I would be better off keeping it simply because I just don't think it will bring enough based on current market prices. I have a LOT of extras on it and we all know that they don't add much to the price of a used bike. Now I have to start adding stuff to the new one. I managed to get them to throw in a drivers backrest and another $1,000.00 worth of accessories in addition to the backrest but that won't go far.

Well folks...it's a done deal. There is a new bike sitting in the garage beside the RSV. I think I'll keep you wondering though. Heck, I may just not even tell until I show up in Galena.

Well, I have owned the '99 Venture for 14 years now. I have the bug for a new bike. Haven't decided if I'll add to the stable or end up selling it but I'm really close to pulling the trigger on a new one. Getting ready to head to the bike store now. Will I do it? Will I come to my senses? To be continued.....................................

It is...but he said they used a REAR tire in that size on the front.

Just tell me what you want it to be and I'll change it for you.

When you decide what you want your username to be, send me a PM and I"ll change it for you. You can't change it yourself.