Ultra Classic vs Venture - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

BikerAce · 06-05-2006, 05:10 AM

I think I have my Basstracker sold so I started to look at both and I know we have forum members that have either one or both. Looking for opinons, espically on how I can get the H-D dealer down on price.

tlwisner · 06-05-2006, 09:46 AM

I really love the Ultra Classic, but they only put out 65 hp and 70 ft lbs of torque which makes them a bit underpowered for a heavy bike made to be ridden 2 up with luggage. You can spend more money and get the engine juiced up a bit, but the power factor would steer me toward the 98 hp / 90 ft lbs torque Yamaha Royal Star Venture.

H-D Dealers are generally the least likely to sell a bike for less than MSRP - and some still won't even lower their prices to MSRP. The H-D bikes cost more - but people are likely to keep them longer and then resell them for more which does offset the initial price.

DrBob · 06-05-2006, 06:41 PM

I have riden both, as a couple friends have the Yami and several have Ultras. The Yamaha Venture is pitifully underpowered, and extensive use of plastic makes the whole bike seem cheap. When you look at the list of standard features it looks impressive, but once I rode one I lost all interest.

The Harley isn't exactly a sportbike, but it is more powerful, as the torque curve is very wide and flat. It will hold its value better, and there are a lot more accessories for it, but of course the price of entry is higher. But if I wanted a dresser, I would get the Ultra.
Or maybe a Goldwing. Certainly faster, handles better. Or a used Valkare Interstate, which had the Goldwing motor. It's a shame they don;t make that one anymore...

tlwisner · 06-06-2006, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrBob

Or a used Valkare Interstate, which had the Goldwing motor. It's a shame they don;t make that one anymore...

There you go!

BikerAce · 06-10-2006, 06:16 AM

I did it, I traded the Suzuki for the Ultra yesterday. It's black cherry with black pearl. I'm having them add the rear luggage rack and the hyd drivers back rest seat. Insurance almost killed the deal, can't beleive almost $2K and not even a parking ticket, just shows it dosen't pay to live in Mass. This is still a great forum so I'll be here.

Bowtie18 · 06-10-2006, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BikerAce

I did it, I traded the Suzuki for the Ultra yesterday. It's black cherry with black pearl. I'm having them add the rear luggage rack and the hyd drivers back rest seat. Insurance almost killed the deal, can't beleive almost $2K and not even a parking ticket, just shows it dosen't pay to live in Mass. This is still a great forum so I'll be here.

That is one nice looking ride. I love that two tone Combo, the dealer here by me has one like it! Congrats on the new ride!

DrBob · 06-10-2006, 04:10 PM

Too cool! Congrats on the new ride.
Pics?

06-05-2006, 05:10 AM	#1 (permalink)
BikerAce Seat Tester Joined: Apr 2006 Bike: 04 Maurader 800 Location: Lowell, Ma. Posts: 52	Ultra Classic vs Venture I think I have my Basstracker sold so I started to look at both and I know we have forum members that have either one or both. Looking for opinons, espically on how I can get the H-D dealer down on price.

06-05-2006, 09:46 AM	#2 (permalink)
tlwisner Throttle Jockey Joined: Apr 2004 Bike: '05 Boulevard C50 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 3,208	I really love the Ultra Classic, but they only put out 65 hp and 70 ft lbs of torque which makes them a bit underpowered for a heavy bike made to be ridden 2 up with luggage. You can spend more money and get the engine juiced up a bit, but the power factor would steer me toward the 98 hp / 90 ft lbs torque Yamaha Royal Star Venture. H-D Dealers are generally the least likely to sell a bike for less than MSRP - and some still won't even lower their prices to MSRP. The H-D bikes cost more - but people are likely to keep them longer and then resell them for more which does offset the initial price. __________________ Tim Wisner AMA, SCRC Happiness is something we create Last edited by tlwisner; 06-06-2006 at 09:08 AM.

06-05-2006, 06:41 PM	#3 (permalink)
DrBob In The Zone Joined: May 2004 Bike: several Location: Decatur, GA Posts: 2,765	I have riden both, as a couple friends have the Yami and several have Ultras. The Yamaha Venture is pitifully underpowered, and extensive use of plastic makes the whole bike seem cheap. When you look at the list of standard features it looks impressive, but once I rode one I lost all interest. The Harley isn't exactly a sportbike, but it is more powerful, as the torque curve is very wide and flat. It will hold its value better, and there are a lot more accessories for it, but of course the price of entry is higher. But if I wanted a dresser, I would get the Ultra. Or maybe a Goldwing. Certainly faster, handles better. Or a used Valkare Interstate, which had the Goldwing motor. It's a shame they don;t make that one anymore... __________________ Dream like you'll live forever, live like you'll die tomorrow. You MUST obey the pug dog!

06-10-2006, 04:10 PM	#7 (permalink)
DrBob In The Zone Joined: May 2004 Bike: several Location: Decatur, GA Posts: 2,765	Too cool! Congrats on the new ride. Pics? __________________ Dream like you'll live forever, live like you'll die tomorrow. You MUST obey the pug dog!

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06-10-2006, 06:16 AM	#5 (permalink)
BikerAce Seat Tester Joined: Apr 2006 Bike: 04 Maurader 800 Location: Lowell, Ma. Posts: 52	I did it, I traded the Suzuki for the Ultra yesterday. It's black cherry with black pearl. I'm having them add the rear luggage rack and the hyd drivers back rest seat. Insurance almost killed the deal, can't beleive almost $2K and not even a parking ticket, just shows it dosen't pay to live in Mass. This is still a great forum so I'll be here.

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