2018 Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited Low (FLHTKL) │ Test Ride & Review

Detailed Review of Harley-Davidson's Lowered Full-Dresser - the Ultra Limited Low. Matt Laidlaw Gives a walk-around and test ride suggesting who this bike is best suited for.
www.laidlawsharley.com
Music from Epidemic Sound (www.epidemicsound.com)

[@MattLaidlaw]

Hey Guys thanks for watching and supporting my channel. I always try to answer all comments and questions but sometimes that's impossible. Please checkout my Patreon Page to Support my Harley-Davidson content Creation and become part of that community where I can answer all questions. www.patreon.com/mattlaidlaw

[@powerman1972]

Matt, i would like to thank you for putting out the best "no bullshit" videos on youtube on all the different bikes Harley has. I wish that more dealerships would be as honest as you when it comes to these bikes. I guarantee the dealership in my area would not tell people about the differences between these two bikes that may sway their decision to by one of them. It's all about the all mighty dollar to them and to hell with customer satisfaction. Thanks again.

[@russ123xyz]

I just bought one. Your review was really helpful. This is my first HD, and I could not believe how great this bike rode! I'm 57 and rode a lot in my teens through early 40's. At 5'7, this is the only touring bike on the planet that I fit on comfortably, allowing me to ride with my wife in comfort and ease. Could not be happier.

[@darkoflight4938]

Informative and non biased info as usual Matt! I learned a lot. Keep em' coming sir!

[@joeglenn7323]

You mentioned that people tell you how easy it is to slowly ride a Harley Davidson. My first bike was a Kawasaki Vulcan S. When I test rode a Harley Davidson for the first time, it was how much more stable the Harley was than the Kawasaki that I found both surprising and impressive. My Fat Bob is really easier to ride than the Vulcan S. When motorcycle manufacturers publish their list of specifications "center of gravity" should be one of the key specifications. It has a great deal to do with the overall handling characteristics of the bike. Harleys might be heavy but they carry that weight low and it makes for a really nice ride.

[@johnnyturbo8460]

I pick up my 2019 Ultra Limited today... I'm so excited . Thanks again for another great video

[@davidknows3320]

Heated grips, New Hampshire at 27 degrees, priceless!

[@jeffeaton3]

Bought a 2018 Limited Low. I sat on it, felt great, thought it would be the answer to my 5' 9" challenge. I wish I would have taken a test ride before I pulled the trigger. I had a 2011 Limited before, and loved it. But it was a bit heavy and difficult to manage for me, so I traded it in for a 14 Heritage. That was a great bike, but the wife was uncomfortable, she had to readjust herself every time we hit a bump. The Low is much better for her, but for me, it feels like I'm a big guy on a small bike. Is there any adjustment to the handlebars? They feel "too" close. My left foot has to search for the front shifter peg a lot but I'm thinking I'm just not used to it yet. I adjusted the rear shocks to 20 to handle my wife's and my weight and improved the ride significantly. I love the power, much better than the 103. The wind deflection is great. It's a little warm on my inner right leg at slow speeds. Left leg is fine. I love the way it sounds, even from the factory. I've had it for a week now. That's my .02.

[@julianwaller2329]

Hi Matt it was your great video and information that helped me buy first ever Harley 8 months ago and I loving every moment of it so thank you matt

[@andylace709]

Excellent review as usual, your doing a great job Matt.

[@jasonowl2945]

Hey Matt, FYI I recently purchased a 2018 Low partly due to watching your video. I am 5' 7" and was able to sit flat footed but sat to close to the handlebars for my comfort. The Dealer changed the seat and put a regular touring seat on it, I still was able to sit flat footed and could tell the difference on the hight. After riding for several hours, I am glad that they added the extra seat, it made riding the Unlimited Low that much more enjoyable. If I didn't live on the other side of the US (Cherokee NC), I would have paid you guys a visit. Thanks

[@briancruise182]

Thanks Matt for another great presentation

[@chadernest1471]

Nice review as usual! Thanks Matt!

[@talktimewitheddiej]

Excellent review Matt new to the channel. Not many on KZbin have this kind of detail on Harley reviews thx.

[@bobhartman2571]

I love watching your vlog's. you give a very honest and clear information about Harley's which I love too. Thank you.

[@Beenosteve]

I'm 5'6". I love the limited low. You have the best videos around. Keep up the good work.

[@boblafountaine9560]

Beenosteve year for 5’6” ! Lol!

[@BigMoeFo]

First off I'm glad to see you're safe with all the fires raging around LA...take care!

[@thomasangelo4219]

Two tone is really nice paint job never knew the difference between the two bikes great info thank you Matt hope all is well for you and your family with all the fires know

[@61espo]

Excellent video! Thanks Matt!

[@fililoboesparza5784]

Thanks for the video Matt. Good to know the difference.. 👍🏻

[@robcox7934]

I just purchased a 2018 Low and traded in my 14 Streetglide special. I am 5'5" and was able to test ride a 2017 limited low last fall for about 350 miles. compared to my 14 FLXHS my wife and I noticed the suspension difference immediately. Even with less travel its light years ahead of my Progressive 944 shocks. Awesome review !

[@natefrieden]

Hey Matt I appreciate the call back about rgs today great video man

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you !

[@justcallmejoeable]

Matt if you don't stop making every single bike seem so awesome I'm never going to pick one!

[@klh3244]

Another great video and honest opinion. I had ridden the Limited Low and agree it didn't ride as well. I am 5'8" and went with a 2018 Road Glide Ultra it rides awesome and fits me well enough. Thanks again Matt and Ride Safe! P.S. I cant believe you could even ride that bike! Lol!

[@whskywolf]

Just looking at some used bikes and wondered about the difference between the two, now I know thank you .

[@TheFaisalalhurbi]

I can’t thank you enough your video was very useful for me thank you

[@dadtrap]

Matt great review. At 6 foot even I fit both bikes but got to tell you the heated grips are awesome. Put them on 1 and all is good. My current limited has the heated seat but I got a standard one because it never gets cold enough in Northern California to need it. But when I go to Nevada it comes in handy.

[@2hotFL]

You covered it all as usual. I sat on a low once and it felt great to me being only 5'8" but I think if it came down to it I'd put the lower seat from the low on the regular limited and buy that. I think you give up too much with the low versus the regular limited. The heated grips and better ride are to important to give up to me, especially since they both are essentially the same price.

[@HDR20]

I agree and believe since the MOCO is taking things away from the low that are on the regular limited the price should reflect it more but this had been Harleys way for several years "More Money for less bike". Look at the new softies,they took stuff away and raised the price. I still love my HDs but not liking this new company so to speak

[@blade400fun]

Matt, great review as always. I've got a 2015 FLHTKL, and love it - I'm at 5'8" or thereabouts.One question - mine came standard with a CB radio (2 antennas on back). I personally have not used it yet in riding with others, but what year did HD discontinue the CB in the Limited line? I assume this was due to more people using the Bluetooth equipment and etc? Do you have longer range with the CB setup?

[@dlee3494]

Awesome info Matt-as always!! Currently on a 2009 Sportster 1200 “Too Low”. I’m 6’0”. Next bike will be a road king or street glide.

[@pastorivanyoder]

Great video, thanks!

[@briankilloran138]

Thank you for doing this video,

[@marvinr5054]

I know it's been some time since this video has come out but this is the first time I've watched it and I was really impressed with how honest you are about the bike and the other thing was the exhaust system note sounded awesome I was wondering if these were OEM mufflers?

[@daleirish6682]

man! i know this video is a couple years old, but talk about very informative and timely, especially for me!! I am a metric bike owner and as of late have been looking for a bike more geared toward two up long tour riding. I was just at my local HD dealer this week and road a 2019 Street Glide Special and a 2019 Road Glide. I road both the 107 & 114. Much to my surprise i liked the Road Glide with the 107 better for the stability, but really like the 114. Then..... I saw this 2018 Ultra limited in twisted cherry. The dealer slapped the plate on it and I fell in love with the ride. Its a huge departure from my current ride (Suzuki M109) but wow, the comfort was unbelievable. This video has been by far the most informative i've seen. I actually may pursue the limited Low as I'm 5'9". i didn't seem to have much issue with the Limited, but after this great video i may search a Low out.

[@wvrebel76]

Hey Matt. Have a question. I recently bought an 04 ultra classic. I was wondering if the seat and passeger pegs would work on it? Or has the mounting points changed through the years.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

I have to really thank you for these videos. I'd been out of H-D for 18 years but your reviews and comparisons have really helped me. Especially this one. I bought a Ultra Classic not this bike. I'm somewhere between 5'8" to 5'9" tall. There was my Classic and a Limited Low, both 2017 here in the Summer of 2018 and both the same color, sitting side by side at my local dealer. I'd consider my height to put me in the realm of either the Classic, Limited or the Limited Low. I have long arms for my height, a 31" inseam and the Classic works perfectly for me. I flat foot the bike and with good posture and I see over the stock windshield. The extra lean angle was the main selling point for me. I'll take the increased lean angle to help in the twisties over comfort but in this case you get both with a Classic or Limited over the Limited Low.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Yup true. Thanks for the positive feedback.

[@scotthoffer4723]

I'm really having a hard time deciding between the Ultra Limited and Road Glide Ultra. Thanks for the great videos Matt!

[@MattLaidlaw]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@billhanley5878]

Have you reviewed the regular limited and a "reach seat" to achieve the ability to touch the ground?

[@gened2537]

Excellent Review! Need I say more?

[@jameswiththegermanshepherd6628]

I wish I had been able to talk to you before I purchased my 2015 FLHTKL. As you mentioned it’s a great bike for its intended use. I’m 6’ and was sort of pushed into it by my salesman. After purchase I hated the seat and the ride, it’s not smooth at all. I test rode a CVO and the ride was like night and day difference. I put so much money into my bike it’s almost impossible to trade now. LOL

[@blriders4835]

BEAUTIFUL BIKES

[@jeepmudslut25]

Does the ultra limited come with heated seat? Or no

[@Natty44fitness44]

How does the street glide compare to comfort?

[@kylestoddard7911]

How tall a rider do u think a limited low is geared for? Less than 6ft ??

[@dimitrijedimitrijevic2464]

Awesome!

[@slyguyaction]

Great review of the Limited Low. You mentioned the Limited in general and the batwing specifically has the most storage (21:49)? I could be wrong but doesn’t the RoadGlide, RoadGlide Special and RoadGlide Ultra all have fairing pockets in the shark nose fairing. Something I miss coming from a RoadGlide to a bike with a batwing. Ride safe.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Yea. You’re right. The road Glide does have some additional storage in the fairing. So technically the Roadglide Ultra has more storage space than the limited.

[@superduty131]

Lol........Matt its all in the details!! And if we are getting down too the EXACT cubic inches of storage the Ultra has storage in the lowers as it is not twin cooled , and the debate will be are the lowers bigger than the roadglides storage pockets??? Lol!!!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Another true statement. I guess I need to do my research before I do these videos.

[@joserubenvega]

Hey Matt do you think they will black out these touring rigs for the 2019 models

[@MattLaidlaw]

I seriously doubt it. I don’t know for sure though.

[@bikramsingh2014]

Matt, how would you fair either of the Ultras for City/Office daily riding with a 500mile+ ride a month or two . Does this sound practical?

[@MattLaidlaw]

Yes because you’ll want to have it for the 500+ mike trips every month. Depending on your strength and skills will determine how manageable it will be for a daily commuter.

[@Bagrman-kt1ot]

👍👍👍. Enjoy your videos

[@OTRTrader]

Hey everyone! At 5'8, 28" inseam shoeless, is it possible to sit on the regular flat footed, or do I settle for the low?

[@jtalistair6725]

I'm 5'8" with a 32" inseam and I can flat foot the regular very easy. I don't know how much give I have though, so I would recommend you go to a dealership and just sit on one.

[@steeltown3261]

The low may fit me better I’m around 6 foot even. Thinking either a limited low or a street glide or road glide. Love the channel matt! - Shawn

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thanks, Don't get the low at 6 feet tall.

[@steeltown3261]

Matt Laidlaw yeah after seeing the review of the limited it looks like it would feel better, just gotta marrow it down between that and the road and street glide lol.

[@heathjohnson2575]

Height means nothing its all about the inseam. Im 5'6" but only have a 27" inseam so fitting on any harley without mods is impossible for me. Gotta think about more than just seat height. The primary cover is the biggest problem for me always.

[@Big.Ron1]

Very informative. Thank you. As a inseam challenged rider I think this might be perfect for me if I go full bagger. 28 inch inseam. 5 ft 8 tall. I have been thinking low rider with windshield, bags, sissy bar and luggage rack when the surgeon finishes up. I am solo 80% of the time but do put miles on. Hmmm. Decisions decisions. Thank you.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Good luck my friend. Happy riding.

[@CactusJack252]

Ron Hunter I’m just like you at 5’8. The low model fits me well. I ended up on an indian roadmaster though. I still love Harley’s. The sportster I had was great.

[@toddpinksen8336]

The Low Rider is a good choice if all you care about is the height. I've got a 2014 FXDL with bags and a Memphis Shades Batwing fairing, sissy bar, and find it quite stable at the stop lights (5'6" with 28" inseam). I also love the adjustable risers. However, you are giving up a lot of extras and comfort for long rides. No hard lowers, no sound system, no navi, and having to look down at the tank to see the instrumentation is a real pain if you wear a full face helmet. I love my Low Rider for shorter rides, and all my accessories are quick release, so I can ride "naked" on hot days (no liquid cooling on the Low rider), but on the highway I always envy my buddies on the full touring bikes.

[@calebpina9687]

I have no interest in these bikes but your videos are great so I’ll watch it anyways 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@MattLaidlaw]

Haha, thanks man

[@cuzimaluzer777]

CJ Pina lol. Same.

[@boblafountaine9560]

CJ Pina why are you watching if you have no interest ?

[@bobbymartin7640]

Hey Matt I am 5 6 and would like to get a ultra limited rather then the limited low . Would that be possible if I just change the seat? Thanks for the videos

[@MattLaidlaw]

Yes. It’s possible. I would have the dealer install a lower seat first and have you sit on it to make sure. A lot of it will be riding technique. If you’re a good rider that knows how to handle the bike you should be fine.

[@williambacon9535]

Bobby, I am 5'3" with a 29" inch inseam and weigh 160 pounds. I just bought a 2018 Ultra Limited on 19 October 2018 and I am very pleased with it. I went into my local dealership and sat on a 2019 Ultra Limited Low and I felt cramped on it even though I am a small guy. The bars were too narrow and close, and I felt too close to the ground on the ultra limited low. I had the dealership put a reduced reach seat on regular ultra limited and the bike was a perfect fit for me. My feet were nearly flat on the ground with the reduced reach seat, and I was wearing dress shoes. With my boots on I am completely flat footed.

[@bobbymartin7640]

Sweet thanks for the info William I look forward to getting my bike soon

[@williambacon9535]

Bobby you are welcome. Enjoy the ride.

[@saddle8bag]

Ain't no replacement for displacement and no contention with good suspension. Interesting that the other makers have so much less useable capacity. Why are the gauges flashing at the stop?

[@MattLaidlaw]

It only shows up that way on video for some reason. In the real world they are solid.

[@jackpeltier3104]

I got a FLHTKL 2016, i am 5'5'' and i love it !!! 😎

[@njt4253]

How’s the ride seeing how you’re giving up some comfort for size ? I’m only 5’4” so I’m really liking this bike.

[@SpeedDemonCBR]

I would like to have that front wheel on my 12 ultra classic lol

[@MrMe1280]

Love how smooth the 107 runs. Nothing more annoying than your hands being shaken right off the bars at stop lights.

[@thomasangelo4219]

Take care

[@vrich3733]

👍

[@joebieksha2766]

Still waiting to see the 2018 deluxe review

[@MattLaidlaw]

Coming in January

[@MattLaidlaw]

Actually, we just got one. Be out in a week or so

[@joebieksha2766]

Matt Laidlaw awesome love your reviews

[@jtalistair6725]

Height isn't important, what matters is inseam. I'm 5'8" but I have a 32 inch inseam so I can easily flat foot and walk the Ultra Limited. This Low made me feel more compacted on the bike, as the handlebars were closer to me, which felt a tad awkward. I have a shorter torso so the windshield on the Ultra Limited almost totally covered my face, whereas the Low's didn't. On top of that, the suspension on the Low, to me, felt like I was driving a fucking dump truck. I mean, good lord, I felt every damn bump and jolt. Not to mention my girlfriend couldn't get comfortable worth a damn on the back. Honestly the low isn't worth it in my opinion. Until they come out with more options, most namely the handlebars and seat height, I don't think I'll be considering the low. My Ultra Limited is just fine.

[@kennethwise7108]

Hopefully the Motor Company has all the bugs out of the Milwaukee Eight motors and they're not blowing up motors anymore.

[@regfeener]

Ma oh man.. It must be so hard for you to find a bike you can stretch out on.. I'm watching this and it looks like you knees are not real far from the lower fairings.. I guess your 6,4 or 6,5 eh.. lol

[@WALDAWG439]

So obviously you haven't ridden an Indian for any mileage... they have way MORE storage than any HD ever produced, period!

[@corneliusx1811]

Thanks for the info. This is not the bike for me. Stick with Fat Bob or Low Rider.

[@cigarobsession]

ROTF literally a 30% markup on the 20s for NOTHING more than a HD logo on the base. Who is dumb enough to buy this stuff?

[@MatlockMoto]

I know right? It’s like, who would pay all that money for a Mercedes or Ferrari when you can get yourself a Buick or Toyota for so much less? 😂😂😂